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Lambay Island

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Lambay Island - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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• Introduction to the Skerries
• About Visit Skerries
• Art in Skerries
• St. Patrick Connection
• Skerries Mills
• Drama in Skerries
• Learn some Irish
• Introduction
• Skerries Harbour
• Shenick Island
• Lambay Island
• Martello Towers in Skerries
• Baldongan Castle
• Fishing in Skerries
• Ardgillan Castle
• St.Patricks Church
• Rockbill Lighthouse
• Skerries Architecture
• Skerries & St.Patrick
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• TT Road Races

Lambay Island Visit

• Sea Kayaking
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• Free English Lesson
• Skerries Youth Initiatives
• Skerries Volunteers
• Business Location
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• Print map of Skerries

Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Rockabill Lighthouse and Lambay Island (2 Hours,

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Lambay, an unexplored gem - Skerries Sea Tours

• Europe    
• Ireland    
• Province of Leinster    
• County Dublin    
• Dublin    
• Dublin - Things to Do    
• Skerries Sea Tours

I've grown up in the north of County Dublin and like many people gazed across the sea at the... read more

A magical day. I flew over from London for the day knowing that a friend’s invitation to tour... read more

Lambay, an unexplored gem

We boarded at Malahide Marina at 0945. Eoin & his dad introduced themselves, showed us how to put on life jackets etc., and we boarded the covered rib. It took about 15-20mins to get out to the island with lots of stories and history on the way to build suspense for the island visit. It was amazing to approach the harbour on Lambay, it was unexpectedly large and robust. Once landed on the pier we got a brief summary of the proposed itinerary for the day. Gerry was our tour guide and took us right up to the top of the island. On route we saw lots of wallaby, deer and pheasant. The pace was leisurely with lots of time for looking at birds and gaining a bit of history of the island. At the top we were able to see all of North County Dublin and right up to the Mournes. From there we went over to the back of the island where we saw the terns, guillemot, fulmar and the puffins. We also saw the spot where the Tayleur ship went down approx 150 years ago. We got a tour of the church and could see into some of the castle grounds as we came down the mountain for our tea. Picking up all the Lutyens architecture on the way. The island was spectacular and well worth the visit. It really showed Dublin in a different light. I'd thoroughly recommend the trip. Tips: Bring good walking shoes/boots The walking isn't too taxing. Bring packed lunch, you'll get a cup of tea there. We were out 0945 to 1445.

I booked the two hour boat trip of Lambay Island and Rockabill for my dad as his birthday present and would highly recommend! Eoin and Gerry are excellent guides and full of interesting knowledge. Anyone with any interest in nature would thoroughly enjoy the trip. We'll definitely be going back to do the walking tour of Lambay before the summer is out! 10/10

Fantastic day spent on Lambay Island with Skerries Sea Tours. We were advised to bring a packed lunch, water, walking boots and hat with us. Gerry our tour guide was a mine of all manner of historical information on Lambay Island, it’s people and wildlife. Setting off at 9am from Malahide Marina the boat trip to the island harbour took 20 minutes. We were given a guided walking tour all around the island for about 4 and a half hours. We were then provided with tea and biscuits in the old school house before returning to the mainland. Great day had by all of us.

We had a wonderdul Sunday afternoon sailing around Lambay & Rockabill islands with Eoin and Gerry. Their knowledge & enthusiasm for the indigenous birdlife is infectious. The boat is extremely comfortable and our children throughly enjoyed themselves. We cannot recommend this trip highly enough.

Bright was the day, when we left the pier for what was destined to be a perfect day. The staff was very courteous and helpful, starting the tour with an overview of the route and life jackets fitting. We left Malahide Marina on time and proceeded towards Lambay Island first. Once at destination, the boat slowed down to give us time to spot and take pictures of the different birds nesting on the cliffs and swimming and fishing around the boat. There were thousands of Guillemots, Kittywakes, Razorbills, as well as many Puffins and Gannets. Hundreds of birds were gently floating also around the boat. Meanwhile, we were provided with interesting notions about local history of famous ships, shipwrecks and of the island itself. We then proceeded to Rockabill Island, where while being explained the history of the lighthouse, its building and upgrades throughout the decades, we could spot the various species of terns nesting around it (Common, Arctic and Roseate). We think we saw a petrel and Black Guillemot too. We where particularly thrilled to see the Roseate Tern, whose 80% of the population chooses this small island as breeding colony. This tour is definitely good value in terms of experience, memories and fare. We will recommend it to our friends and family. If you do birdwatching, this is a must. Thanks again for the wonderful experience!

