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'{{short description|Small coastal town in Fingal, County Dublin, Ireland}} {{Use dmy dates|date=February 2022}} {{Use Hiberno-English|date=December 2022}} {{Infobox settlement | settlement_type = Town | name = Skerries | native_name = {{lang|ga|Na Sceirí}} | native_name_lang = ga | image_skyline = SkerriesDublin.jpg | image_caption = Clockwise from top: Brightly painted houses lining Skerries harbour; the Great Windmill; businesses on Strand Street | pushpin_map = Ireland | pushpin_label_position = top | pushpin_map_caption = Location in Ireland | coordinates = {{coord|53.5828|-6.1083|dim:100000_region:IE|display=inline,title}} | blank_name_sec1 = Irish Grid Reference | blank_info_sec1 = {{iem4ibx|O248606}} | subdivision_type = [[List of sovereign states|Country]] | subdivision_name = [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]] | subdivision_type1 = [[Provinces of Ireland|Province]] | subdivision_name1 = [[Leinster]] | subdivision_type2 = [[Counties of Ireland|County]] | subdivision_name2 = [[County Dublin|Dublin]] | subdivision_type3 = [[Local government in the Republic of Ireland|Local Authority]] | subdivision_name3 = [[Fingal]] | area_code_type = [[Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland|Telephone area code]] | area_code = +353(0)1 | postal_code_type = [[Eircode]] routing key | postal_code = K34 | timezone = [[Western European Time|WET]] | utc_offset = ±0 | timezone_DST = [[Irish Standard Time|IST]] | utc_offset_DST = +1 | unit_pref = Metric | elevation_m = 5 | population_as_of = 2016 | population_urban = 10,043 | population_footnotes = <ref name = "cso2016">{{cite web | title = Census 2016| work = Central Statistics Office Census 2016 Reports | publisher = [[Central Statistics Office (Ireland)|Central Statistics Office Ireland]] | url = http://www.cso.ie/px/pxeirestat/Statire/SelectVarVal/saveselections.asp }}</ref> }} '''Skerries''' ({{Irish SKERRIES IS A SHITHOLE name|Na Sceirí|rocky islands}}) is a coastal town in [[Fingal]], in the north of [[County Dublin]], [[Republic of Ireland|Ireland]]. Skerries was historically a fishing port and later a centre of hand embroidery. These industries declined in the early 20th century, however, and it became both a [[resort town]] and a [[commuter town]] for [[Dublin|Dublin City]], located approximately {{convert|30|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the south. Offshore from the town are several islands, one of which is a nature reserve, Rockabil.I love skerries because of all the 🌽⭐️ ==Etymology== The name Skerries comes from the [[Old Norse]] word {{Lang|non|sker}} ({{lang-ga|sceir}}), referring to a [[skerry]] − a small rocky island or reef which may be covered during high tide.<ref name="logainm">{{cite web|url = https://www.logainm.ie/127107.aspx | publisher = Placenames Database of Ireland | website = logainm.ie | title = Na Sceirí / Skerries (see scanned records) | accessdate = 15 May 2022 }}</ref> In Irish this is pluralised as {{Lang|ga|na sceirí}}.<ref name="logainm"/> ==Geography== Skerries is on gently sloping land approaching the coast, which is partly overlooked by low bluffs. There are hills around, including Mill Hill, where a windmill has long been sited. The town itself is built around three long streets - Strand Street, Church Street and Balbriggan Road, and between the surrounding hills and beaches. Skerries South Strand is a long sandy beach (2.5&nbsp;km long). Red Island, Mill Hill, Hillside, the nearby Ardgillan Park and Demesne, Barnageeragh and to a lesser extent Baldungan Castle, provide vantages overlooking the town. The town has five islands off its coast: [[Shenick Island]], [[St Patrick's Island|St Patrick's]], [[Colt Island|Colt]] and the island formation of [[Rockabill]], which comprises "The Cow" and "The Calf",<ref>Halligan, Mary (1937-38). ''Skerries Historical Society''.</ref> separated by a narrow channel. There is also Red Island, which is a [[tied island]]. Rockabill has the largest numbers of breeding [[roseate tern]]s in Europe. It is also the farthest set of islands from the town and has a [[lighthouse]] which is 4 miles from the nearest path on the mainland at Red Island. The [[Martello tower]] on Shenick Island is one of a number of defensive towers erected during the [[Napoleonic Wars]] along the Irish coast by the [[United Kingdom|British]]. The tower is situated 1 mile from the great windmill and a similar distance from both the Monument on Strand Street and the other Martello tower on Red Island. This forms an almost perfect arc through the major tall secular structures in the town with the Martello tower on Shenick at the centre. Shenick Island is accessible on foot at the lowest tides, but potentially problematic, due to turning tides. The other islands are harder to reach, but it is possible by boat. St Patrick's Island is so-called because [[Saint Patrick]] is reputed to have landed on the island.