The geography of a place has a lot to do with its character… Skerries is something of an isthmus, bounded on the west by the Dublin-Belfast railway line (since 1844) and to the east by the Irish Sea. Community spirit is good; the walks are great, the sea air invigorating. By the early years of the 20th century, Skerries was an established holiday resort for 'summer visitors' from Dublin and further afield. People let houses and rented rooms; folk came for the summer months and often commuted to work in Dublin when annual leave was over. That tradition of hospitality is maintained in the town, many of the visitors of the past having settled here permanently.

Skerries is an award winner in the National Tidy Towns competition; the harbour and sailing club provide a great buzz on summer evenings; there is a wide range of accommodation available and a variety of eating and drinking establishments; a well endowed Carnegie Library and religious services in St Patrick's and Holmpatrick Churches.

Close to Skerries, is the 18th century former home of the Taylor family, Ardgillan Castle. The house is set in 180 acres of parkland and formal gardens overlooking the sea. Both the house and the park are open to the public.