Founded in 560 AD, Swords derived its name from the Gaelic “Sord”, translated as “pure”. The primary attraction here is Swords Castle, which was erected in 1183 and served as the administrative centre for the first elected Norman Archbishop of Dublin. The community remains a vital element of local administration, and is currently home to the Fingal City Council. Recent developments here include the completion of the Pavilion Shopping Centre and the arrival of a new M1 motorway.