Skerries Sea Tours runs two passenger trips daily; to Rockabill Lighthouse (1 Hour & 15 mins, €35 per person) and Lambay Island (2 Hours, €50 per person). Skerries Sea Tours incorporates a unique and often stunning exploration of the rich bird and wildlife as well as an informative guide to the local history, culture and heritage of the area:
Lambay Island ,Rockabill Lighthouse ,Skerries Islands
Seatour Lambay Island
Lambay Island is situated about six miles from Skerries. It is the largest island off the east coast of Ireland and is about 1,371 acres in size. The ancient Greek writers Pliny and Ptolemy knew about the island and referred to it as Limnus or Limni. Implements and other objects from the New Stone Age and early Bronze Age have been found on the island. Gold ornaments from the Iron Age have also been found on the island.
This indicates that Lambay was inhabited at a very early period. Its early Irish name,”Reachra,” was eventually replaced by the Danish Lambay, meaning Lamb Island. This name probably originated with the practice sending over ewes to the island in spring and allowing them to remain there until the Autumn. In early Christian times it was the site of a monastery which was reputed to be the first place on the coast of Ireland to be attacked by the Danes, in the year 795 A.D. Later for some centuries it seems to have been the haunt of pirates. In the 15th century the king of England, who then bore the title of ”Lord of Ireland,” granted the island to the prior of Holmpatrick.
In 1551, after the dissolution of the monasteries it was given to John Challoner and his heirs, provided that he built a village to house the fishermen, a place of refuge for them in case of attack, and a harbour for their boats. Challoner did this. He brought from England a colony of “the king’s subjects” to inhabit the island and make it free from pirates and smugglers. A curious many sided building, raised on arches, with battlements and spike holes, which commands a view in all directions, is still standing on the island. This seems to be the “place of refuge from attack” which was built by Challoner. During the Williamite wars the island was used as an interment camp for Irish soldiers. More then one thousand of them were imprisoned there after the battle of Aughrim in 1691. Early this century a castle was built on Lambay Island with Milverton limestone.
Each stone was shaped from an individual template supplied by the architect, Sir Edwin Luytens. The castle has no right angles. Luytens was a famous English architect and town planner. He planned the principal buildings of New Delhi, in India. At one time there were 62 stone cutters at work on the island as the building progressed. To day the island is a bird sanctuary. It is now owned by Lord Revelstoke. Permission to visit must be obtained from his steward on the island.
Lambay supports the only colony of Grey Seals on the east coast. Although it is a long established breeding site for this species, it remains relatively small (45-60 individuals) probably because of the restricted area suitable for breeding. Grey Seals are listed on Annex II of the EU Habitats Directive. A herd of Fallow Deer (up to c. 80) roams the higher parts of the island, and a small number of wallabies (c. 10).
Lambay Island is internationally important for its breeding seabirds. The most numerous species is the Guillemot, with almost 52,000 individuals on the cliffs. Razorbills (3,646 individuals), Kittiwakes (5,102 individuals), Herring Gulls (2,500 pairs), Cormorants (605 pairs),Shags (1,164 pairs), Puffins (235 pairs), and small numbers of Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls also breed (all figures from 1995). Between 1991 and 1995 Fulmar numbers varied between 573-737 pairs. There is a small colony (<100 pairs) of the nocturnal Manx Shearwater on the island and up to 20 pairs of Common Terns have bred in recent years. A few Black Guillemots have been recorded on Lambay, but it is not clear if they breed. A pair of Peregrines are known to breed on the island.
Lambay Island is internationally important for its breeding seabirds. The most numerous species is the Guillemot, with almost 52,000 individuals on the cliffs. Razorbills (3,646 individuals), Kittiwakes (5,102 individuals), Herring Gulls (2,500 pairs), Cormorants (605 pairs),Shags (1,164 pairs), Puffins (235 pairs), and small numbers of Great and Lesser Black-backed Gulls also breed (all figures from 1995). Between 1991 and 1995 Fulmar numbers varied between 573-737 pairs. There is a small colony (<100 pairs) of the nocturnal Manx Shearwater on the island and up to 20 pairs of Common Terns have bred in recent years. A few Black Guillemots have been recorded on Lambay, but it is not clear if they breed. A pair of Peregrines are known to breed on the island.