A short skip from Malahide and you step into another world. Lots of seabirds and glorious weather on the day we visited.

Skerries Sea Tours

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Skerries Sea Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Skerries In Dublin: Things To Do, Pubs, Restaurants (2023 Guide)

By Author Elisha Donkin

Posted on Last updated: January 12, 2023

If you’re debating visiting or staying in Skerries in Dublin, you’ve landed in the right place.

If you’re looking for a delightful little coastal town near Dublin , Skerries makes for a great base from which to explore the area.

The historical town has plenty of things to see and do, including some delicious food and lively pubs along the harbour.

In this guide, we’ll take a look at what makes Skerries such an amazing place to visit and why you just might want to call it home!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about Skerries

Photos via Shutterstock

Although a visit to Skerries in Dublin is nice and straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Skerries is located north of Dublin City on the coast between Rush and Balbriggan. It’s a 45-minute drive from the city centre via the M1.

2. Easy to get to/from

It’s a handy place to get to and from Dublin even if you don’t have a car, with a railway service stopping right outside Skerries town. There are frequent services throughout the day, with the trip taking around 30-40 minutes. 

3. A sea-side base to explore Dublin from

Skerries is a great coastal town to use as a base to explore Dublin. The beautiful spot has plenty of things to see and do, including historical museums and old castles in and around the town. It’s also got loads of good dining options, which makes it a top place to relax with good food outside of the bustling city. 

About Skerries

With plenty of history and beautiful scenery, Skerries is an attractive spot to stay near a stone’s throw from the city. Skerries’ earliest history is dominated by several invasions, including by the Vikings, who used the nearby islands as bases for raids.

In the Middle Ages, the area was the property of the monastery of Holmpatrick until the 17th and 18th centuries when the town itself was developed further by the Hamilton family.

Industrial history

Skerries has always been considered a strategic fishing port because of its natural formation on the coast. However, it was also known for a variety of other industries including hand embroidery. 

It’s perhaps most well-known now for its old mills, which date back to the monastery of Holmpatrick and operated until the 20th century. 

Skerries today

With most of the former industries having declined, Skerries has become a beautiful little resort town, with a beach, quaint cafes and lively pubs. There is also plenty of the history to explore on a visit as well.

Things to do in Skerries (and nearby)

Although we go into what to see in the area in detail in our guide on the best things to do in Skerries , I’ll give you a quick overview below.

From hikes and walks to fine food, historical sites and beautiful beaches, there’s no end to the number of things to do in Skerries.

1. Head for a stroll (or a swim!) on Skerries Beach

Photo by Johannes Rigg (Shutterstock)

Skerries Beach is split into North Beach, along the 1.2-km cove adjoined to the fishing harbour and South Beach, which runs for 2km down the sandy coast. Both offer an incredible opportunity to walk and swim.

South Beach in particular has a long esplanade and coastal walkway stretching from Red Island down the length of the beach, which is perfect for your morning stroll. Meanwhile, the relatively calm waters make it a great place to go for a dip, if the weather is warm. 

There are a couple of popular spots to jump in for a swim on Red Island too, known as The Captains and The Springers, they have concrete platforms and stairs into the water.

2. Give sea kayaking a crack

Sea kayaking is a popular activity in Skerries. Jumping in from the main harbour, you can head out and explore the nearby islands, watch seabirds and get a whole new perspective of the coastline.

If you’re an advanced paddler, then you can even go further out into open seas and venture towards Lambay Island for a full-day adventure. Otherwise, if you’re a complete newbie then you can get in touch with Shearwater Sea Kayaking for courses and guided excursions, which includes all the equipment and gear that you need.

3. Or take a sea tour to Rockabill Lighthouse or Lambay Island

Photo by Sphotomax (Shutterstock)

If you want to explore Rockabill Lighthouse or Lambay Island without all the paddling, then there are popular sea tours you can head off on.

Skerries Sea Tours can take you out to Lambay Island, the largest island off the east coast of Ireland with plenty of early history and birdlife to admire.

