Fingal
Fingal covers an area of 173 square miles, stretching from
the River Liffey and the city boundary to Balbriggan. Endowed
with magnificent coastline, lovely river valleys, tranquil
country lanes, quiet villages and burgeoning towns, Fingal
provides a host of offerings to the visitor.
The character of Fingal's towns and villages has been forged
from a variety of influences. Fishing has been a traditional
livelihood along the coast from the time of the earliest settlers.
Fingal's picturesque seaside villages are a joy to behold,
with places like Loughshinny retaining the gentle ambience
of another age. Others like Howth are ideal stopping off points
for those who love sailing, surfing or water-skiing. Also
famous for its seafood restaurants and jazz festival, Howth
offers spectacular panoramic views of Dublin Bay from the
170 metre Howth Head. Howth penisula is a unique mix of character,
beauty, charm, ambience and history right on Dublin's doorstep.
The sandy dunes and 2 miles long magnificent Velvet Strand
of Portmarnock are located 8 miles north of the city, and
close to Malahide, once a small fishing village and now a
pretty, designated heritage town. A lovely marina and plenty
of shops, pubs and restaurants ensures that the visitor is
well catered for. The majestic 14th century Malahide Castle
and Talbot Botanic Gardens, with the Fry Model Railway Museum
located within the castle grounds, provide a wonderful day
out for all the family, combining history, beauty and romance
with plenty of entertainment. Stop a while in the lovely seaside
resort of Rush where 5km offshore lies Lambay Island, a noted
bird sanctuary, though only accessible by applying in writing
to the Steward of the island.
Located in Donabate, Newbridge House is a definite must on
the list of attractions to drop in on while in the area. The
magnificent 18th century Georgian mansion is set on 350 acres
of parkland and the grounds also contain a 29 acre traditional
farm, complete with farmyard animals!
Further north, one finds Skerries, the jewel in the crown
of Fingal, a much acclaimed award winner at National and European
level including the Entente Florale Gold Medal in 1996. This
is a particularly scenic coastal town which is renowned for
its safe bathing, pleasant walks and friendly atmosphere,
offshore islands with an abundance of wildlife and a harbour
where the famous Skerries seals are often seen to relax. Also
in Skerries we can find the Skerries Watermill and Windmills.The
Skerries Mills industrial and heritage centre and town park
comprises a watermill, 5-sail windmill and 4-sail windmill
with associated mill races, mill pond and wetlands. The history
of the mills can be traced to the early 16th century and a
bakery was established on the site by 1840. While stone-ground
milling declined in the 1930's, the bakery continued to flourish
for a further fifty years.
Ardgillan Demesne Castle and Gardens is unique among Dublin's
regional parks for the magnificent views it enjoys of the
coastline. An impressive castle, lovely rose and walled gardens,
rolling pastureland and woodland walks combine to make this
attraction one of the most appealing in Dublin. It is situated
on the elevated coastline between Skerries and Balbriggan
- known in Irish as Baile Brigin, the town of small hills
- the northernmost coastal town in Fingal and one of few industrial
areas of north County Dublin.
The abundance of remarkable golf courses to be found in the
Fingal area has earned the county a national and international
reputation as a golfing haven. Picturesque open countryside
and a magnificent coastline are ideal environments against
which to fashion great golf courses. The golfing visitor is
well catered for in Fingal where both novice and experienced
golfers will find a course to suit their ability, taste and
pocket among the many fine parkland and links courses in the
county. Visitors tee times are very welcome but it is advisable
to check with the club and book tee times in advance. There
are almost 30 different courses from which to choose, many
lying in the open countryside stretching from Castleknock,
Blanchardstown and St. Margaret's right up to Hollywood and
Balbriggan, and coastal areas such as Howth, Portmarnock and
Donabate.
Fingal enjoys an abundance of riches in the number and quality
of its beaches. These rich golden expanses of sand are an
irresistible magnet for families during the summer months
and provide a constant attraction to ornithologists and walkers
at all times of the year. The major beaches are Donabate,
Portmarnock, Skerries, Loughshinny, Rush, Portrane, Sutton,
Barnageara, Balbriggan and Gormanston.
Fascinating remnants of the past can be found scattered throughout
Fingal for those interested in a little bit of history. Early
Christian monuments survive today in many locations which
provide worthwhile stops for a tour of the county. Why not
visit Lusk, one of the oldest ecclesiastical settlements in
Ireland, check out the historic 15th century castle, church
and tower of Portrane or call in on the busy suburban town
of Swords, situated only minutes from Dublin Airport, where
old buildings from previous periods still exist today.
A rural farming hinterland also exists in Fingal today, where
the pace of life of country villages such as Ballyboughal,
Naul, Oldtown, and Garristown is uninterrupted by the nearby
city life. This area is the 'breadbasket of Dublin' providing
a great deal of the fresh vegetables to the city markets.
And there are countless other enjoyable activities awaiting
the visitor to Fingal. Why not visit nearby Castleknock where
a new marina is being developed and cruise on the Royal Canal
winding its way through lush undulating countryside.
Whether it's a quiet relaxing holiday or more active sporting
break you're after, sandy beaches, fascinating historic sites,
bustling shopping towns, charming fishing villages or major
regional parks - the pleasures of fair Fingal are only minutes
away!
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