Skerries, Dublin – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Skerries is a seaside resort town in north County Dublin. Although modest in size, its idyllic setting along the Irish Sea attracts thousands of tourists and strollers each year. Plenty of great restaurants and food kiosks cater for your hunger while you escape the hustle and bustle of Dublin City, which is just 35km away. The area rarely features on social media as it is often overlooked by Dublin’s other seaside towns like Howth and Dún Laoghaire, but are people missing out?

Read on to find out!

Public Transport: The town seamlessly connects to Dublin, Dundalk and Drogheda by train from Skerries Railway Station. The train departs Connolly Station every 30 minutes, takes just 35 minutes and costs as little as €4 each way.

Alternatively, hop on the 33 Dublin Bus in the city. It makes a stop here on its way to Balbriggan and costs less than €5.

Stoop your Head, nestled next to the fishing harbour, is the go-to spot for seafood here. A charming interior sets the perfect scene for savoring multiple award-winning fish dishes. It’s expensive (a fish pie costs €23) but you’re paying for top-notch quality and freshness at Stoop your Head.

Piccolo in the centre of the town is slightly out of the way if you are visiting the seaside for the day, but it’s worth a detour. They dish up the best Italy has to offer at very reasonable prices, with a lasagne costing under €15. It’s definitely the best option if seafood isn’t your thing.

Alternatively, there are ample opportunities to grab a quick bite while strolling around the town. There are plenty of ice-cream vans and a Salty Buoy Food Truck near the harbour.

Hot Beverages: Wander around the harbour and you’ll notice droves of people sipping coffee outside the Goat in the Boat. This buzzy café serves gorgeous pastries and toasties, a massive gelato selection and undoubtedly the best coffee in town. There is a homeware section to browse through and there are plenty of seats available, so booking isn’t usually necessary. It’s also dog friendly so don’t be afraid to bring your pooch!

Alcohol: The pub scene here isn’t exactly vibrant but if it’s a relaxing pint you are looking for then you won’t be disappointed. Nealon’s is a gem of a traditional pub, offering live sports, live entertainment and a welcoming atmosphere. On cold evenings you can enjoy a Guinness by the fire, and on hot summer days you can sip a pint in the beer garden. Visit Nealon’s from 9:30pm on a Wednesday evening to catch the brilliant live music sessions.

The Snug is another great pub with an incredibly relaxing atmosphere. Various trinkets add to a stunning decor and the staff are a joy to engage with. If you haven’t already guessed from the name, The Snug can be a tight squeeze, but the trad sessions on a Thursday night are unquestionably worth it.

The quaint harbour is a serene setting for a stroll on a summer’s afternoon, while you admire the colourful fishing boats. There are public toilets nearby, and a tiny ice-cream shop that’s usually surrounded by jovial children enjoying their day out. For something extra chill, Skerries Watersports offer a 1 hour 30 minutes sunset stand-up paddleboard experience in the harbour.

Book Stand-Up Paddleboard Tickets

Skerries North Beach is a great bathing spot for families but the larger and more open Skerries South Strand makes for a more beautiful stroll.

Begin your journey at the North Beach and stroll past the Martello Tower, following the promenade that skirts behind this sandy stretch. Admire views of Saint Patrick’s Island, Colt Island, Shenick Island and the distant Rockabill Lighthouse. Handy public toilets and a selection of cafés and restaurants make the south strand the perfect location for a sunny day.

During the summer the area erupts with the chatter of children gathering around ice-cream vans, playing in playgrounds, or joining their families for a refreshing dip. The fun isn’t solely for children, as adults can be spotted leaping into the sea from the many piers scattered along the headland.

Even on the busiest days the South Strand remains spacious enough to avoid congestion. In the evenings a romantic ambiance envelops the area as couples head for strolls with the sunset as a captivating backdrop. Amenities are plentiful, yet the area retains its natural charm in contrast to the commercialization of some nearby coastal towns like Howth.

Check out our Malahide Travel Guide

Check out our Howth Travel Guide

The South Strand offers a stunning setting for a walk but swimmers seeking a dip should head to Skerries North Beach if the weather is nice. The shelter of the headland means the sea here is calmer, shallower and a much safer swimming spot for children. The waters are clean, there is parking nearby and the 1km stretch accommodates large crowds comfortably. There are lifeguards on duty during the summer, operating at weekends in June and July and daily throughout August.

You can find details about the tide times at the link below:

View information about Skerries Tide Times

Skerries Mills is a collection of three national monuments; two unique windmills and a 13th century watermill. The surrounding area is stunning with its ponds, crop fields and breathtaking views. Small-group guided tours run daily for €12 for an adult and €6.50 for children. You’ll be treated to close-up views of the mills both inside and out, as you delve into their history and that of the surrounding area.

The tour ticket also grants admission to the museum where you can delve deeper into the area’s history. Afterwards, satisfy your appetite at the Windmill Café, indulging in freshly baked scones and cakes from the Mill Bakery. Alternatively, you can grab some hot grub like the all-day breakfast or a tasty baked potato. The atmosphere is charming in the Windmill Café, though if the weather is nice you might prefer to enjoy a glass of wine outside instead.

Skerries Watersports Academy offer a range of activities in the calm waters off the North Beach.

For €40 each you can relax in the serene waters of the Irish Sea via their kayaking and paddleboarding experiences. Kitesurfing is also available, although lessons come at a higher cost of €60 each for an hour. Our top recommendation is the sunset paddleboarding adventure at €40 each. This romantic experience, fully guided and lasting 1 hour 30 minutes, provides unparalleled tranquility.

The Skerries Coastal Trail is a leisurely 1.5km stroll starting from the South Strand promenade and winding its way around Red Island to the North Beach and harbour. Along the route you’ll enjoy views of the Martello Tower, Rockabill Lighthouse and an array of islands. The walk takes about 20 minutes but we recommend pausing frequently at the many benches to fully appreciate the sights and sounds of the sea.

Extend your stroll into a 15km trek by continuing beyond the North Beach to Ardgillan Castle. Here you’ll discover a host of amenities including a rose garden, an impressive playground, a walled garden and Brambles café. The shores around here teem with wildlife, from roseate terns to a variety of rare gulls and Ardgillan itself is a sanctuary for animals.

Coastal Trail Map