Skerries, Dublin

Skerries (Na Sceirí in Irish) is an area in County Dublin, Ireland.

Skerries has four islands off its coast. They include Shenick Island, St Patrick's, Colt and Rockabill. On Shenick Island you will find a Martello tower, one of a number of defensive towers erected along the Irish coast by the occupying British. When the tide is at its lowest one might see, while walking along the beautiful sandy south beach, people crossing to the island, perhaps to climb into the tower, or perhaps to enjoy the swarms of sea birds that know the island as home. The other islands are harder to reach, but with a bit of determination one may convince one of many boat-owners to take one across.

St. Patrick's Island is called this as this is where the Irish patron saint St. Patrick is reputed to have landed and begun his mission to convert the country to Christianity. It is also known locally as Church Island. In 1148, St Malachy Archbishop of Armagh, arranged a synod on the island to settle differences between the Irish Christians and the Pope. Fifteen bishops, two hundred priests and other clergy were present.