Seatour Rockabill Lighthouse
Rockabill lies about five kilometres off the shore in an easterly direction, and is clearly visible from Skerries. The name comes from the Irish name for the rock – Carraig Dá Bheola, meaning “Two Lips Rock”. The depth of the sea around Rockabill is between 7 and 9 fathoms, and the rock was obviously a danger to shipping, especially at night. A light was sought for the rock by the Drogheda Harbour Commissioners in 1837, and they stated that the shipping which frequented Drogheda would cheerfully pay a toll towards a light on Rockabill. The authority, which controlled the building of lighthouses at that time was called the Trinity Board, and in 1838 they refused to build a lighthouse on Rockabill. However fifteen years later, in 1853, the Board changed its mind and granted permission. Plans were prepared for the lighthouse, and in 1855 the work began.
The builders were two brothers from Limerick, William and James Burgess. The chief materials used were granite from the Mourne Mountains in Co. Down and limestone from the local quarry in Milverton. The tower was built 83 feet high and the total cost of all the buildings, and apparatus, was £13,248 .The building was completed and the light was first operated on 1st. July 1860. Coal gas, supplied from a gas producing plant on the rock, provided the light until 1905. Throughout those years the lightkeepers had trouble from the gas system, as it regularly suffered damage from storms and corrosion.
From 1905 the light was powered by paraffin until 1980, when it was converted to electricity. A fog signal was established on Rockabill in 1918, and a radio telephone was installed in 1952. The lighthouse was relieved by a local boat from Skerries, or by one of the vessels owned by the Trinity Board, until 1970. From then it was relieved by helicopter. There were a total of six lightkeepers doing duty on the rock. Three were stationed on the rock doing four weeks duty at a time, while the other three had four weeks liberty. The keepers and their families lived in houses specially built for them in Harbour Road. These houses were sold in 1975, and sadly the lighthouse became fully automatic, and was demanned in March 1989.
Rockabill is an internationally important breeding site for Roseate Tern and is the most important colony in Europe.
In 2000, 614 pairs bred, an increase from 366 in 1991. Common Terns also breed with 607 pairs and 88 pairs of Arctic Tern. Other breeding seabirds are Black Guillemot (36 pairs) and Kittiwakes (160 pairs). Egg predation by Turnstones and probably Gulls was more noticeable than in previous years, but is seems like the Roseate have fared better than the Common and Arctic Terns, with 1.43 young successfully fledged from each egg laying pair. Nest boxes are provided by Eugene Macken’s class in Balbriggan Community College.
Since 1989 the site has been wardened by NPWS and BWI during the breeding season, and research and habitat management have been carried out. The site is owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and is a Refuge for Fauna and a Special Protection Area under the EU Birds Directive.
Seatour Skerries Islands
The Skerries Islands are a group of three islands situated between 1 km and 2 km east of Skerries. Shenick’s Island is connected to the mainland by sandflats at low tide. The other two islands are St. Patricks’s and Colt. Shenick’s is composed of lower Palaeozic rocks consisting of Ordovician volcanic, siltstones and shales. On the south-east of the island there is a patch of red breccia which rests unconformably on the Ordovician strata. The underlying strata are not horizontal – which is most frequently the case where an unconformity exists.
The islands are important bird islands. In 1992 15 pairs of Fulmar bred on Shenick’s and three pairs on St.Patrick’s Island. A recently established Cormorant colony on St. Patrick’s Island was discovered in 1992 and had at least 35 pairs. Shags also breed on St. Patrick’s, with 112 pairs in 1986. Large gulls breed on all three islands. Between 1984-86 the following were recorded: 89 pairs of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls, mostly the former on Shenick’s; c.250-300 pairs of Herring Gulls, c.200 pairs of Great Black-backed Gulls on St.Patrick’s; 232 pairs of Herring and Great Black-backed Gulls, mostly the former on Colt.
