Ireland Layover - Swords (Fall 2024)

Sometimes when trying to get a good deal on a flight, the tradeoff may be a long connection layover. On the other hand, if the layover is somewhere I like to be, I call that a win-win. It’s a chance to stretch my legs and also go have some fun along the way.

Such was the case this time. The cheapest Aer Lingus flight stopped in Dublin for 6 hours on the way to Paris. We took advantage of the time by storing the carryon bags and then getting on a bus to the town of Swords not too far away.

Swords Castle

Located at the end of the main street in town, this 13th century castle is basically a ruin with some parts restored like the chapel. You can take some stairs up the walls and they have a little trailer that is staffed with some very helpful folks who can answer any questions regarding the castle or the town. Questions such as “Hey - what is the oldest pub in town?”

The Pound

Speaking of the oldest pub, the ladies at the castle were not completely sure but they think it is this bar which is pretty much next door to the castle.

It’s not a trip to Ireland with getting a proper pint so that was the order of the day, even though it was more like breakfast at that point.

The pub was mostly empty since this was pretty early in the day but you can tell this place gets pretty packed as a local gathering spot. The owner was super chatty and friendly with us. He insisted that I get behind the bar and get a photo while pouring a pint.

The Cock Tavern

Wing Wednesday! I don’t know why but I find the wings that I’ve had in Ireland very tasty. They actually had a Wing Wednesday special going on when I looked up the place online so we decided that this would be a good choice for the next bar.

This place seemed very popular with the local lunch crowd as it was fairly busy. After the wings and of course some more Guinness, we headed back on the bus to the airport to get the bags and check in for the upcoming flight to Paris.