Swords is one of the fastest growing areas in North County Dublin. The Swords Tidy Town volunteers are often commended for maintaining the area. While winning the National Diversity Award in 2017 puts this booming little town firmly on the map.
Just minutes from Dublin airport and a half hour bus ride from the city centre, it is the perfect place for tourists to live like a local with the option of taking sightseeing days out too.
But where does everyone end up when the sun goes down in Swords? Whether it is a mouthwatering meal, the perfect pint or live music you’re after, here are just some of the pubs this cracking little place has to offer.
5. The Old Schoolhouse
If it’s quality food you’re looking for, this bar and restaurant in the heart of Swords is where you want to be. It offers a delicious range of dishes with daily specials and an early bird menu a great way to make your euro stretch into the night ahead.
Just a 10-minute cab ride from the airport, visitors can find themselves transported from the runway to a traditional Irish pub in no time. Popular with locals too, The Old Schoolhouse is a top spot for Sunday lunch and prides itself on serving locally sourced beef and seafood.
If it’s a lower key evening you want then a pint at the bar or in the beer garden might be more fitting. And you can always order some bar snacks if you get peckish. With live music over the weekend (the weekend starts from Thursday in Swords!) and screening of top sports events, there is always something on offer at this venue.
4. The Cock Tavern
Two words: Chicken wings! This lively pub is ideal for a night out in Swords with its famous bar food the perfect snack for soakage. And with ‘Wings Wednesdays’ offering chicken wings and chips with a bottle of beer for just 10 Euro there is no excuse for waiting until the weekend.
Originally an 18 Century Coaching Inn with stables and a farrier’s yard, The Cock Tavern is now a proud heritage pub. It has made great efforts to maintain its unique old world experience with charming antique wood and ceiling beams.
With a reasonably priced menu and great staff this is by far one of the best pubs in Swords for a sesh to remember!
3. Empire
If you prefer your tipple shaken, not stirred then the Empire Bar is right up your alley. With cocktails to die for and an ambience that oozes style this spot is perfect for group celebrations and special events.
Its Babylon Bar opens late for dancing at the weekend and the stylish art deco space is sure to inspire the designer in you. With cocktails created by one of Ireland’s top mixologists you will be spoilt for choice at this venue.
A night of top quality drinks, a fabulous outdoor space, live entertainment and tantalizing food and you will forget where you are at the Empire Bar.
2. The Lord Mayors
It is fair to say that many people arriving in Ireland have only one thing on their mind …. The Guinness! So if it is a pint of the black stuff you’re after then The Lord Mayors in Swords is where you need to visit.
Opened in 1668 it is the oldest pub in the area and embraces its maturity with traditional décor throughout and a thatched roof.
Traditional Irish music is played every Sunday afternoon and it has a large (free) car park for customers as well as an off license to stock up from on your way home. Just make sure you all agree who is driving beforehand!
1. The Harp
Five themed bars, a renowned carvery and live music every weekend The Harp bar in the Carnegie Court Hotel ticks all the boxes. It is a top spot for corporate events and prides itself on catering for private parties.
Early birds are welcome too with the full Irish breakfast getting roaring reviews from customers. The main bar is very popular with football fans so you are sure to find a lively crowd on match days.
And if that wasn’t enough why not make a weekend of it and stay in one of the spacious rooms at the Hotel. After a weekend of excellent food, cold Guinness, talented musicians and friendly locals, you won’t want to leave Swords.
