DUBLIN, IRELAND – The town of Bray (Bré, meaning hill in Irish) is around 20km along the coast south of Dublin and easily accessible with multiple trains each hour running from Connolly Station, providing a journey time of around 45 minutes. Once you get here though, you’ll feel a million miles from the stresses of the city, making it an excellent day trip location, or somewhere to spend a few days if more relaxation is needed.
The town is located at the north edge of County Wicklow, and its scenic location makes it a popular day out for residents of Dublin. Its town center serves as a hub for the outlying villages and smaller towns, and the Bray Summerfest attracts many thousands of visitors over six weeks in July and August who come for the live music and entertainment, fireworks displays, airshow, and carnival attractions. Earlier in the year the Bray St. Patrick’s Carnival & Parade is a five day festival of parades and live entertainment, while the third major event of the year is the annual jazz festival in May, which is now established as one of the main events in the Irish jazz calendar.
A number of small hotels and guesthouses serve the overnight visitor, while shops, restaurants, pubs and other entertainment venues invite day trippers and longer stay visitors to enjoy their varied offerings. Bray is the location of the original ‘Porterhouse’, opened in 1989, long before the bars in Dublin and London. There are two golf courses in the area, and fishing, sailing, horse riding and tennis are other popular distractions. The beach, which is formed of sand and shingle, is around 1.5km long, bordered by a pleasant walking promenade. Bray Head rises almost 250m from sea level, offering amazing panoramic views from the top and great hiking opportunities.
If you’re in Dublin and fancy a break from the city, some fresh sea breeze and a walk along the beach, hop on the DART train, and enjoy a day in Bray!
If you go:
County Wicklow / Bray Tourist Information including accommodation listings:
Article written: April 2015
