Swords History

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'under a pump in the village of Swords' Ulysses James Joyce

Latest update: 24/8/2023 345 images

Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin
www.gaelart.net

Swords
Sord Cholmcille

County Dublin, Ireland

A Visual History

A Textual History

Swords / Sord Cholmcille: A Visual and Textual History is an illustrated history of Swords from the 1790s to the present day compiled from my collection of historical photos and engravings, my photos, and other sites.

It also contains published articles about Swords from the 1830s onwards. It is hoped it will be an invaluable aid to individuals, schools and academic institutions who are interested in Swords history and especially for the Irish diaspora who will remember the town from different periods in the past. (Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

If you have any images from any era [photographs, drawings, etchings, old calendars etc] please let me know. Any material uploaded will be fully acknowledged. Contact me at caoimhghin@yahoo.com

This is an archival collection and not for profit, sale, advertisements or any other financial benefit on my part.

Origins of the name Swords

"The original word is properly written "Sord," or "Surd," which is interpreted "clear," or "pure," although in modern Irish the word so spelt bears the meaning of "order ... industry ... diligence." The w came into it after the settlement of the English, who wrote the name Swerds, though pronounced Swords, as the verb shew has the sound of show. This interpretation which I give you is from an ancient Life of St. Columbkille, preserved in a very venerable MS. of the Royal Irish Academy, of the fourteenth century. [...] it was the practice of the early founders of Christianity in these islands, when planting a church in any spot, to have special reference to the proximity of a well. [...] suffice it to say, that well-worship existed in the country before the introduction of Christianity, and that when the people were converted, like the transfer of pagan temples, these wells, with all their veneration, were made over to the aid of the new religion."

(A Lecture on the Antiquities of Swords by The Late Right Rev. William Reeves)

'Sord of Columcille' / 'Swrth Colomkelle' / 'Surdum Sti. Columbae' /
'Sordum' / 'Sord' / 'Soords' / 'Surd' / 'Suird' / 'Surds' / 'Sords' /
'Swerts' / 'Swerds' / 'Swerdes' / 'Sweerdes' / 'Swordes' / 'Swords'

(See A Textual History for sources of these varied spellings)

Swords, north County Dublin, Ireland

"Figure 5: This drawing by Thomas Molyneux dates from 1725.
As is not uncommon with antiquarian drawings, the drawing depicts a smoother,
idealised version of the monument. Here it appears far better
constructed than is the case in reality, especially regarding the upper storey."
See: https://theirishantiquarian.substack.com/p/swords-round-tower
See also for 1725 description from book: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html

Gabriel Beranger - Tower, Belfry and Church (1790s)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000146447

Gabriel Beranger - Tower, Belfry and Church (1790s)
For more information see: http://discovery.dho.ie/navigation.php?navigation_function=2&navigation_item=ria_3+C+31/13

Tower, Belfry and Church. 'Published by T Hooper June 11th 1791 Engraved by Jas Newton'
for the The Antiquities of Ireland 1791

Tower and Belfry (c.1794)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000147923

Swords Castle by Daniel Grose. 'Published by T Hooper August 9th 1791 Engraved by Jas Newton'
for the The Antiquities of Ireland 1791

Swords Castle, County Dublin, (?1790s)
George Holmes, Irish, fl.1789-1802
http://onlinecollection.nationalgallery.ie/view/objects/asitem/People$00401246/0?t:state:flow=d86afce3-edc7-4501-80a9-ed1a0bda9c46
For more information see Swords Castle Conservation Plan - Main Document

Gatehouse attributed to Daniel Grose
For more information see Swords Castle Conservation Plan - Main Document

Thomas Cromwell - Excursions through Ireland, Vol. 2. Published: London, Longman 1820.

Thomas Cromwell - Excursions through Ireland, Vol. 2. Published: London, Longman 1820.

