Construction work began on Swords Castle during the 12th Century when the first Norman bishop of Dublin, John Comyn was appointed 

In addition to being the archbishop, Comyn was a landowner.At the time many Irish people were resentful of the Normans, so it was necessary for him to build a fortified stronghold that would ensure security for himself and his tenants.

Swords Castle is unusual in that, with the perimeter of 305 meters, it is far larger than any other Irish Castle and was it constructed gradually over a period of 400 years. Visitors to Swords Castle must bear in mind that our medieval ancestors were actually much smaller than we are. This is reflected in the relatively low walls and small doors, windows and gates in the very sturdy building. 

Not only was the Castle the home of the Archbishops of Dublin, it believed that parliaments were held in the great hall of the castle. The castle was never strong in the military sense, but covers a large pentagonal walled area of nearly 1.5 acres with a tower on the north, and an impressive gateway complex on the south.  

The adjoining chapel, built in the late thirteenth century, was probably used as the Archbishop's private oratory. Other buildings, recorded during an inquisition in 1326, have now vanished. The Archbishop abandoned Swords Castle once a new palace was built at Tallagh in 1324. 

The stepped ramparts suggest that the Castle was occupied during the fifteenth century, but by 1583, when it was briefly occupied by Dutch Protestants, it was described as "the quite spoiled old castle". Sir Henry Sydney, had some of the buildings repaired for the settlement of a colony of Dutch weavers who he hoped might 'show some example of industry to the lazy natives'. 

In 1869, The castle was sold to the Cobbe Family of Newbridge House. They leased it to Robert Savage who turned the grounds into an orchard and sold the produce. In 1985, Dublin County Council purchased the castle, and it commissioned a number of archaeological studies of the castle and its surroundings.

Swords Castle is situated in the centre of the ancient town of Swords, and as Swords is only a short bus or taxi ride away from the airport, Swords Castle should be your first or last port of call won stay in Dublin. Swords Castle is served by Dublin Bus, lines 33, 33A, 41, 41B, 41C and 230

Should you wish to stay near the castle i Hotels Dublin Airport, have a large selection of Dublin Airport Hotels in the area, such as the Clarion Dublin Airport Hotel.