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-09-04 |title=The legend of St Patrick’s Footprint |website=Skerries Historical Society |url=https://oldskerries.ie/the-legend-of-st-patricks-footprint/,%20https://oldskerries.ie/the-legend-of-st-patricks-footprint/ |access-date=2022-12-08 |language=en-GB}}</ref> ==History== ===Invasions and saints=== Early writers tell how an island off Skerries was used as a landing place for an invasion, which happened in the second century C.E. This island was either Shenick or Red Island, which would have been a tidal island at the time. When the invaders landed, they formed ranks and at low tide marched to the mainland, where they were promptly defeated at the ancient settlement of Knocknagin, north of [[Balbriggan]]. The islands were previously known as the ''Islands of Cor'' possibly after the original inhabitants.{{fact|date=February 2022}} [[File:Skerries Lighthouse.jpg|thumb|Skerries Lighthouse on [[Rockabill]] island]] As noted, in 432 AD, St. Patrick landed on Church Island, and according to the [[Annals of Inisfallen]] [[Saint Mochonna]] founded a monastery shortly afterwards.<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw">{{Cite web |date=2015-06-05 |title=Overview of Skerries History, Part 1.|website=Skerries Historical Society |url=https://oldskerries.ie/overview-of-skerries-history-part-1/ |access-date=2022-12-12 |language=en-GB}}</ref> In 797 AD, the [[Vikings]] (or ''Danes'') carried out one of their earliest raids in Ireland when they plundered the [[monastery]] on Church Island.<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw"/> As the origin of the name is Norse and many localities have Norse-based names,<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw"/> it is assumed that the Vikings did settle and occupy the area. Sitric, who was a son of a Dane called Murchard, re-founded the monastery on Church Island in 1120.<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw"/> He dedicated it to St. Patrick, the Apostle of Ireland. By this time, the [[Hiberno-Norse]] who had settled in Ireland had become Christians.<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw"/> In 1148, [[Saint Malachy]], [[Archbishop of Armagh (Roman Catholic)|Archbishop of Armagh]], arranged a [[synod]] on St. Patrick's island to settle differences between the Irish Christians and the [[Pope]]. Fifteen [[bishop]]s, two hundred priests, and other clergy, were present.<ref name="SkerrOldSoc_Ovw"/> ===The Middle Ages=== In 1320, the manor of Skerries was granted to Sir Michael le Veel; his descendants Anglicised their name to Calf.{{fact|date=February 2022}} The Prior of Holmpatrick received permission to build a pier in 1496 from [[Henry VII of England|King Henry VII]].<ref>At the time, the role of the English monarch in Ireland was technically designated [[Lordship of Ireland|Lord of Ireland]].</ref> At this time, Skerries was the property of the monastery of Holmpatrick and was known as the Port of Holmpatrick.{{fact|date=February 2022}} ===Reformation era=== In 1565, after the [[Protestant Reformation|Reformation]], the monastery and its lands became the property of Thomas Fitzpatrick. In the autumn of 1593, while the [[Catholic_Church_in_Ireland#Counter-Reformation_and_suppression|Catholic Church was illegal and underground]], Archbishop [[Dermot O'Hurley]] arranged for a sea captain to smuggle him into [[Ireland]] from the French port of [[Le Croisic]] and drop him upon Holmpatrick Strand in Skerries.<ref>Edited by Patrick J. Cornish and Benignus Millet (2005), ''The Irish Martyrs'', Four Courts Press, Dublin. Page 67-68.</ref> Archbishop O'Hurley, who later became one of the 24 [[Irish Catholic Martyrs]], was met at Skerries by a priest named Fr. John Dillon, who accompanied him to [[Drogheda]].<ref> Edited by Patrick J. Cornish and Benignus Millet (2005), ''The Irish Martyrs'', Four Courts Press, Dublin. Page 69.</ref> In 1605 the manor and lands of Holmpatrick were granted to the [[Earl of Thomond]]. In 1721 the last Earl sold the manor and lands, including the town of Skerries, to the Hamilton family of Hacketstown. Comparisons between maps of Skerries drawn in 1703 and 1760 suggest that the Hamilton family was responsible for setting out the streets of the town as they are today. Between 1863 and 1865 a monument to the memory of James Hans Hamilton, the local landlord and MP, was erected in Skerries. In 1897, the Hamilton family were granted the title of Lord Holmpatrick. ===Early 20th century=== After the [[Easter Rising|1916 rising]], a British destroyer landed troops at Skerries to help the Dublin garrisons suppress the rising.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} 200 men of the [[North Staffordshire Regiment]] landed under the command of Captain Clay. To try to impede their progress to Dublin, local rebels blew up the bridge over the railway in [[Donabate]].