The final construction of Swords Castle was the work of many hands and many centuries too.

Having a siting near a powerful, navigable river recommended Swords immediately to the conquering Norman’s in 1170 ad. Rivers provide vital water, allow for rapid travel over the waterways of that day and provided these new continental invaders with immediate access to the open sea at the Malahide estuary. Sea travel, in a territory still covered by thick forest, was the most efficient means of travel the Swords Castle was built not so much for defence or sieges either, but for control of the local area and native population.

Nevertheless, as this 1790 print confirms with fishermen depicted near the Constable’s Tower(1400s). The castle once boasted a surrounding moat, fed directly from the river Ward. Tight lines to all our fishermen!

We are delighted to announce that Craobh Cholm Cille, Conradh na Gaeilge has been re-established in Swords, North County Dublin.

The same branch was in the town as far back as 1902 (check out the article from Drogheda Independent, 19 April 1902).

There is a language revival underway at the moment and we want to cater for that interest and represent those that are interested in promoting our national language. The success of the gaelscoileanna movement in recent years means there are many Irish speakers looking to preserve their language skills and help pass the gift to the next generations.

We intend to provide speaking opportunities, organise Irish lessons, run Irish language juvenile sports camps, inspire social occasions trí ghaeilge and to make An Ghaeilge available to the people of Swords.

Ta lúcháir orainn a fhógairt go bhfuil Craobh Cholm Cille, Conradh na Gaeilge athbhunaithe againn i Sord Cholm Cille, Tuaisceart Chontae Átha Cliath.

Bhí an Chraobh chéanna sa bhaile chomh fada siar le 1902, ar a laghad (féach ar an sliocht ón Drogheda Independent, 19 Aibreán 1902).

Tá athbheochan teanga ar siúl faoi láthair agus ba mhaith linn freastal ar an spéis sin agus ionadaíocht a dhéanamh orthu siúd a bhfuil suim acu ár dteanga náisiúnta a chur chun cinn. Mar gheall ar an rath a bhí ar ghluaiseacht na ngaelscoileanna le blianta beaga anuas, tá go leor Gaeilgeoirí ag iarraidh a gcuid scileanna teanga a chaomhnú agus an bronntanas a thabhairt do na glúnta atá le teacht.

Tá sé mar chuspóir againn tuilleadh deiseanna cainte a chur ar fáil, ranganna Gaeilge a eagrú, campaí spóirt trí ghaeilge a reáchtáil, imeachtaí sóisialta a spreagadh agus an ghaeilge a chur i lár an aonaigh do phobal an bhaile.

If you would like more information please contact:
craobhcholmcille@cnag.ie / Liam @ 086 3814422

Would you like to build your confidence in public speaking? Have you grown tired of letting fear hold you back? This September, take the first step towards overcoming this fear by visiting Swords Toastmasters for an obligation-free meeting. Discover a supportive and encouraging environment where you can develop your communication and leadership skills while gaining the confidence to speak with ease.”

That’s exactly what member Amanda O’Hara did last year when she wanted to meet the challenge head on.

Amanda said “Joining Toastmasters has been one of the most rewarding things I have done in a long time. When I first attended, I was fearful and I wasn’t sure if I was going to stick with it. The fact that it was a massive fear was the clear sign I needed that I had to face it. I’m only there a year but I have taken on many roles, completed a couple of speeches and I feel it has helped my confidence greatly. Toastmasters gives you the freedom to be who you are, and express yourself freely as your authentic self. You will receive nothing but encouragement and support from everyone in the club. I’m really enjoying being a part of it.”

Swords Toastmasters is a club that helps people develop their public speaking, listening, and leadership skills, in a fun and supportive environment. Members join for a variety of reasons. Some, to progress their careers, to perform better at interviews, to practice for workplace presentations,or even for tat all important wedding speech.

If you would like to see Amanda and her fellow Toastmasters in action, get in touch today, for an obligation-free visit. Perhaps you will be inspired to take the first step towards finding your own voice and changing your life!

Swords Toastmasters
Date: Every 2nd Monday, September - June
Location: Forrest Little Golf Club, Forrest Road, Swords, Co. Dublin, K67 K825
Time: 8p.m. – 10p.m.
For more information, email swordstm@gmail.com or contact the membership officer on 086 8538048.

Sisterhood, an Irish creative wellbeing community that creates spaces for women to connect, slow down and get creative are to host a Scrapbook Social in Swords on August 9th.

Scrapbook Social is a relaxed, welcoming evening where women can enjoy creative activities, meet new people and take some time for themselves. No artistic experience is needed, and many people come on their own.

The “Magic of Beauty and Creativity | Bewitch” event, organised by Bewitch Your Beauty and Kortell House of Beauty in Swords, was a tremendous success and attracted a large number of visitors from Swords and across Dublin.

The event brought together talented local women, artisans, and small businesses showcasing handmade jewellery, artwork, candles, gifts, home-baked goods, beauty products, and many other unique creations. The quality, creativity, and craftsmanship on display were truly exceptional, and visitors were delighted by both the variety of products and the warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the day.

Guests enjoyed meeting local makers, discovering new businesses, receiving beauty consultations, and taking advantage of exclusive offers available during the event.

One of the highlights of the day was our raffle, featuring a wide range of valuable prizes generously donated by local sponsors, as well as beauty treatments and gift vouchers from Bewitch Your Beauty and Kortell House of Beauty. The raffle created great excitement and added to the festive atmosphere of the event.

The feedback from visitors was overwhelmingly positive. Many people commented on how much they enjoyed supporting local businesses, discovering unique handmade products, and spending time at such a friendly and inspiring community event.

