Ardgillan Castle, Skerries.

The top car park boasts impressive views of Skerries, the islands and out as far as the Rockabill lighthouse. From there you can take any one of the well maintained walks which circle the demesne through open parkland and sheltered woodlands. There is another car park closer to the castle, beside an excellent childrens playground, that can be used by people with reduced mobility who may just want to amble as far as the walled garden or sit in the splendid rose gardens. All of which is completely free of charge and open from dawn till dusk 365 days a year. There is an admission charge to the castle which is open to the public for tours, check the Ardgillan castle website below for opening times.

For more information on Ardgillan Castle please click here

10 Other things to do in the area.....

1 Visit Skerries what used to be a small fishing village is now a small town, with a nice harbour and long sandy beaches.

2 Eat at the Blue Café excellent contemporary restaurant with well priced menu on the harbour front.

3 Have a pint in Joe Mays in the front bar if possible one of the oldest in Skerries and the fishermens favourite.

4 Have an icecream or crepe at the tiny Storm in a Teacup cafe on the pier beside the lifeboat station or go for a walk ‘around the head’.

5 Take a freezing cold plunge off the rocks at the Captain's bathing spot.

6 Walk out to Shenick Island at low tide to visit the Martello tower (but be very careful, the tide turns quickly).

7 See working windmills at Skerries Mills guided tours of the mills available, award winning café and craft shop.

8 Enjoy fine dining with chef Terry McCoy in the Red Bank Restaurant Church Street.

9 Visit Loughshinny a tiny fishing village with sheltered sandy beach, the closest you will get to Lambay island.

10 Head inland to the Man-of-War Pub an old highway inn which used to be on the main road into Dublin, roaring fires and good home cooked food.