Tower, Belfry and Church. Engraved by R Acon from a drawing by J Greig for the Excursions through Ireland. Published August 1, 1819 by Longman and Co Paternoster Row

Swords Castle. Drawn on stone by D J Harding from a sketch by Robert O'Callaghan, Newenham Esq Printed by C Hullmandel

Swords Castle. Drawn by Geo Holmes Engraved by J and H S Storer Published by Sherwood, Jones and ... (1824)

George Petrie , 1789-1866 : The Round Tower, Belfry and Church, of Swords (1829)

London : Fisher, Son & Co., 1829. A print, originally produced for the part-work series "Ireland Illustrated" (London : 1829-1832). Engraved by Robert Brandard (1805-1862) from an original study by the Irish artist and archaeologist George Petrie R.H.A.

Tower, Belfry and Church (1832)
Taken from cover of The Dublin Penny Journal, Volume 1,
Number 23, December 1, 1832
(for text of article see: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html)

Round Tower and Church (1834)
The Mirror of Literature, Amusement and Instruction
No 689 December 27 1834

Tower, Belfry and Church. Mrs Hall Travels around Ireland (1843)

Swords Castle. Mrs Hall Travels around Ireland (1843)

Tower and Belfry What's To Be Seen in Dublin (1872)

'North-east View, Church of St. Columba, Norman Tower, and Round Tower, Swords, A.D. 1887'
Fingal and its Churches - A Historical Sketch, by Robert Walsh, M. A., Dublin and London, 1888.

Glasmore Abbey (1887)

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls00022345

Tower, Belfry and Church (1902)
Cyclist and Pedestrian Guide Neighbourhood of Dublin R J Mecredy (Mecredy and Kyle, Dublin)

Round Tower, Swords, County Dublin c. 1903
https://www.rct.uk/collection/2600050/round-tower-swords-county-dublin

Tower, Belfry and Church (ca. 1890-1910)
Mason, Thomas Holmes, 1877-1958 photographer
In Collections: Mason Photographic Collection
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000519607

Tower, Belfry and Church (ca. 1890-1910)
Mason, Thomas Holmes, 1877-1958 photographer
In Collections: Mason Photographic Collection
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000519608

Tower (ca. 1890-1910)
Mason, Thomas Holmes, 1877-1958 photographer
In Collections: Mason Photographic Collection
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000519609

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000230210

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000335462

Photo by William G.Fallon, photographer
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000284426#page/1/mode/1up

Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000040795

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000040796

Swords Castle and Mill (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000316940

Swords Mill (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000316939

The Mill
(Paul Hughes)

Catholic Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000319600

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000316936

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000319596

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000335463

Church At Swords Co Dublin : 114 Years Old Antique Print (1898)
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Moonlizard-Church-At-Swords-Dublin/dp/B00AAROZ5E

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000316937

Swords Castle (early 1900s)
Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
See: https://rsai.locloudhosting.net/

Swords Castle (early 1900s)
Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
See: https://rsai.locloudhosting.net/

Swords Castle (early 1900s)
Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
See: https://rsai.locloudhosting.net/

Swords Castle (early 1900s)
Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland
See: https://rsai.locloudhosting.net/

Swords Castle (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000319599

Swords Castle (c.1900) (Val 58182)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/

Photo by William G.Fallon, photographer
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000284426#page/1/mode/1up

Glasmore Abbey
Photograph by A. Harris, photographer
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000284039#page/1/mode/1up

Photograph by A. Harris, photographer
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000284039#page/1/mode/1up

Robert Welch Album
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000536128#page/57/mode/1up

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000316938

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

North Street, Swords (c. 1900)
For more information see: http://homepage.eircom.net/~swordsourtown/local_history/local_history.htm

Swords main street (1904)
from The Neighbourhood of Dublin: Its Topography, Antiquities, and Historical Associations
by Weston St. John Joyce (Dublin: M H Gill and Son, Ltd, 1921)

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900) (Val 58181)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/

Swords Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Swords Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information contact: Fingal Raparee Fadó Fadó: Irish Memory
http://irishmemory.blogspot.ie/2013/02/a-history-tour-of-swords-1921.html

Main Street, Swords
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000319597

Tower, Belfry and Church (c.1900)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Church and Towers, Swords
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/irish-postcard-ireland-dublin-swords-church-and-tower-/401017941297?hash=item5d5e882d31:g:J3oAAOSwhcJWGtms

Towers from the east, Swords
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Ireland-Towers-from-East-Swords-Dublin-Old-Real-Photo-Postcard-Clock-Round-Tower-/381517765173?hash=item58d43b1a35:g:gu4AAOSwX~dWlNQ7

Swords Sord Cholmcille A Textual History
Historical texts relating to Swords, County Dublin from the 6th century to today.

