“THERE’S SO MUCH on offer here, you really never feel you have to leave. And there are new places opening up all the time.”
Gemma Doolin has lived in Swords all her life, and loves the buzz and energy of the area. “I’d usually choose Swords for an evening out over heading into the city, and most of my friends around here are the same,” she says.
With a population of close to 40,000, Swords is the second largest town in the country by population, with a range of amenities to match. You’ll find everything from cafés, bars and shops to sports clubs and walking routes in and around the town centre, along with the Pavilions Shopping Centre – a 65,000 sq ft building with over 90 shops and a cinema on-site.
Caroline Molloy, another long-time resident, says locals are “spoilt for choice with so many lovely restaurants and pubs… the area really does have everything.”
The wider area will soon be home to one more new feature: Ravens Mill, a development from Glenveagh Homes, located just next to the village of Rolestown and under 15 minutes from Swords by car.
The first phase at Ravens Mill will consist of three and four-bed family homes – all eligible for the Help To Buy scheme – with the first showhouse set to open soon.
If you’re considering a move to Swords, we’ve done some of the legwork in helping you settle in by asking locals for their recommendations on where exactly to eat, shop and stroll in the area. Read on for the ultimate highlights guide to Swords…
Where to eat and drink
For a morning coffee or a Saturday pastry, check out Two Birds Coffee, a favourite of Cillian Harford. “They’re rated five stars on Google and for good reason. They have such a great variety of amazing coffees, hot chocolates, milkshakes, and tasty treats,” he says. Cillian also gives a shout-out to the staff, who are “always so friendly.”
The Green Straw is another popular breakfast or lunch spot, with “lots of healthy options and great coffee,” according to Katie Gilligan. “Bonus points for the cat who lives outside the front door during opening hours.”
In the evening, head to Shaker & Vine Wine Bar on Swords Main Street for a cocktail, a glass of wine and “simple food done very well,” according to local Claire Sutton. “It’s lovely to sit outside during the summer,” she says.
Another place that deserves a “special mention” for dinner, according to Caroline, is The Grill House, located close to Swords Castle. This “small, family-run BYOB restaurant” serves a mix of Lebanese and Mediterranean fare.
The Old School House gets a mention from many Swords residents. With pub grub downstairs, a restaurant upstairs (“I love the carbonara,” says Gemma) and live music on weekends, it’s an ideal spot for a few drinks, a family dinner or a catch-up with friends. “The service is excellent,” says Vicky Grainger, who moved to Swords around a year ago, while Katie gives it a nod for “the best pint of Guinness in the parish.”
Where to shop or catch some culture
Local independent shops like Book Haven with its selection of games, crafts and bestselling books got a mention from many residents, while Vicky Grainger calls out La Bella Sposa for a very special reason. “I got my wedding dress here! Áine was lovely and the range of dresses is excellent.”
Local artist AJ Higgins recommends keeping an eye out for the growing number of murals, sculptures and street art popping up around the town which “brighten up the place”. You’ll see beautifully carved wooden structures at Townlands, and AJ himself has just completed a mural on Brackenstown Road alongside fellow artist Nicole Reddin.
And for a full day of shopping or to pick up something specific, there’s the Pavilions Shopping Centre, another favourite with locals. Gemma’s most recent visit was to pick up a Mother’s Day gift in the Kilkenny Shop: “They do great artwork, scarves and lots of other stuff I knew my mum would like.”
Where to stroll, swim or cycle
The Ward River, affectionately known locally as The Jacko, forms part of the 220-acre Ward River Valley Park, with a playground, lots of walking routes, a dog park and a weekly parkrun. “You wouldn’t know you were in the middle of a town,” says Caroline.
Just outside of town, there’s Malahide Estuary, recommended by Katie. “This is a great stretch along the coast bringing you from Swords to Malahide. On a clear day you can see right across to Donabate.” Head for a walk or cycle, or if you’re feeling adventurous, try some kayaking or paddle-boarding.
For a sit with an ice-cream on a sunny day, head to the grounds of Swords Castle. “There are loads of benches so it’s a great place to relax, but there are also tennis courts and lots of space for walking and running too,” says Gemma.
Considering Rolestown and Swords as your new home? Ravens Mill is launching soon – register your interest here.
At Glenveagh Homes, our vision is that everyone should have the opportunity to access great-value, high-quality homes in flourishing communities across Ireland. We understand that buying a home is possibly the biggest decision you will ever make in your life – but we want to make it your easiest. Click here to find out more about Glenveagh developments.
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