Castle opens to the public

Dublin People 11 Jul 2015

Pictured at the official opening of Swords Castle were (from l-r): Gilbert Power, Director of Services at Fingal County Council; Paul Reid, chief executive of Fingal County Council; Ethna Felton, Director of Services at Fingal County Council; Elaine O’Sullivan, Fingal Tourism; and Mayor of Fingal,

VISITORS to Swords can look forward to taking in a tour of the castle after it was officially opened to the public earlier this month.

The opening of the 12th century castle is timely given that a festival is taking place in the town this weekend.

Among the attractions at the Swords Festival, which takes place from Friday to Sunday, July 17-19, will be the Swords Archaeofest on July 18 when younger visitors will get the chance to be archaeologists for the day.

They will be invited to make their own shields, watch how medieval pottery and bronze antiquities were made and get to handle artefacts with staff of the National Museum.

The event is part of a busy summer planned for Swords Castle which will once again become the main landmark in the town.

As part of Heritage Week, an exhibition entitled

‘Swords Castle-My Castle’ will run from August 22.

The exhibition will feature a photographic record of Swords Castle through the years showing how the castle and the people and town of Swords are interlinked.

In addition,

‘Swords Castle Digging History’, a public archaeological dig, will take place from August 22 to September 11.

Home to the Archbishops of Dublin for nearly 500 years, Swords Castle is a historic landmark providing a strong distinct visual and physical presence over the town.

In the ownership of Fingal County Council since 1985, the council’s conservation of the castle has reached a phase when sufficient buildings are restored and ready to be opened to the public.

Newly appointed Mayor of Fingal, Cllr David O’Connor, cut the ribbon at the official opening.

“It is my pleasure to give the castle back to the public by opening the gates and inviting in all who are fascinated by our past, and all who wish to visit this monument that we have carefully preserved and restored for their enjoyment,

? he said.

Chief executive of Fingal County Council, Paul Reid, said:

“The opening of Swords Castle is huge for Swords not only in terms of a local amenity for the people of the town, but also the opportunity to develop the tourism potential that the site offers.

The castle is open daily from 10am to 6pm. Tours are being provided courtesy of Fingal Tourism who can be contacted by email at info@fingaltourism.ie or by phone, 01-8400891 or 01-8905144.