Things to see and do in Skerries, Co. Dublin

Newbridge House and Farm

Newbridge House and Demesne is the most complete Anglo Irish estate in Ireland. The House and estate were purchased from the Cobbe family in 1985 and opened as a County Dublin Regional Park in 1986. Consisting of approximately 370 acres of gently undulating pastureland, woodland walks, wild flower meadows, traditional farm, ruins of Lanistown Castle, a deer park and at its heart, the fine Georgian house designed by the renowned architect James Gibbs.

Newbridge Farm is home to a vast array of animals ranging from the Shetland and Connemara ponies of the paddock, to the piglets, goats and chickens of the farmyard. It is one of the few working farms where children can see pigs, and many other animals, reared in an environment where they can move about freely and express normal patterns of behaviour.

Rockabill Restaurant

Rockabill aims to bring fresh, locally-sourced, great food to Skerries, with long opening hours covering breakfast, lunch, and dinner – with a beer and wine licence, great chicken wings and most amazing fish dishes.

Where Rockabill Restaurant now stands was once the house named ‘Mirimar’, rented in July 1917, by the National Aid Association, for widows of the 1916 leaders.

The group staying here included Muriel MacDonagh, widow of Thomas MacDonagh, who died while swimming not far from this house, attempting to reach Shenick Island. It has been thought that Muriel wanted to place a tricolour on the island out of reach of the local Royal Irish Constabulary who had removed one from the beach. One hundred years later to the day, a tricolour was planted on the island in her honour.

Skerries Mills

Skerries Mills is a unique collection of two windmills and a watermill with associated mill pond, mill races, wetlands and is an ideal place to visit on a day trip. The Mill complex also houses the Watermill Café and the Craft Shop.

Since the 12th century, flour has been milled at this unique location. The fully restored complex brings to life the authentic workings of a five sail windmill, four sail windmill, water mill and bakery of the 1800s. This provides the visitor with examples of how wind and water energies were harnessed by our ancestors.

Ardgillan Castle

Set in spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea with a magnificent view of the Mourne Mountains, Ardgillan Castle and Demesne is Ireland’s hidden gem. As well as the castle, the demesne features a walled and rose garden. The park consists of 194 acres of rolling open grassland, mixed woodland and gardens, overlooking the Irish Sea with views of Mourne Mountains to the north and Lambay to the southeast. Ardgillan is a sanctuary for many species of animals, mammals and birds for which the wooded areas provide a safe retreat from surrounding agricultural land.

Di Vinos tapas

DiVino, a family-run Italian restaurant, situated in the heart of Skerries, serves modern and authentic Italian food and wine in a cosy and friendly atmosphere. DiVino was established in March 2012 in order to introduce Skerries to the Mediterranean cooking style which has been recognised by UNESCO as a healthy way of eating. The menu is famous for its representation of many aspects of regional Italian cooking – it showcases over 20 regional Italian dishes. The restaurant also has an extensive wine and beer menu, exclusively devoted to Italy, with over 30 varieties of Italian wine.

Skerries Sea Tours

Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Lambay Island and Rockabill Lighthouse (2.5 hours) and Lambay Island Walking Tour (4.5 hours). The trips are run by local RNLI crewman Eoin Grimes, aboard an 11 metre Redbay Rib with twin engines. The boat can carry 12 passengers and three crew members, is fully insured and carries the required P3 license from the Department of Transport.

Red Island

The headland Red Island was once, as the name suggests, an offshore island. The former island is a popular excursion destination with a large playground and direct connection to the harbour and beach. There is also a Martello Tower from Napoleonic times on Red Island: Its massive walls are two anda-half metres thick and a parapet surrounds the stone roof. This tower has been altered since its military days. Doors were added on the ground floor and windows on both floors. The tower has been used as a private dwelling, as tearooms and as part of a holiday camp.

Baldongan Church

This National Monument, with its 21-metre-high fortified tower, resembles a tower house and is known locally as Baldongan castle. But it is a fortified church whose later tower dates to the 15th century. The church or nave may be 14th century. An earlier church at the site was granted to the Priory of St Mary at Kilixby in 1190 AD. Around this time, the Knights Templar built a fortress in the field north of the old church. This castle was the residence of the de Berminghams and Barnwalls until it was besieged by Cromwellian forces in 1642 and the 200 strong garrison were put to the sword. The site offers superb extensive views of the north Dublin countryside.