Feltrim Hill, Swords (demolished)
For more information see: http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000319601

The Taylors & Swords House (c. 1900) (demolished, now site of Fingal County Council)
For more information see: http://homepage.eircom.net/~swordsourtown/local_history/local_history.htm

Swords Castle, Swords
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

Swords main street (c.1900)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Price's Shop, Swords (1912)
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

Old Borough School, Main Street, Swords (c.1900)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Early's Hotel, Main St. Swords. Later Taylor's Hardware.
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

The Star Pub, Main St., Swords burned (1920s)
For more information see: http://homepage.eircom.net/~swordsourtown/local_history/local_history.htm

Coolbanagher (1925)
Thanks to Dave Molloy
['Swords Photographed past and present' group on Facebook]

The Irish Times 23 April 1929

The Star Pub, Main St., Swords (1934)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Swords Castle (1934)
On a sunny day in June 1934 an inspector from the National Monuments Service was surveying Swords Castle, a national monument in the ownership of Fingal Co. Co. (SMR DU011-034001-).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Monuments-Service-Archaeology/563478597003852

Swords Castle (1934)
On a sunny day in June 1934 an inspector from the National Monuments Service was surveying Swords Castle, a national monument in the ownership of Fingal Co. Co. (SMR DU011-034001-).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Monuments-Service-Archaeology/563478597003852

Swords Castle (1934)
On a sunny day in June 1934 an inspector from the National Monuments Service was surveying Swords Castle, a national monument in the ownership of Fingal Co. Co. (SMR DU011-034001-).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Monuments-Service-Archaeology/563478597003852

Swords Castle (1934)
On a sunny day in June 1934 an inspector from the National Monuments Service was surveying Swords Castle, a national monument in the ownership of Fingal Co. Co. (SMR DU011-034001-).
https://www.facebook.com/pages/National-Monuments-Service-Archaeology/563478597003852

Board of Health houses, Main Street, Swords (1934)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Confirmation, St Colmcille's Church, Swords (1930s)
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/search/str/Berni%20Swordsmuseum/keywords_top

The Irish Times 25 March 1936

Swords Main Street c1940s
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

North Street, Swords (Harp Bar on the left)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

North Street and Seatown Road. Mary Ryan's shop before that.
Mr. Weston fixed and sold TVs (demolished) (1947/8)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Swords Sord Cholmcille A Textual History
Historical texts relating to Swords, County Dublin from the 6th century to today.

Fingal Harriers at Swords Castle (1943)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

From Brian Beggan

Nurse's Hill - Outside J C Savage house at the Watery Lane junction.
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum

'The Big Tree' Pub -now the Estuary -
also the 'Big Tree' in the middle of the road, which was removed (c 1940s)
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

Central Bar (c. 1940s)
(Old Borough National School, Swords)

Swords Main Street (1940s?)
(Sylvia Maxwell)

Anthony O'Keefe Bar (c. 1950) Later Ryan's (demolished)
(Old Borough National School, Swords)

North Street, Swords (c.1950)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Main Street, Swords (1950)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
For more information see:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swords-Past-and-Present/144951462229109

Playing handball at the Lord Mayor's (formerly O'Toole's) Pub, Swords (1950s)
For more information see:
http://www.irishhandballalley.com/2011/02/i-was-first-told-that-there-was-alley.html

Belfry (1960s)
For more information see: http://www.tara.tcd.ie/jspui/handle/2262/12016

Swords Castle (1960s)
For more information see: http://www.tara.tcd.ie/jspui/handle/2262/12015

The Irish Times 22 October 1964

Swords Castle (1940-60s)
For more information see Swords Castle Conservation Plan - Main Document

Bridge Street, Swords
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

Round tower, Belfry and church (1969)
O'Dea, James P. 1910-1992 photographer
In Collections: O'Dea Photograph Collection
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000307662

Round tower, Belfry and church (1960s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

St Columba's Rise, Swords (1967) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)
[L to R: Kevin Cryan, Kevin Power, Karen Cryan, Frank Bermingham, anon]

