Heritage and Tourism

From the time of the Vikings Fingal has been recognised as having its own distinctive qualities, from gently undulating hills and an extensive coastline, to a rich agricultural, archaeological and historical heritage. 

Fingal’s landscape is diverse, ranging from bustling villages in a rolling country landscape, picturesque seaside villages surrounded by sandy beaches and rugged coastline and vibrant urban towns of ancient heritage all offering excellent accommodation, fine restaurants, and friendly pubs. For more information about local tourist offices see Fingal Tourism on www.visitfingal.ie or contact at  [email protected] and Tel: +353-1-8905144.

Exploring Fingal - Brochure

Over almost 10,000 years successive generations have left their legacy on the landscape of Fingal-the churches, towers and holy well in towns and villages; in the big houses and stone tombs; on the island and along the coast.  As part of the Field Monument Advisor Scheme, archaeologist Christine Baker has compiled a richly illustrated guide to Fingal’s sites and monuments. Included in the printable Exploring Fingal leaflet below are some familiar and many not-so-well known sites to explore.

Swords Heritage Trail Audioguide

Swords Heritage Trail Audioguide tells the story of Swords from earliest times to the present day. Organised in a circular route beginning at St. Columba's Well, it takes you on a 1.6km walk around Swords, exploring the history and heritage of St. Columba's Church and Tower, The Old Vicarage, Bridge Street, Swords Castle, County Hall, St. Colmcille's Church, Main Street, and the Old Borough National School. The guide is produced by Fingal County Council in collaboration with Abarta Heritage Audioguides and Swords Heritage Society.  

You can download the guide to your smartphone or tablet using the free Guidigo App from the App Store or from Google Play. Once you have downloaded the App just search for "Swords". Alternatively you can download the guide for free from Abarta Heritage or you can stream it from below.

Swords Castle-The Archbishops Palace

Designated a National Monument, Swords Castle contains over 800 years of history. Its many phases of reuse and redesign reflect its changing fortunes. Community Archaeologist, Christine Baker has compiled an accessible guide to introduce visitors to this fascinating site.

Swords Castle Guide

Caislean Shoird Gaeilge

Fingal Tourism Strategy

Fingal will develop a county level strategy to cover the period 2015 to 2018, which works within the overseas efforts that will be made by Fáilte Ireland, and in tandem with the GROW Dublin taskforce . The County level strategy will give direction on how local businesses, local heritage resources, local amenities and local people can be a central part of a more combined effort to ensure that Fingal receives growing tourism penetration.

GROW Dublin-A Collective Strategy for Tourism Growth to 2020

Failte Ireland - Destination Dublin A Collective Strategy for Tourism Growth to 2020