In winter, the islands are frequented by geese and some waders. Brent Geese have been regular in recent years, usually in numbers less than 50. Barnacle and Greylag Geese also occur on occasions, seldom more than 50, these birds being from the Lambay populations. In January 1992, 250 Oystercatchers, 500 Golden Plover, 400 Lapwing and 600 Curlew were present. Up to three Short-eared Owls are regular each winter, though as many as six have been seen. The owls occur most often on Shenick’s and St. Patrick’s Islands. The Shenick’s Island is now a bird reserve managed by the Irish Wildbird Conservancy.
FAQs
Is Skerries worth a visit? ›
There are plenty of things to do in Skerries, which is why the town is one of the most popular day trips from Dublin. From chill activities, like the coastal walk, to some very unique tours, like the one that takes you to see Rockabill Lighthouse, there's something to tickle most fancies in Skerries.
What is Skerries known for? ›The name comes from the Norse word 'skere' which became the Irish 'na sceirí' which means 'the rocks'. Historically, Skerries was an active fishing port and later a major centre of hand embroidery, while in the 20th century, it became a resort town, and a dormitory town for Dublin commuters.
What are the 3 islands off Skerries? ›The Skerries Islands are a group of three small uninhabited islands, Shenick's Island, St Patrick's Island and Colt Island, situated between 0.5 km and 1.5 km off the north Co. Dublin coast.
Is it safe to swim in Skerries? ›Latest Annual Bathing Water Quality Report
Skerries, South Beach is classified as achieving Good Water Quality in 2021 based on the assessment of bacteriological results for the period 2018 to 2021.
Skerries Beach, North County Dublin
If you prefer swimming in bathing areas, the Springers Bathing Area is also located in Skerries. It is accessible for wheelchairs and buggies and the local swimming club - The Skerries Frosties - swim there every day and welcome visitors.
On the map, Skerries looks almost too small to be inhabited, yet around 35 people live on these two square miles (4km²) of rock and pasture.
Who owns the Skerries? ›Ramore Head & Skerries ASSI
The government officially recognised the area of Ramore Head and the Skerries as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (A.S.S.I.) in 1996.
Skerries: There is a route provided along the South Shore Esplanade and walkers can use the public footpath to go North to Ardgillan and Balbriggan.
Is Skerries a nice place to live? ›The Skerries community is well established, with little in the way of antisocial behaviour, and there are plenty of family-sized homes on offer. The playground on the beach is popular with local families, and the grounds of Ardgillan Castle provide plenty of scenic walks.
Is it expensive to retire in Ireland? ›Ireland can be expensive, but it's a great retirement destination. It's easy to find cheaper housing and living options, and the Irish lifestyle is perfect for anyone who is looking to settle down and live life on the slower side. Some areas of the country are exceptionally rainy, but temperatures are mild throughout.
What is the safest part of Ireland? ›
Skerries is the safest place to live in Ireland, according to new research. Price comparison website Switcher.ie found it had the lowest rate of crime per 1,000 people in 2021. The coastal town has a population of around 10,000 residents.
How many people live on Out Skerries? ›...
Out Skerries.
| Location | |
|---|---|
| Council area | Shetland Islands Council |
| Demographics | |
| Population | 30 |
The Out Skerries can be reached by ferry from Vidlin or Lerwick. The journey from Vidlin takes 90 minutes and the ferry from Lerwick 150 minutes. The Out Skerries are lovely islands and are well worth the effort of visiting.
What are the 6 island types? ›There are six major kinds of islands: continental (1), tidal (2), barrier (3), oceanic (4), coral (5), and artificial (6). Continental islands (1) were once connected to a continent. They still sit on the continental shelf. Some formed as Earth's shifting continents broke apart.
Is the Irish Sea safe to swim in? ›All Irish waters are cold enough to cause cold water shock just about every day of the year. Those who swim regularly in these waters can acclimatise and reduce the reactions, but if that isn't you, you can avoid cold water shock by entering the water slowly.
Is Irish tap water safe to drink? ›Is tap water safe to drink. Your water is safe to drink unless you see one of these notices from Uisce Éireann. Know what to do if you receive one.
How do you know if a beach is safe to swim? ›Read the beach safety signs at the entrance to the beach. Once on the beach, look for beach warning flags, often posted on or near a lifeguard's stand. A green flag means water conditions are safe and other colors mean conditions are not safe. These flags are there to protect you.