St Columba's Rise, Swords (1960s) (Photo: Power Collection)
[L to R: anon, Elizabeth Meenan, Kevin Cryan, Paddy Power, Kevin Power
(Elizabeth Meenan's grandmother, Mrs Meenan, getting out of Volkswagon Beetle)]

Pageant (re-enacting the elopement of Mable Bagnall) in Swords Castle (1970)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Swords Festival, outside Clarke's (1970s)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Hortex Factory
Parade in Swords 1970s - marching down to Fingallians (1970s)
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum?fref=ts

Hector Bray Cinema Swords (1970s)
(Niall McNeill)

Painting the fence around the Hector Bray Cinema Swords (now Penny's)
Photo from Paudie Murphy (c.1970s) (demolished)
For more information see:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swords-Past-and-Present/144951462229109

The Pound (1972) (Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
(Photo: Jack and David McGrane)

Round Tower, Swords (1976) (Patrick Healy Collection)
For more information contact:
http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/handle/10599/2534

Swords Sord Cholmcille A Textual History
Historical texts relating to Swords, County Dublin from the 6th century to today.

Main Street, Swords (1976) (Patrick Healy Collection)
For more information see: http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/handle/10599/2780

Mr Mongey at Mongey's petrol station, Main St, Swords (1970s)

Mr Mongey at Mongey's petrol station, Main St, Swords (1970s)
(Dermot Browne)

Swords Castle, Flea na Bpaisti (1970s) (Photos: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Flea na Bpaisti (1970s) (Photos: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Flea na Bpaisti (1970s) (Photos: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Flea na Bpaisti (1970s) (Photos: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

North St, Swords (the shop on the right hand corner was Julia Weston's) (1970s)
For more information see:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Swords-Past-and-Present/144951462229109

The Taylors & Swords House (1976) (demolished now site of Fingal County Council)
Photo: Patrick Healy
For more information see: http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/handle/10599/1429

O'Toole's Bar (1970s) (Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2010)
(Photo: Peadar Grogan)

Old Borough National School, Swords
Photo: Patrick Healy
For more information see: http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/handle/10599/3634

Brackenstown House, Swords
Photo: Patrick Healy
For more information see: http://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/handle/10599/2470

Paddy Lennox
Larkins garage / Billies hairdresser.

Main Street In 1971
(Paul Hughes)

Sword Castle. Photo - Bernadette Marks (1979)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Hortex Factory (1980s)
"Factory in background now Carlton Court - pics taken at Colaiste Choilm."
See Bernadette Marks:
https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum

The Irish Times 29 August 1981

Round Tower Swords (1981) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Belfry, Swords (1981) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Barracks, Church Road, Swords (1970s) (demolished) (Dyes F. G. Anderson Chemicals)
For more information contact: Joe Curtis (http://www.balbriggan.net/contactus.htm)

Barracks, Church Road, Swords (1980s) (demolished) (Dyes F. G. Anderson Chemicals)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

River by old mill (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Cottage facing castle (demolished) (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) Chapel facade.
For more information see Swords Castle Conservation Plan - Main Document

Swords Castle (1987) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1987) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1987) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

North Street, Swords (1987) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Pound and Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Constable's Tower (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Constable's Tower, Swords Castle (1980s) External view
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle [North wall] (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

North Street (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

North Street (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

North Street (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle with Tower and Belfry (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Constable's Tower, Swords Castle (1980s) Internal view (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Constable's Tower, Swords Castle (1980s) through arch (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Old Schoolhouse, Coolbanagher, Church Road, Swords, was built in 1846,
became restaurant in 1982 (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Park, Main Street, Swords (1980s) (now site of Fingal County Council)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Catholic Church (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Catholic Church (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main Street, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Hardware (1980s) (Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
(Photo: John Taylor)

Savage's Supermarket (1980s)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
(Photo: Ted McLoughlin)

Fitzgerald's, Main Street, Swords (1980s)
(Mary Weldon)

Mrs Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald's, Main Street, Swords (1980s)
(Mary Weldon)

The Gut (demolished) (1980s) (Photo: Mongey Collection)

