Overview
Swords (Irish: Sord, meaning 'clear' or 'pure') is a town 12 km north of Dublin with a 2022 population of 41,000. It dates to 560 AD when Saint Colmcille blessed a local well, giving the town its name.
Architecture · Day Trips · History · Nature
Before you go
Language
English is the primary language. Irish (Gaeilge) is taught but not widely spoken in daily use. The town's name in Irish is 'Sord'.
Money
Ireland uses the Euro (€). Credit and debit cards widely accepted; some smaller B&Bs like Seamount House are cash-only. ATMs available at AIB and Bank of Ireland on Main Street.
Safety
Swords is generally safe for travelers. Standard urban precautions apply in town centre at night. Dublin Airport nearby provides additional security presence.
Transport
Leap card (Dublin's transit card) works on Swords buses for cheaper fares. Exact change required without Leap card. Taxis from Swords to airport cost around €15.