{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} During the [[Irish Civil War]] in 1922, [[Harry Boland]] was mortally wounded while being taken into custody by [[Irish Free State]] forces at the Skerries Grand Hotel.{{citation needed|date=July 2017}} ====Holiday camps==== The town's former school [[holiday camp]], Gentours Childrens Holiday Camp, was initially a "boys only" camp.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://catalogue.nli.ie/Record/vtls000044977/Image?lookfor=http://www.nli.ie/digital/vtls000044977.jpg|title=Gentours boys camp, Skerries|year=1930|publisher=National Library of Ireland Catalogue}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://historicalpicturearchive.com/product/qh-00202/ |title=Gentours Boys Camp, Skerries, Co Dublin, Ireland. old Irish photograph. QH-00202 – The Historical Picture Archive |publisher=Historicalpicturearchive.com |access-date=2019-07-17}}</ref> Later it became Gentours Childrens Holiday Camp.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/sport/other-sports/george-rogan-and-the-ros-eo-crew-rescue-a-mermaid-27766271.html|title=George Rogan and the Ros Eo crew rescue a mermaid!|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=14 June 2006}}</ref> In the late 1940s, a family holiday camp was built on Red Island by the Quinn family, founders of the [[Superquinn]] chain of supermarkets.<ref name="archiseekRI">[http://archiseek.com/2016/1947-holiday-camp-red-island-skerries-co-dublin/ "Holiday Camp, Red Island, Skerries, Co. Dublin"]. ''Arciseek.com''. Retrieved 10 Oct 2018.</ref> The camp had 250 bedrooms all under one roof, along with dining and entertainment areas. In this respect, the accommodation at Red Island differed from more typical chalet facilities at other camps, such as [[Butlin's]].<ref>Fergal Quinn (16 November 2003). [https://web.archive.org/web/20141111002734/http://www.thesundaytimes.co.uk/sto/style/homes_and_gardens/article29153.ece "Time & Place: It really was a holiday camp"]. ''The Sunday Times''. Retrieved 9 May 2015.</ref> The holiday business closed in the early 1970s. The ballroom continued in use as a concert venue, until all the buildings were demolished in the 1980s.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://oldskerries.ie/red-island/ | publisher = Skerries Historical Society | website = oldskerries.ie | title = Red Island | date = 5 June 2015 | access-date = 17 July 2019 }}</ref> Much of the Red Island site is now laid out as a public park.<ref name="archiseekRI"/> ===Late 20th century=== With a restoration starting in the late 20th century,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/praise-for-skerries-mills-complex-27786065.html|title=Praise for Skerries Mills complex|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=3 November 2000}}</ref> the Skerries Mills consists of two restored and working windmills, a watermill, a museum and coffee shop. Now operated as a local amenity and tourist attraction, the sails on one of the windmills were damaged during storms in January 2007, but subsequently repaired.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/localnotes/fingal-in-focus-27763913.html|title=Fingal in focus|newspaper=[[Irish Independent]]|date=31 January 2007}}</ref> In common with much of Dublin's hinterland, Skerries saw growth in residential property and associated prices during the late 1990s and early 21st century.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} [[File:Skerries Windmill 16feb08.jpg|thumb|upright|The larger of the two Skerries Mills windmills]] == Education == The town has one second-level institution, Skerries Community College, originating from a merger in 1982 of the De La Salle College, Skerries Vocational School, and the local Holy Faith convent school. It is a [[co-educational]] school, unlike the institutions from which it formed. There are four primary schools in the town: Réalt na Mara National School, St. Patrick's National School, Holmpatrick National School and [[Educate Together]] Skerries National School.{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} == Transport == The town is served by [[Skerries railway station]], with most services terminating at [[Connolly station|Connolly]] and [[Dublin Pearse railway station|Pearse]] stations, [[Drogheda]], and [[Dundalk]].{{fact|date=July 2022}} The 33 and 33A bus routes (operated by [[Dublin Bus]] and [[Go-Ahead Ireland]] respectively) pass through Skerries.{{fact|date=July 2022}} The [[M1 motorway (Republic of Ireland)|M1 Motorway]] is the nearest motorway to the town. == Martello towers == [[File:Martello Tower at Skerries, north County Dublin - geograph.org.uk - 1342046.jpg|thumb|upright|Martello Tower]] The two [[Martello towers]] in Skerries, at Red Island and Shenick Island, are part of a chain of 29 [[Martello towers in the Greater Dublin Area]] constructed in the early 19th century. They were built by the British, along the Irish and English coasts. They were to serve as protection from [[Napoleon]]ic French armies (in the scenario of an invasion) and as an early warning system against an attack. The tower on Red Island was used as part of the Red Island Holiday Camp. Since that was demolished in the 1980s, the tower has stood alone.