[RWD version 1 ] We did this coastal walk on a day with a strong but not gale force easterly wind starting at around 75 minutes after a high spring tide. It is difficult in places due to brambles and fencing.
There's really a mix of ground to cover starting in a town setting on paths, with sections on roads, shingly beach, field edges etc.
Initial beach.
This was very stony but feasible to walk on around 90 min after high tide. All of the three islands off Skerries are very visible: Colt, St Patricks and Shennicks. Shennicks is reachable on foot at low tide (spring tide) but you wouldn't want to even think about that in the conditions above. Some grassy places. The beach is heavy going at near high tide due to boulders and rock, however at times it is possible to escape onto grass. End of walk.The way we went took us along the edge of a field, through a short section of what turned out to be a few metres of private land. However I would recommend not going that way and finishing nearer the coast along the beach - you do not need to cross any private land. Judge for yourself about our advice. The signs include: Hollywood, Keep Out, Beware of Dogs, This House Is Protected by Me, Telling it like it is.
We continued to the main road R128 where there is a pub open when we were there on a Sun afternoon. We walked back to Skerries on the R128. This was perfectly possible, but is unpleasant and dangerous because of traffic and to be avoided if possible.