10 Best Things to Do in Fingal: The Ultimate Guide

Fingal, the northernmost region of County Dublin, offers a captivating mix of seaside scenery, rich history, and vibrant culture. From windy cliffs to peaceful estuaries, this diverse area is packed with sights to see for all. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a relaxing getaway, Fingal has something special to offer. Here are ten of the best things to do in this humble region of Ireland:

1. Ardgillan Castle

First, overlooking the Irish Sea is Ardgillan Castle, a sight to behold. Here you can explore the 194 acre grounds and take a walk through woodland trails up to the 300 year old castle, halfway up the hill. Afterwards, visit the gardens or take a break in the castle tea rooms. With beauty all around and a serene atmosphere, it’s an ideal spot for a day out.

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2. Newbridge House & Farm

Newbridge House is a beautifully preserved Georgian mansion, accompanied by a working farm where you can meet its animal inhabitants. Wander the expansive parklands and wooded trails and embrace their natural beauty and wonder. For children, the expansive playground provides ample entertainment, while the rest of the family can picnic nearby in designated areas. Catch a break at the café with some refreshments and a snack, and don’t forget to check if any events are on! Newbridge house is a superb spot for a picnic or a family day out.

3. Howth Cliff Walk

Take a trek down to the famous cliffs at Howth for some unforgettable views. Take in the beauty of the Irish Sea and make a day out of exploring the cliffside. The walk is made up of a few looped trails totalling at 7.8km long and takes approximately 2 hours to complete, depending on your walking level. Afterwards take a trip into Howth town for some food and rest or visit the castle.

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4. Malahide: Castle & Gardens

Malahide Castle is one of Ireland’s finest examples of a medieval castle, offering a fascinating glimpse into centuries of history. Explore the castle’s interior, wander through the beautiful walled gardens, visit the Butterfly House, and enjoy the vast surrounding parkland. It’s a place where history and nature intertwine.

Inside the castle you’ll find Avoca, a superb Irish cafe and food market. They stock kitchenware, beauty products and many food products for you to bring home, and of course you can treat yourself to a coffee and snack. Then just 10 minutes from the castle in a cute thatched cottage is The Casino Model Railway Museum. This will be sure to excite any train enthusiasts but rest assured it is a great time for everyone!

5. ÉIRE – 6 Sign

This sign is one of the 80 originally created during World War 2 in order to notify aircraft pilots who had lost their way that they were flying over the Irish coast. The ÉIRE 6 sign is a reminder of Ireland’s neutral stance during the war, a stance that continues to this day. Located in Howth, it’s a fantastic piece of the country’s history and an interesting historical landmark.

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6. Discover the Beaches of Fingal

Fingal boasts a strong variety of beaches to choose from. From the quiet shores at Loughshinny beach to the sandy stretch at Portmarnock, there are options for all. Follow the stunning coastlines for a quiet spot and find the perfect spot to relax or walk and soak in the glorious sea air.

A day out at Skerries is perfect for the family, with food and ice cream located just minutes away. The beaches of Rush are perfect for long walks with a friend or even better, a pet! Malahide’s majesty is also reflected in its coastline with a pretty little path for beach goers to follow. Feel free to search tide pools for sea shells and miniature crabs because you are sure to find them!

7. Skerries Harbour and Mills

The picturesque fishing harbour of Skerries is a must-visit. Stroll along the pier, admire the colourful boats, and soak in the bustling atmosphere. Feel free to visit one of the many restaurants and bars along the harbour for a hearty meal and good Guinness! Be sure to visit the historic Skerries Mills, where you can see the beautifully restored windmill and learn about its history. Don’t forget to visit the cafe for some delicious refreshments afterwards.

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8. Golfing

Fingal is a golfer’s paradise, home to some of Ireland’s finest links and parkland courses. Golf clubs litter the Fingal area, from Balbriggan down to Portmarnock, almost every town has a club for its residents. Enjoy this fulfilling and relaxing sociable sport by the seaside or in the serene countryside. Golfers of all abilities will find a challenge and enjoy the spectacular surroundings.

9. Rogerstown Estuary

Nature lovers will be delighted by Rogerstown Estuary, a haven for birdlife. This important wetland area is home to a variety of wading birds and other coastal species, making it an ideal location for birdwatching and enjoying the tranquility of nature. Feel free to set up a picnic and enjoy the vistas. Swans might even be present if you’re lucky, just be careful because they bite!

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10. Round Towers & Other Castles

Fingal is home to many ancient “round towers”, old castles built by monks. Pictured above is the round tower of Lusk, originally built sometime in the 10th century, used by monks to evade raids from invading vikings by hoarding their treasures inside and hiding for their lives. Other round towers are located in Swords as well as other variations such as the Martello tower at Loughshinny’s coast.

Okay, so whether you’re into the old castles and towers, the fresh sea air, or just chilling in some nice parks, Fingal’s got something for you. It’s got a real mix of stuff, from busy harbors to quiet nature spots. Honestly, it’s a great part of Ireland. So, pack your bags, check out those ten things I mentioned, and see what this place is all about. You might just find you love it like I do.