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://irishmartellotowers.wordpress.com/introduction/|title=1:Introduction|date=2012-12-04|newspaper=Irish Martello Towers|language=en-US|access-date=2016-11-29}}</ref> ==Arts== ===Literary references=== In [[Flann O'Brien]]'s book ''[[The Dalkey Archive]]'', Skerries is the location of the narrator's meeting with [[James Joyce]]. The narrator has heard a rumour that Joyce has returned from the continent and is working in a small country pub. He tracks him down to a place on the outskirts of Skerries, but Joyce denies all knowledge of "that filthy book" ''[[Ulysses (novel)|Ulysses]]''. Casey, one of Reegan's subordinate officers in [[John McGahern]]'s first novel, ''[[The Barracks]]'', is described as having previously been stationed in Skerries where he also met his wife, Teresa. In conversation with Elizabeth Reegan, the novel's protagonist, Casey describes his "great life there, near the city; the market gardening, places you couldn't throw a stone without breaking glass", while Teresa recalls the evening she met her husband: "You could still hear the music from the pavilion and it was comin' across from Red Island too, Mick Delahunty playing there that night. There was a big moon over the masts of the fishin' fleet. I knew he was mad for a court".{{citation needed|date=October 2017}} ===Music=== Musicians from Skerries range from ''Tony Keeling and the Graduates'' in the [[Irish showband|showband]] days,{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} through to extreme metal band [[Primordial (band)|Primordial]] which was formed in Skerries in the 1980s.{{citation needed|date=October 2019}} Singer-songwriter [[Ryan O'Shaughnessy]] originates from Skerries, and represented Ireland in the [[Eurovision Song Contest 2018|2018 Eurovision Song Contest]].<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/spreading-our-message-is-a-victory-in-itself-ryan-oshaughnessy-proud-of-irelands-eurovision-performance-36901447.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = 'Spreading our message is a victory in itself' - Ryan O'Shaughnessy proud of Ireland's Eurovision performance | date = 13 May 2018 | access-date = 17 July 2019 }}</ref> ==Awards== Skerries has received several awards for its scenery, culture, and community activities. For example, Skerries came second in the 2014 ''Best Place to Live in Ireland'' awards.{{citation needed|date=January 2019}} The town is also the only place to have won an award as an entire community at RTÉ & Rehab's People of the Year Awards in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/homes/reasons-why-you-should-consider-moving-to-skerries-by-the-seaside-31097353.html|title=Reasons why you should consider moving to Skerries by the seaside - Independent.ie}}</ref> In 2016, Skerries was named Ireland's [[Tidy Towns (Ireland)|Tidiest Town]] by the Supervalu National Tidy Towns competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tidytowns.ie/|title=Welcome to TidyTowns Ireland|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110429220001/http://www.tidytowns.ie/|archive-date=2011-04-29}}</ref> Skerries was rated as one of Europe's ten most beautiful cities by the Eating Europe Food Tours blog.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eatingeuropetours.com/europe-most-beautiful-cities/|title=10 of Europe's Most Beautiful Cities|date=8 April 2015}}</ref> ==Sport== Local sports clubs include [[Skerries Harps GAA]] (the local [[Gaelic Athletic Association]] club), Skerries Town Football Club (an [[association football|association football (soccer)]] team), and [[Skerries RFC]] (the area's [[rugby union]] club). Other clubs include Skerries Sailing Club, which is located by the harbour and is the home to a dinghy and cruiser fleet.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The [[Measle (boat)|Measle]] dinghy was designed locally and introduced in Skerries in 1960.<ref>{{Cite news |date=20 April 1964 |year=1964 |title=Scouts will be happy with the 'Measles' |page=4 |work=Evening Herald}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=The History Of Skerries Sailing Club |url=http://skerriessailingclub.com/history/ |url-status=live |access-date=21 December 2022 |website=Skerries Sailing Club}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=3 September 1960 |year=1960 |title=Skerries regatta was enjoyable |work=Drogheda Independent}}</ref> BirdWatch Ireland, Fingal branch, gives presentations and arranges outdoor events.