Q: What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival . Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date). Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 1

Is Swords a village or a town?

Accepted Answer

Swords is a town and one of the largest urban areas in Ireland. Located in County Dublin, it’s officially the county town of Fingal. While it may have started as a small monastic settlement founded in the 6th century, today it’s a thriving suburban hub with modern amenities and historic landmarks.

Question 2

What part of Dublin is Swords?

Accepted Answer

Swords is in North County Dublin, about 10 kilometres north of Dublin city centre 2. It’s part of the Fingal administrative area, which was created when County Dublin was split in 1994. The town is very close to Dublin Airport, making it a convenient base for travellers flying in or out of the city. It’s well-connected by bus routes, including the Swords Express, which links directly to the city centre.

Question 3

How big is Swords?

Accepted Answer

Swords is the eighth-largest urban area in Ireland. The town includes several neighbourhoods like Applewood, Brackenstown and River Valley, and it’s surrounded by green belt land that helps preserve its semi-rural feel despite its size.

Question 4

Is Swords worth visiting?

Accepted Answer

Yes, Swords is definitely worth visiting, especially if you’re looking for a mix of history, nature, shopping and convenience. It’s home to Swords Castle, a unique medieval site and Ward River Valley Park, a lovely green space for walks and picnics. You’ll also find Pavilions Shopping Centre, great restaurants and pubs. Plus, it’s just a short drive from coastal gems like Malahide Castle and Ardgillan Castle, making it a great base for exploring North Dublin.

Question 5

What is Swords Castle famous for?

Accepted Answer

Swords Castle is famous for being the best surviving example of an Archbishop’s palace in Ireland. Built around 1200 AD by Archbishop John Comyn, it was never a military fortress but rather a grand residence and administrative centre. The castle features a large pentagonal enclosure, towers, a chapel and remnants of medieval buildings. It has over 800 years of history, and recent archaeological finds, like burials beneath the gatehouse, show it still has secrets to reveal. Today, it’s a national monument and a popular spot for events, tours and weddings.

Question 6

What’s in Swords, Dublin?

Accepted Answer

Swords has a lot going on. You’ll find:

Swords Castle, right in the town centre.

Ward River Valley Park, perfect for walks.

Pavilions Shopping Centre, with high street shops, cafes and a cinema.

St Columba’s Church and the Round Tower, reflecting the town’s early Christian roots.

Restaurants and pubs, including favourites like The Old Schoolhouse and Pomodorino.

Nearby attractions like Malahide Castle, Newbridge House and Ardgillan Castle.

Golf courses, including St Margaret’s and Balheary Open Golf Course.

Question 7

Is Swords Castle free?

Accepted Answer

Yes, admission to Swords Castle is free and you can explore the grounds, chapel and towers at your own pace. Guided tours are available on request and the site often hosts community events and seasonal markets. It’s a lovely place to spend an hour or two, especially if you’re interested in Irish history or just want a peaceful spot in the middle of town.

Question 8

Does Swords have a train station?

Accepted Answer

No, Swords doesn’t currently have a train station. The nearest rail access is at Malahide Station, which is served by the DART and commuter trains. However, Swords is very well connected by bus, including the Swords Express, which runs frequently to Dublin city centre via the Port Tunnel.

Question 9

What’s the difference between Flex, Semi-Flex, Advance, Standard and Non-Flex rates?

Accepted Answer

Flex – Pay now or on arrival, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Our most flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 1pm on the day of arrival. You can also amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Semi-Flex – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to three full days before arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to three full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Advance – Pay now, fully refundable with free cancellation up to 28 full days before arrival, free to amend thereafter until the day of arrival. Fairly flexible rate – you can cancel and get a full refund up to 28 full days before arrival. No refunds after that date. You can also amend your booking date at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Standard – Pay now, non-refundable. Free to amend booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival. Slightly flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel and get a full refund, but you can amend your booking at the same hotel up to 1pm on the day of arrival (additional room rate charges may apply depending on your new stay date).

Non-Flex – Pay now. No amends or refunds. Our least flexible rate – you won’t be able to cancel or amend your stay after booking.

Question 10

What time is check-in and checkout?

Accepted Answer

Our standard check-in time is 3pm. For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

Checkout is by 12 noon on your departure date. If luggage storage is available, our teams will be happy to store any bags for you if you’d like to check out before 12pm.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 11

Can I check in early?

Accepted Answer

For an additional fee*, you can start your stay sooner with early check-in from 11am. Add early check-in to your stay while making your booking, or afterwards by managing your stay in your Premier Inn account. Early check-in is subject to availability and not available at all Premier Inn hotels.

*Prices and times will vary depending on date and location.

Question 12

What is Premier Inn CleanProtect™?

Accepted Answer

In 2020 we launched Premier Inn CleanProtect™, our rigorous, daily cleaning method that’s used throughout our UK & Ireland hotels. Developed in partnership with Diversey, a global leader in cleaning and hygiene products for the healthcare and hospitality industries, our promise seeks to give you extra peace of mind so you can always book and stay with confidence.

Check-in - minimising contact at reception and providing hand sanitiser in most public areas for peace of mind.

Bed linen and towels - laundering all our linen and towels at over 60°C to thermally disinfect them, so you can enjoy a great night’s sleep. We’ve also placed spare pillows in a zip-up bag, for extra peace of mind.

Equipping our teams - providing our team members with all the equipment and sanitisers they need, as well as always operating in the safest way possible for our teams and guests.

A generous serving of safety - you can relax knowing that enhanced cleaning measures are in place throughout our restaurants. Tables are cleaned between visits and contactless payment is in place too, so you can dine safely and comfortably with us every time.

Clean on request - if you'd like your room cleaned during your stay with us, just let us know at reception and use the handy door hanger on the back of your door by 12pm each day.

Question 13

What facilities are provided for customers with disabilities?

Accepted Answer

Most Premier Inns have specially-adapted rooms allowing easier access for customers with disabilities. If there is no specially-adapted room available at the hotel of your choice, we will be happy to offer you alternative accommodation at a nearby Premier Inn. If you have difficulty walking, but do not need a specially-adapted room, please feel free to request a room near reception on the ground floor for easy access.

If you'd like get in touch, you can reach out to our specialist team via email at pi.accessible@whitbread.com or call us on 0333 0919 817 between 9am and 5pm Monday-Friday (calls charged at local rate).

Question 14

Can I bring my pet to a Premier Inn hotel?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, with the exception of trained assistance dogs, we don't allow pets to stay at our hotels.

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