Skerries Itineraries
Half a day or a full weekend. Here are the best ways to spend your time in Skerries, planned step by step.
Whether you have a few hours off the DART or a full weekend to explore, these itineraries give you a local’s route through Skerries. Each one links directly to the restaurants and activities along the way.
Harbour, Springers and a Feed
The half-day that gets to the heart of Skerries: coffee, the Red Island coastal loop, the famous swimming spots and a harbour-front feed. Easy and flat, doable straight off the train, and good in any season.
- 110:00·30 min
Coffee at Olive
Start on Strand Street at Olive, the town's daytime headquarters since 2005, for a coffee and a pastry. Pick up something from the deli for the walk if you like.
View Olive Cafe & Deli - 210:30·45-60 min
Walk the Red Island loop
Down to the South Shore Esplanade and around the Red Island headland, past the Martello tower with the islands out to sea. A flat 1.5 km loop, longer if you carry on north toward Barnageeragh.
View Skerries Coastal Walk & Red Island Loop - 311:30·30 min
The Springboards
Stop at the Springers and the Captains on Red Island, the deep-water bathing spots where the Frosties swim year-round. Watch, or get in if you are a confident swimmer with a dryrobe and an eye on the tide.
View The Springboards & The Captains (Red Island) - 412:30·60-90 min
Lunch on the harbour
Back at the harbour, get in line at Stoop Your Head for the chowder and the fish and chips. It does not take bookings, so put your name down and have a pint at the Blue Bar next door while you wait.
View Stoop Your Head
Skerries by the Sea: A Full Day
A full day that takes in the windmills and the Saturday market, the long beach, a boat out to the islands and a proper dinner. Best from late spring to early autumn when the sea tours are running.
- 109:30·45 min
Breakfast at Molly's
Open with a fry or a brunch at Molly's on Thomas Hand Street, an honest, good-value start to the day.
View Molly's Cafe - 210:30·60-90 min
Skerries Mills and the market
Up to Skerries Mills to tour the two windmills and the watermill, the only site in Ireland with three national monuments. On a Saturday the farmers market fills the courtyard from 10:00.
View Skerries Mills - 312:30·45 min
Walk the South Strand
Down to the South Strand for a walk along the 2.5 km of sand and the level esplanade, with the islands out to your right the whole way.
View South Strand - 413:30·60-90 min
Lunch at the Blue Bar
Lunch on the harbour at the Blue Bar, a Red Island seafood platter or the wings, with a terrace table if the weather plays along.
View Blue Bar - 515:00·75-120 min
Sea tour to the islands
In season, take a Skerries sea tour out around Rockabill lighthouse and its terns, or out to Lambay. Sailings depend on the sea state, so book ahead and confirm on the day. Out of season, swap in a longer cliff walk north to Barnageeragh.
View Skerries Sea Tours - 619:00·90-120 min
Dinner in town
Finish with dinner at Potager on Church Street if you want the tasting-menu treat and have booked ahead, or 5 Rock on the harbour for small plates, grilled pizza and a cocktail.
View Potager
Ready to plan your visit?
Check tide times, live DART departures, and the weather forecast before you head out.