Ireland is a country of rich variety and contrast and County Fingal reflects this diversity, from the vibrant towns of Blanchardstown, Castleknock and Swords, the tranquil rural retreats of Ballyboughal, Naul, Garristown and Oldtown to the sandy beaches and rugged coastline of Balbriggan, Skerries, Donabate, Malahide, Portmarnock, Sutton and Howth.

The Dublin 15 area, to the south west of Fingal, boasts three waterways, the Liffey, the Tolka and the Royal Canal. The Liffey Valley, in particular, is beautifully contained between steep wooded hills around the famous Strawberry Beds. Buildings of historic interest include Luttrellstown Castle, which was in ownership of the Guinness Family for generations, and the nearby Shackleton Mills. The Mills were once owned by Ernest Shackleton, a famous Antartic Explorer. For those interested in a touch of retail therapy the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre is a must.
Swords, the administrative capital of Fingal, has an abundance of fine shops, restaurants and pubs. The main attraction in the town, Swords Castle, was built from 1183 onwards to serve as an administrative centre (even then!) for the first Norman Archbishop of Dublin. The Castle and its gardens form part of the 220 acre Ward River Valley.
The area to the north of the Swords is rural in character, with an unspoilt landscape and low population density. Its slow pace of life and sense of rural charm contrasts greatly with the gridlock and bustle of the nearby city of Dublin. It has numerous sites of archaeological, architectural, and historic interest and is in close proximity to the major heritage sites of the Boyne Valley. . .
The landscape around the villages of Oldtown and Ballyboughal is one of large fields with a mixture of pasture and arable farming. The high lands around the Naul and Garristown afford panoramic views ranging from the Mourne Mountains in the north to the Wicklow mountains in the south. Its tranquil country lanes and quiet villages make for an enjoyable tour by car but this rural farming hinterland is especially suitable for walking and horse riding.