The Gut (demolished) (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Texaco Garage (1980s) (Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2010)
(Photo: Michael Kavanagh)

Constable's Tower
(Paul Hughes)

The Acorn
(Niall Mac Neill)

(Niall Mac Neill)

Carnegie Library, North St., Swords. Built in 1908 by a local committee with a grant from the Carnegie Trust
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Old Boro, Main Street (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Harp Inn (1980s) (demolished)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2010)
(Photo: Ted McLoughlin)

Swords Park, Main Street, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Park, Main Street, Swords (1980s) (now site of Fingal County Council)
For more information see: http://homepage.eircom.net/~swordsourtown/local_history/local_history.htm

Swords Park, Main Street, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Tower, Belfry and Church, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Tower, Belfry and Church, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Tower, Belfry and Church, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Lane between St Columba's Rise and Church Road (1990s)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Church Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St Columba's Graveyard (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Courthouse, North Street, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Sord Cholmcille A Textual History
Historical texts relating to Swords, County Dublin from the 6th century to today.

The Gut, off Malahide Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

View from Malahide Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

View from Main Street, Swords (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Barracks (demolished) [Building on right] (1980s)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Old Vicarage, Church Road Swords built in the 17th century. The home of the local
Church of Ireland the Clergyman. The Old Vicarage is now an apartment block.
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Bridge (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Well, Well Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Well, Well Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Glasmore Abbey front (1980s) Lioscian, off St. Cronan’s Avenue, Brackenstown Road, Swords
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (See: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html for map)

Glasmore Abbey back (1980s) Lioscian, off St. Cronan’s Avenue, Brackenstown Road, Swords
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (See: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html for map)

Ancient cottage, Rathbeale Road (mud and wattle walls) (1980s)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Ancient cottage, Rathbeale Road (mud and wattle walls) (1980s)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Cottage, Church Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Pump, Rathbeale Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Pump, Rathbeale Road (1980s) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main Street, Swords (1988)
(Niall McNeill)

John Hinde postcard (1990s)

Church, Swords (1991) (Photo: Brendan Scally)
http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000354510

Swords Sord Cholmcille A Textual History
Historical texts relating to Swords, County Dublin from the 6th century to today.

Swords Shoe Repairs (1992) (Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
(Photo: Ted McLoughlin)

Barracks, Church Road, Swords (1993) (demolished)
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Dublin Metropolitan Police Station (former), Church Road, SWORDS GLEBE
(Christy Russell)

Peter Galvin Hardware (1990s)
(Old Borough National School, Swords)

Superquinn, Main St., Swords (1993) (demolished) Now the Pavilions Swords Shopping Centre
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/

Coláiste Choilm, Swords (demolished) (1999) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Coláiste Choilm, Swords (demolished) (1999) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Coláiste Choilm, Swords (demolished) (1999) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Coláiste Choilm, Swords (demolished) (1999) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Coláiste Choilm, Swords (demolished) (1999) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Old Borough National School (under construction), Swords (2000) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

The Old Borough National School (under construction), Swords (2000) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

The Old Borough National School (under construction), Swords (2000) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

The Old Borough National School, Swords (2001)
(Old Borough National School, Swords - Calendar 2008)
(Photo: Principal Anne-Marie Woods)

Pump beside the Lord Mayor's, Main St., Swords (2000s)
For more information see: http://homepage.eircom.net/~swordsourtown/local_history/local_history.htm

Church Road, Swords (2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Tower, Belfry and Church (2000s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Tower, Belfry and Church (2000s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Ryans Pub, Main Street (demolished) (2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Festival (September 2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Festival (September 2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle, Festival (September 2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Cottage, Malahide Road (Demolished) (2005) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Church Road passage to Columba's Rise (2005) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Chapel Lane, Swords (2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St. Colmcille's B.N.S., Chapel Lane, Swords (2005) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St. Colmcille's B.N.S., Chapel Lane, Swords (2006) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St. Colmcille's B.N.S., Chapel Lane, Swords (2006) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Principal James Bennett, St. Colmcille's B.N.S., Chapel Lane, Swords (2006)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St. Colmcille's B.N.S., Chapel Lane, Swords (2006) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Old Borough National School (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Old Borough National School (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Church Road (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Church Road (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Swords Castle Shopping Centre, Rathbeale Road (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Tower, Belfry and Church (2000s) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Church Road, Swords (2000s)
(Donal Cassidy)