Which beaches are safe to swim in Dublin? ›In our opinion, the best swimming spots Dublin has to offer are Portrane Beach, Seapoint, Portmarnock Beach and the Forty Foot.
How clean are Irish beaches? ›2021 Bathing Water Quality
13 May 2022: The EPA has published the Bathing Water in Ireland report for 2021 which shows that 78% of bathing sites have excellent water quality while …
CONTAMINATION - The Irish Sea has been described by Greenpeace as the most radioactively contaminated sea in the world with some "eight million litres of nuclear waste" discharged into it each day from Sellafield reprocessing plants, contaminating seawater, sediments and marine life.
What is the smallest island to live on? ›
Just Room Enough Island, also known as Hub Island, is an island located in the Thousand Islands chain, in New York, United States. The island is known for being the smallest inhabited island, which appears to be around 3,300 square feet (310 m2), or about one-thirteenth of an acre.
Where did Skerries get its name? ›Skerries got its name from the Vikings. The word Skerries comes from the Danish word skere meaning rocks or a reef, and ey meaning an islet or small island. It was applied to the series of islets and their sandy reefs, which lie just offshore opposite the town.
Which island are the Skerries a group of rocks off? ›The Skerries are a small group of rocky islands (skerries) just off Portrush, County Antrim, on the north coast of Northern Ireland.
Can you visit Skerries Lighthouse? ›Skerries - Important Tern Colony
Access is generally restricted to Reserve staff and Trinity House lighthouse maintenance staff. Visiting yachts and kayaks are asked to enter the harbour west of the lighthouse and cooperate with the wardens to avoid disturbance to nesting birds from May through August.
The Skerries (Welsh: Ynysoedd y Moelrhoniaid) (grid reference SH268948) coming from the Old Norse word sker are a group of sparsely vegetated rocky islets (skerries), with a total area of about 17 hectares (42 acres) lying 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) offshore from Carmel Head at the northwest corner of Anglesey, Wales.
When was Skerries Mills built? ›This wind- mill dates back to 1460 and was built by the Augustin Monks of the Priory of Holmpatrick.
What's on in Skerries this weekend? ›- The Dublin Music Tour - The Sounds of the City. ...
- Dublin True Crime Tour. ...
- Dingoos Excursion - Malahide Castle -Dublin. ...
- The Bon Bon Room - Cabaret Open Stage *Rescheduled* ...
- Hidden Love Presents: Player. ...
- Group Sound Bath* ...
- ISI Program Design Workshop. ...
- Your day of self care!
Discover this 6.4-km circular trail near Skelmersdale, Lancashire. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 41 min to complete. This trail is great for birding, mountain biking, and paddle sports.
How long is Plessey Woods walk? ›Enjoy this 2.7-km circular trail near Bedlington, Northumberland. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 43 min to complete.
Can a retired US citizen move to Ireland? ›If you wish to retire to Ireland you must be financially independent and meet all conditions. You will be required to provide independent verification of your compliance with the financial conditions. This verification must be certified by an Irish accountancy firm. The application process is explained below.
Can Americans live in Ireland? ›
Requirements. For an American citizen, the best place to start is at the Irish Embassy. There exists the Irish Naturalization and Immigration Service (INIS) that stipulates the requirements for immigration. Here, you will get all the information about immigration, visas, asylum or citizenship.
Can I collect US Social Security in Ireland? ›If you have Social Security credits in both the United States and Ireland, you may be eligible for benefits from one or both countries. If you meet all the basic requirements under one country's system, you will get a regular benefit from that country.
Is it cheaper to live in the USA or Ireland? ›the US? At a country level, the cost of living in Ireland, including housing, is only 10% lower than the cost of living in the USA. However, the United States has many cities that are cheaper to live in than similar cities in Ireland.
How long can a US citizen stay in Ireland? ›Irish entry requirements for US citizens
U.S. passport holders can stay in Ireland for a maximum of 90 days without a visa. If U.S. passport holders plan to stay longer in Ireland, a visa will be required.
Rainfall is extremely common throughout Ireland. The wettest months, almost everywhere are December and January. April is the driest month generally but in many southern parts, June is the driest.