Or, you can choose to tour out to Rockabill, about 5km offshore which is also an important breeding site for a range of birds. Tours range from 1-2 hours and includes an informative guide to explain all about the nature and history of the area.

4. Tackle the Skerries Coastal Walk

If you’re up for a long walk along the coast, Skerries has a beautiful 2.5km one way path along South Beach. The path traverses the full length of the sandy beach to the east of town and goes around Red Island to the harbour.

It’s a handy trail if you want to walk from North Beach to South Beach right along the coast. You’ll get stellar views all the way around, including out to the islands. If you’re a keen birdwatcher, you might even get to see some of the sea birds that the area is so well-known for.

5. Visit Skerries Mills

Photo by Aitormmfoto (Shutterstock)

A visit to Skerries Mills is a must while in town. The family friendly attraction has a long history of stone ground milling dating back to the 12th century. It features three National Monuments, including a four-sail and five-sail windmill and old water wheel. 

They run hourly tours with informative guides who can take you through the history of the farming and milling process. There’s also a wonderful little café, Watermill Café, where you can get some freshly baked goods and coffee, while you browse the gift shop.

6. Head for a ramble at Ardgillan Castle

Photo by Peter Krock (Shutterstock)

You’ll find Ardgillan Castle to the north of Skerries along the coast. The grounds here are beautifully maintained and you can soak up sea views as you ramble.

It’s a beautiful spot to visit with a range of activities on offer, including castle tours, garden tours, afternoon tea and theatre events.

The estate also has a public park with magnificent views across the sea. There’s plenty of walking trails, a cycle path and a playground for the kids. 

Restaurants in Skerries

Photos via Stoop Your Head on FB

Now, we go into the best places to eat in the town in our Skerries restaurants guide, but we’ll give you a quick overview of our favourites below.

1. Stoop Your Head

This family-run seafood restaurant is located right on the harbour on Red Island. It gets rave reviews for its fresh seafood, including prawns and crab. In fact, the seafood chowder is widely considered to be the standout dish on the menu. Looking straight across to the sea, they also serve up a great pint to go with your meal.

2. The Brick House

Another excellent option on the harbour in Skerries is The Brick House . Their food and service are equally great, with a variety of options on the menu to suit a range of tastes. From Irish beef burgers to the catch of the day, serving sizes are big and you can look straight over the sea from the window. 

Located on Church Street in Skerries town, this little unassuming place has incredible Italian food at good value prices. Open every day except Monday, Di Vino is known for their delicious fresh pasta, including fresh seafood options. 

Pubs in Skerries

There are some brilliant pubs in Skerries that are perfect for a bit of rest-bite after a few hours spent exploring the town. Here are our favourites.

1. Joe Mays

On Harbour Road in Red Island, Joe Mays is a great little pub that offers outdoor sitting with views right across the bay. It’s the perfect setting for a post-beach pint, with welcoming atmosphere and friendly staff. It’s been open since 1865 and is now run by the fourth generation in the May family, so you can’t beat the traditional hospitality on offer here. 

2. Nealon’s

On Church Street in the middle of town, Nealon’s Bar is an old school Irish pub with dim lighting and dark timber furniture. There are screens playing the latest live games, or you can head out to the beer garden for a pint of Guinness with your mates. 

3. The Snug

Tucked down New Street in the heart of Skerries, the Snug is a wonderful pub full of character and atmosphere. It has a beautiful interior with a polished bar and warm lighting, along with plenty of rock memorabilia on the walls. They offer drinks for everyone from Guinness to fancy cocktails.

Accommodation in Skerries

So, there isn’t a huge number of places to stay in Skerries, as this really is more of a residential town. However, there are som.

1. The Redbank Guesthouse

This elegant guesthouse is located on Church Street right in the middle of Skerries. They offer a variety of rooms to suit different travellers, all with polished interiors and comfortable beds. They serve a delicious breakfast each morning before you head off and explore the surrounding area.

Check prices + see more photos here

2. The White Cottages

This beautiful accommodation option offers three cottages right on the water’s edge outside of the centre of town. The nautical themed cottages have plenty of comfortable amenities, with a complimentary breakfast, cosy heated guest lounge and a terrace for when the sun is out.

FAQs about visiting Skerries in Dublin

Since mentioning the town in a guide to Dublin that we published several years ago, we’ve had hundreds of emails asking various things about Skerries in Dublin.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Is Skerries worth visiting?