Sexton's House, 26 Church Road, Swords (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Forster Way, Swords (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Forster Way, Swords (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Forster Way, Swords (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Senior Citizen's Centre, Forster Way, Swords (2006) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Weeping willow, Vicarage, Church Road, Swords (2008) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Vicarage, Church Road, Swords (2008) (Photo: Veronica Cryan)

Swords Castle (August 2009) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Well, Well Road (January 2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Shoe Repairs (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Old Boro, Main Street, Swords (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Site of Swords Mill (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Courthouse, North St. (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Old Vicarage, Church Road, Swords (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Site of Barracks, Church Road, Swords (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Castle (August 2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Constable's Tower, Swords Castle (2013) Internal view
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Tower, Belfry and Church (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Glasmore Abbey (2013) Lioscian, off St. Cronan’s Avenue, Brackenstown Road, Swords
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (See: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html for map)

Youthreach, New Boro School, Oak Tree Lane, off North St, Swords
Former National School built in 1890 (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Fingal County Council Swords Town Park, Bridge Street, Swords.
Pillars from Swords House, formerly on Main St (now Fingal County Hall)
(2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Swords Main Street (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Old Schoolhouse Restaurant, Swords, was built in 1846, became restaurant in 1982
(2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Old Borough National School (2013) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Carnegie Library, North St., Swords. Built in 1908 by a local committee with a grant from the Carnegie Trust
For more information see: http://www.swordsheritage.com/
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Star Pub, Main St., Swords (2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Teachers’ Residences, North Street - built in 1890 (2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

The Lord Mayors, Main Street, Swords (2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Eddie Rocket's, Main Street, Swords (2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Tower, Belfry (2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Belfry and roof markings of early church knocked down in 1811(2013)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Cottage, Church Road, Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Peter Galvin Hardware, Main St, Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Apache Pizza, Malahide Road, Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Malahide Rd, Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Main St., Swords (April 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St. Colmcille's Graveyard, Swords
Catholic Church FB

Big Tree in St. Colmcille's Graveyard, Swords (December 2015) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

According to Bernadette Marks, "Alas, the weather has damaged the tree, part of it has fallen down! The tree grew into the headstone of Careys from Baskin."
(See: https://www.facebook.com/berni.swordsmuseum)

RTE' s Prime Time broadcast from
Swords Castle Church on 16 -2 - 2016

Swords in the summer: Watery Lane towards Rathbeale Road.
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

St Columba's Rise (17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Ruined cottage, Rathbeale Road (17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Shortts House
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Shortts House
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

(June 2018) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

(June 2018) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Church Road
(June 2018) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Round Tower and Belfry from old Belfast road.
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

Newtown House c.1740 Balheary Road, Newtown, Swords
(Photo: Declan Power) (2020)

For more information and pics see: http://gaelart.net/swordshistory.html

Chapel

(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Chapel Choir

First floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Chamber Block

First floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

First floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Second floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Constables Tower

First floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Stairwell
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

Second floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

En suite toilet, Second floor
(17 July 2016) (Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2019)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

Round Tower restoration 2022

Round Tower
(Photo: Tristan Hendrick) (2022)

Round Tower
(Photo: Tristan Hendrick) (2022)

Belfry
(Photo: Tristan Hendrick) (2022)

Round Tower
(Photo: Tristan Hendrick) (2022)

Old Jail (Front)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

Old Jail (Back)
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

FairChoice Nursing Home
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

Park opposite FairChoice Nursing Home
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2022)

Lord Mayors, Main Street
(Photo: Eric Wolfe) (2023)

Lord Mayors, Main Street and New Road
(Photo: Eric Wolfe) (2023)

Lord Mayors (car park and land on right side of road), New Road
(Photo: Eric Wolfe) (2023)

Swords Castle

Swords Castle renovation
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2023)

Swords Castle renovation
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2023)

Swords Castle renovation
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2023)

Swords Castle renovation
(Photo: Caoimhghin Ó Croidheáin) (2023)

A Textual History