Can US citizens buy property in Ireland? ›Fortunately, for anyone looking at buying property in Ireland, you'll be pleased to know that there are no residency-based restrictions. Anyone can buy property in Ireland, however, it's important to note that owning Irish property does not guarantee you a right to live in Ireland.
What part of Ireland has the highest crime rate? ›While Dublin has the highest crime rate per capita, with crimes including robbery, theft, fraud, and drug-related crimes, it is Limerick that has the highest number of sex crimes. Waterford has the highest number of assaults, weapon crimes, and explosive offences.
How many people live in Skye? ›| Location | |
|---|---|
| Demographics | |
| Population | 10,008 |
| Population rank | 4 |
| Population density | 6.04/km2 (15.6/sq mi) |
Formation. Skerries are most commonly formed at the outlet of fjords where submerged glacially formed valleys at right angles to the coast join with other cross valleys in a complex array.
How do I get into Unst? ›To get to Unst you need to travel through Yell. Scheduled daily ferries run frequently from Toft (Mainland) to Ulsta (Yell) and from Gutcher (Yell) to Belmont in Unst. Allow 30 minutes to drive between Ulsta and Gutcher.
What are the 3 major islands? ›
The Philippines is divided into three (3) major island groups of Luzon, the Visayas, and Mindanao.
What is the difference between high islands and low islands? ›"High islands" generally refer to islands where the basalt rock from volcanic formation is still above the ocean's surface. Low islands, by contrast, are islands composed of sedimented material, coral rubble, or uplifted coral reefs.
Where can I walk in Skerries? ›- Ardgillan Castle and Demesne. Easy• 4.3(88) #1 - Ardgillan Castle and Demesne. Ardgillan Castle and Demense. ...
- Skerries and Ardgillan Castle. Moderate• 4.3(33) #2 - Skerries and Ardgillan Castle. Saint Anne's Park. ...
- Skerries - Rush North. Moderate• 0(0) #3 - Skerries - Rush North. Saint Anne's Park.
The cheapest way to get from Skerries to Swords is to bus which costs €3 - €4 and takes 37 min.
Why you should visit Waterford? ›Waterford is renowned for its exciting festivals and events such as the West Waterford Festival of Food, Spraoi, Winterval, Harvest Festival, Taste Tramore, Dunmore East Bluegrass Festival and Waterford Film Festival and many more.
How long is the Poets walk? ›Ehlers also created a shaded, streamside path, dubbed Poets' Walk in honor of Washington Irving and other literary figures who reputedly strolled here. Today, the 120-acre park features two miles of trails through woods with rustic pavilions, bridges and benches.
How long is the Weardale walk? ›The Weardale Way between Cowshill and Sunderland Bridge in County Durham (near Croxdale) is around 45 miles (72km) long.
What mountains can you see from Skerries? ›There are plenty of benches along the way, where you can watch the crashing waves and look for the Mourne Mountains on the horizon.
What number bus goes to Skerries? ›The 33 is the first Bus that goes to Skerries.
How long does the 100E bus take? ›The 100E bus runs between the airport and Deák ter, where Budapest's metro lines intersect, a 30- to 40-minute trip.
How much is bus fare Dublin cash? ›
The TFI 90 Minute fare (TFI 90) now applies to most journeys in the Dublin area and is only €2.00 for adults, €1.00 for young adults (19-23) and students, and €0.65 for children (up to and including 18 years).
Why is Waterford expensive? ›Waterford Crystal pieces are valuable because they contain very intricate design elements, and the process to create them is both complex and labor intensive. The larger the piece, the more detail it includes, and the more expensive it is purchase.
Is it worth going to Waterford Ireland? ›Every possible destination is bursting with spectacular views, stories, art, and food to fill each day of your vacation. The historic city of Waterford is no exception. Ireland's oldest city offers sunny coastal towns, centuries worth of history and culture, and much, much more.
Why did Waterford close? ›During the difficult financial crisis in 2008, the Waterford Wedgwood Group and associated companies were unable to secure additional financial revenue to maintain the operation of their global business. On 30th January 2009, it was announced that Waterford Crystal was in receivership.