At Bewitch Your Beauty and Kortell House of Beauty, we are proud to be more than just beauty salons. Alongside providing professional beauty and wellness services, we are passionate about supporting our local community, promoting women-led businesses, and creating opportunities for talented local artisans to showcase their work. Events like this help bring people together, encourage collaboration, and celebrate creativity within our community.

The success of the event has inspired us to continue organising similar community-focused events in the future.

By Mike Power

One of the most defensively strong parts of Swords Castle, this gate has altered much over time, especially in the later buildings attaching to it. The original castle here would have been surrounded by a moat, the water diverted from the nearby Ward River, with a drawbridge crossing over it. The compressed space within the gate, was designed as a murder zone, arrows and heavy objects being rained down on the heads of any closely grouped attackers.

The earlier photo (c 1880s), shows an earnest group of Victorian antiquarians (mostly clergymen), posing beside two poor-looking Irish women. Note the thatched roof of their home and their rough and ready appearance, most Swords buildings of that period having been similar the photographer, by contrasting these two very different classes of Irish folk, sends an implicit message of : ‘English Ascendancy good’ - ‘Irish backward and bad’. These unhelpful attitudes to the native Irish characterised those held by many of the upper classes within Swords for generations.

Swords Boxing Club is celebrating an extraordinary achievement after six of its young athletes captured Irish national titles at this year’s Junior and Schools Championships—an exceptional return from just seven entrants.

In a display of skill, determination, and depth of talent, Danielle Smithers, Rhys Kinsella, Victoria Nic An Bhaird, Sarah Lilly Byrne, Rian Branagan, and Evan Prunty each emerged victorious in their respective divisions, marking one of the most successful campaigns in the club’s history.

The near-clean sweep underscores the strength of the Swords club’s development system, with coaches and supporters praising not only the results but also the discipline and commitment shown by the fighters in the lead-up to the championships.

“To come away with six national champions from seven boxers is something special,” a club representative said. “It reflects the hard work these young athletes put in every week, as well as the dedication of our coaching team and the support from families and the local community.”

Each of the six champions demonstrated composure and technical excellence throughout the competition, navigating tough draws to reach the top of the podium with all six claiming unanimous decision victories in their final. Their success highlights Swords Boxing Club as a growing force in Irish amateur boxing, particularly at underage level.

With momentum firmly on their side, Swords Boxing Club now looks ahead to the upcoming four nations championship (this June in Scotland), national cadet championships, and European championships in Turkey, confident that this latest triumph is a sign of even greater achievements to come.

Swords locals will have the opportunity to see what is on offer from an array of artisan producers on June 7th called “Magic of Beauty and Creativity | Bewitch”.

Taking place at Bewitch Your Beauty & Kortell House of Beauty in Swords from 11am 5pm the artisan and beauty event will bring together women from the Swords and wider Dublin area who create products with their own hands — including handmade items, jewellery, artwork, candles, home baking, and other unique creations.

The goal of the event is to support local makers, small businesses, and women-led creativity, while creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the community.

Alongside the artisan market, the event will also include: beauty consultations; professional photography; raffle prizes and gifts; beauty and haircare products all in a friendly and social atmosphere

The event is organised within the Russian-speaking community in Dublin, but it is open to everyone.

Richard John Griffith (1784 - 1878) of Griffith’s Valuation fame, was an eminent scientist, geologist, and public official , whose careful surveying work in Ireland formed the basis for the first Ordanance Survey(1839).Griffith’s precise geological examinations of Ireland also informed the development of the new scientific studies of both Irish soils and of the burgeoning science of Irish paleontology (fossils).

This beautifully made and hand- coloured map of Swords village (September 1848) was drawn up by Griffith in his own hand. He also signed it personally as Commissioner for Valuation. His survey then revealed that 65 houses within the village were liable for tax. This priceless map reveals a post-famine Swords in a somewhat healthy and thriving state, few houses then being vacant or derelict. The widespread tragedy of the Great Irish Famine(1845-52) may have fallen less forcefully on what seems to have been a somewhat resilient and prosperous Swords.

This map can be viewed in the Arches, an heirloom of the successful business Taylor family, the original owners of this pub.

The Thrive Swords Connect Café, held on Thursday, 26th March at the Carnegie Library, marked an inspiring beginning for this growing community-led initiative to promote positive mental health and wellbeing through activities that benefit the people of Swords.

Organised by Thrive Swords, a Mental Health Ireland initiative, supported by Fingal County Council, the event brought together a wide range of local services, community groups, and members of the public in a warm and welcoming space. The atmosphere throughout the morning was filled with positivity, connection, and a shared sense of purpose. Attendees had the opportunity to meet, chat, and learn more about the supports and initiatives available within Swords.

Thrive is an international movement dedicated to promoting mental health and wellbeing. It supports communities through meaningful engagement and activities that embrace, nurture, and protect mental health. Thrive Swords is shaped and led by the Fingal community itself, ensuring that local voices and needs remain at its heart. The initiative is supported locally by Fingal County Council, reflecting a strong partnership between community and public services.

The success of the Connect Café highlights the appetite within Swords for spaces where people can come together, feel supported, and build connections. It sets a strong foundation for future events and initiatives aimed at enhancing well-being across the area.

Looking ahead, Thrive Swords is preparing for its next event, Mental Health Ireland’s national “Hello, How Are You?” campaign on 15th May. This campaign will continue the important conversation around mental health, encouraging people to check in with one another and foster a culture of openness and care.

With such a positive event, Thrive Swords is proving to be a valuable and uplifting presence in the community, one that is set to grow and make a lasting impact. For more information in getting involved with Thrive Swords please contact thriveswords@mentalhealthireland.ie