{{citation needed|date=July 2019}} The town also hosts the annual [[Skerries 100]] and Killalane motorcycle races. ==Religion== Skerries is a [[parish]] in the [[List of parishes of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin by deanery#Fingal North|Fingal North deanery]] of the [[Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin]]. Skerries is served by Holmpatrick St Patrick, [[Church of Ireland]],<ref>[https://www.ireland.anglican.org/find-a-church/parish/14670/holmpatrick-st-patrick-skerries Holmpatrick St. Patricks] Church of Ireland.</ref> and Skerries Methodist Church.<ref>[https://www.irishmethodist.org/church/skerries Skerries] Irish Methodist, www.irishmethodist.org</ref><ref>[http://oldskerries.ie/the-methodist-church/ The Methodist Church] Skerries Historical Society, www.oldskerries.ie</ref> ==Notable people== * [[Steven Beattie]], association footballer<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/sport/soccer/steven-is-big-name-in-the-usa-27790527.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | work = Fingal Independent | title = Steven is big name in the USA | date = 7 January 2009 | access-date = 4 January 2021}}</ref> * [[Bobby Beggs]], Gaelic footballer<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/arid-20167757.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Parish pride in the big smoke | date = 16 September 2011 | access-date = 4 January 2021 }}</ref> * [[Bryan Cullen]], Gaelic footballer{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} * [[Lyndsey Davey]], Gaelic footballer<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/lifestyle/lyndsey-lives-her-dreams-37566722.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | work = Fingal Independent | title = Lyndsey lives her dreams | date = 1 December 2018 | access-date = 4 January 2021}}</ref> * [[David Drumm]], former CEO of Anglo Irish Bank{{citation needed|date=September 2021}} * [[Fontaines D.C.]] lead singer, Grian Chatten<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.irishexaminer.com/lifestyle/arid-30915524.html | publisher = Irish Examiner | website = irishexaminer.com | title = Fontaines DC: Dublin city rockers | date = 5 April 2019 | access-date = 4 January 2021 }}</ref> * [[Ciarán Frawley]], rugby player<ref>{{cite web|url = https://www.independent.ie/sport/rugby/leinsters-ciaran-frawley-on-a-road-less-travelled-to-reach-his-destination-38806151.html | publisher = Independent News & Media | website = independent.ie | title = Leinster's Ciarán Frawley on a road less travelled to reach his destination | date = 22 December 2019 | access-date = 4 January 2021 }}</ref> * [[Jim Glennon]], former rugby player and politician<ref>{{cite web|url = https://electionsireland.org/commentary.cfm?ID=4784&e=1 | website = electionsireland.org | title = Candidates - Jim Glennon | access-date = 4 January 2021 }}</ref> * [[Thomas Hand (Irish republican)|Thomas Hand]], Irish revolutionary killed in the [[Irish War of Independence]]. Hand Street bears his name and there is a commemorative plaque outside his former house on Baltrasna Lane.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/call-to-commemorate-life-of-rushs-jack-rover-mccann-38724278.html| title = Call to commemorate life of Rush's Jack 'Rover' McCann - Independent.ie}} </ref><ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.independent.ie/regionals/fingalindependent/news/skerries-honour-for-irish-volunteer-thomas-hand-27770270.html| title = Skerries honour for Irish volunteer Thomas Hand - Independent.ie}} </ref> * [[Killian Keane]], rugby player{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} * [[Alan O'Connor (rugby union)|Alan O'Connor]], rugby player{{citation needed|date=January 2021}} == See also == {{Commons category}} * [[List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland#County Dublin|List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Dublin)]] * [[List of towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland|List of towns and villages in Ireland]] * [[Skerries railway station]] ==References== {{reflist}} ==External links== *[http://www.skerrieshomepage.com Skerries homepage] <!-- (Commenting this out, because we generally don't collect lists of external links like this. If someone wanted to use them to improve the article, or integrate them into the text as citations (if appropriate), that would be great.) *[https://web.archive.org/web/20061231102949/http://www.skerrieshomepage.f2s.com/istory.html General Introduction to Skerries] *[https://web.archive.org/web/20060505102634/http://www.skerrieschamber.com/ Skerries Chamber of Commerce] *[http://www.skerriesca.com Skerries Community Association] *[http://www.oldskerries.ie Skerries Historical Society] *[http://www.visitskerries.com Visit Skerries] *[http://www.ipernity.com/doc/markwaldron/album/17708 Photographs] *[https://www.flickr.com/photos/23885771@N03/5465431598/ More photographs] --> {{Fingal}} {{Tidy Towns (Ireland)}} {{Authority control}} [[Category:Towns and villages in Fingal]] [[Category:Balrothery East]]'