Yes! Skerries is a lovely harbour town that’ll make you feel like you’ve left the hustle and bustle of the capital behind you. There’s lots to do and plenty of great restaurants.

Are there many places to eat in Skerries?

There’s an endless number of places to eat in Skerries. From casual cafes and pub grub to some more sophisticated eateries, there’s endless places to grab a bite.

Are there many things to do in Skerries?

There’s a good few things to do in Skerries, like the beach, the coastal walk, the kayak tours, the lighthouse tour and Skerries Mills.

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Lambay tour - Skerries Sea Tours

• Europe    
• Ireland    
• Province of Leinster    
• County Dublin    
• Dublin    
• Dublin - Things to Do    
• Skerries Sea Tours

I've grown up in the north of County Dublin and like many people gazed across the sea at the... read more

A magical day. I flew over from London for the day knowing that a friend’s invitation to tour... read more

Lambay tour

Interesting place, Lambay Island! Been occupied for thousands of years. Barings, the bank people, currently own it. Our tour did not include a visit to the houses, which was a bit disappointing, but it was enjoyable nonetheless. Our guide was quite good, plenty of knowledge and yarns to keep us entertained and informed. Varied wildlife to look out for, including wallabies, deer, puffins and gannets. And others. Buildings designed by Edwin Lutyens. Very enjoyable day out, I must say

I've grown up in the north of County Dublin and like many people gazed across the sea at the mysterious Lambay Island. I've longed to visit the island, but never knew how to go about it. Last weekend I went on the Lambay Island tour with Skerries Sea Tours - Gerry and George were our guides - and the experience exceeded all of my expectations. Gerry is a fount of knowledge and a wonderful storyteller, bringing the challenges and pleasures of island living to life. Both he and George clearly have a deep love and respect for the island and the people and wildlife who live there, and their affinity for the place is contagious. I'd highly recommend this tour whether you are visiting from abroad or being a tourist in your home county. I'll definitely be returning to Lambay.

A magical day. I flew over from London for the day knowing that a friend’s invitation to tour Lambay was priceless. Met a group in Malahide and we crossed in twenty minutes. We walked from the boathouse in the harbour to the highest point and on to The Nose, amidst curious wallabies with joeys and agile fallow deer running with fawns, under gulls wheeling in the stiff sea breeze, to see seals, gannets, kittiwakes, fulmars, oystercatchers, guillemots, razorbills and the whirring-winged iconic puffins. The rare Lutyens architecture, a Real Tennis Court - too many wonderful things to describe. And we were taken out there by Skerries Sea Tours. Easily. Safely. You’ll be doing yourselves a big favour if you get the opportunity. Do it.

We went to the island with a group of friends. We were blessed with the weather which was warm and sunny throughout. Our tour guide, Gerry, really knew a lot of the history and his love of the place shone through. The tour was at gentle pace and we saw wallabies, deer, and plenty of bird life. The journey over was about 20 mins and we felt in safe hands in the 11m covered rib with Eoin at the helm. It was a very special day that we will not forget.

Having viewed Lambay and Rockabill from afar for many years, I was looking forward to the trip and was not disappointed. Eoin was a great guide, very informative and attentive. I knew little about the Tayleur shipwreck all those years ago and was intrigued by the details. If interested in birds and wildlife - trip is a must. The walking tour on Lambay appears very attractive and may do this in 2019. Boat trip exhilarating!!

Lambay Island is somewhere I wanted to visit for many years. I was not disappointed. The boat from Malahide took about 20 minutes. We then spent over four hours walking the entire island with Gerry, our tour guide. His knowledge and manner of delivery made it a fabulous experience. I would highly recommend this tour. Thanks to Gerry and Eoin.

Skerries Sea Tour

Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Rockabill Lighthouse (1 Hour & 15 mins) and Lambay Island (2 Hours). The trips are run by local RNLI crewman Eoin Grimes, aboard an 8.4 metre Redbay Rib with a single 300 HP engine. The boat can carry 7 passengers and 1 crew member, is fully insured and carries the required P3 license from the Department of Transport.

Opening Times

Skerries Harbour, Skerries, Co.Dublin

+353 (0) 86 304 3847

[email protected]

http://www.skerriesseatours.ie/index.html

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