Swords is the nearest town to Dublin Airport, just 4 km north.

About Swords Town Centre

Swords is a former medieval market town that has become one of Dublin\'s largest suburbs with a population exceeding 40,000. The town retains historical charm around its Main Street, where a 73-foot Round Tower (one of Dublin\'s best-preserved) and the ruins of Swords Castle, a 13th-century fortress built by the first Anglo-Norman Archbishop of Dublin, stand as reminders of its ancient heritage.

Modern Swords is anchored by the Pavilions Shopping Centre, north Dublin\'s largest mall with over 100 stores, a cinema, and restaurants. The town offers practical advantages for airport travelers: affordable hotels compared to Dublin city centre, easy airport access, and the Metro North light rail line (planned) that will eventually connect to the city. Several budget hotel chains (Holiday Inn Express, Carlton) cluster near the airport in the Swords area. The Malahide Road corridor between Swords and Malahide village offers additional dining and seafood restaurants.

Nearby Landmarks

Swords Castle Round Tower The Pavilions Shopping Centre Ward River Valley Park

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €10-15
Time 8-12 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €8-12
Time 8-12 minutes

Terminal forecourts

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Bus 41 from outside Arrivals. Runs every 10-15 minutes to Swords.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €10-15 8-12 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €8-12 8-12 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

Dublin Bus Route 41 serves Swords from the airport frequently until about 11:30 PM. After midnight, taxis from the airport to Swords cost approximately EUR 10–15 (5–10 min). Walk from some airport-adjacent hotels is possible if close enough. Swords itself is quiet after 10:00 PM, with limited late-night dining.

Luggage Tips

The very short distance to Swords makes luggage handling simple. Any bus, taxi, or ride-share accommodates bags easily. Several Swords hotels are within walking distance of the airport. The Pavilions mall has no luggage storage, so keep bags at your hotel.

Accessibility

The Pavilions Shopping Centre is fully accessible. Swords Main Street has flat sidewalks. The castle ruins have gravel paths but are viewable from the road. Dublin Bus Route 41 is wheelchair accessible with ramp boarding. Hotels in the Swords area are modern and generally accessible.