Swords Castle, Medieval castle in Swords, Ireland

Swords Castle is a castle and national monument in Swords, County Dublin, Ireland. Its walls enclose a pentagonal area of nearly 6,000 m², with a 305-metre perimeter wall, a tower on the north side and a gateway complex on the south. The stepped battlements and a late 13th-century chapel survive; the great hall on the east side has vanished.

The Archbishop of Dublin had the complex built around 1200 as a residence for the Church's leadership in the region. It was altered and expanded several times over the following centuries before eventually falling out of use.

Swords Castle stands within the town centre, not beside it. Its name comes from the Irish Sord, meaning 'clear' or 'pure', referring to the Ward River. The castle grounds host local events, and the 13th-century chapel, likely the archbishop's private oratory, remains a focal point for visitors.

Entry to the site is free and it opens several days a week, so checking the schedule before visiting is a good idea. Parking is available close to the entrance for those arriving by car.

Although the site was built as a residence for church leaders, there is no evidence that it ever housed a military garrison. It functioned more as an administrative and domestic centre than as a place built to withstand attack.