Skerries

Skerries

Skerries ticks all the boxes when it comes to cool coastal towns, with a row of seafood restaurants in the harbor, a skyline dotted with windmills, and two great beaches. The name comes from the Norse word "skere", which was the source of the Irish word "na sceirí", meaning "the rocks". In the past, Skerries was an important fishing port and later a major handwork and embroidery center, while in the 20th century it became a resort and dormitory town for commuters to Dublin. Skerries' two Martello Towers on Red and Shenick Islands are part of a chain built in the early 19th century. They were intended to serve as a defense against the French armies of Napoleon and as an early warning system in case of attack. The town is famous for being home to one of the oldest mills in Ireland. Visitors can see the authentic working of a five-sail windmill, a four-sail windmill, a watermill and a bakery from the 1800's. The older mill is thought to date from the 12th century. The larger mill was probably built in the 17th century. Until they were purchased and restored by Fingal County Council, these mills had been neglected for many years. The town has five islands off coast: Shenick Island, St. Patrick's, Colt and the Rockabill island formation, which consists of "The Cow" and "The Calf" divided by a narrow channel. There is also a tied Island, which is called Red Island. Rockabill is home to the largest number of breeding Roseate Terns in all of Europe. It is also the furthest island group from the town, with a lighthouse 4 miles from the nearest mainland road on Red Island.