Summary
When the Dublin and Kingstown Railway reached Bray in 1854, this coastal town, located just 20 kilometers from the capital of Ireland, evolved into a favored seaside retreat for city dwellers.
Initially envisioned as “Ireland’s Brighton,” Bray’s Victorian promenade and the elegant row of houses are remnants from the early days of tourism.
The imposing Bray Head, a prominent foothill of the Wicklow Mountains, adds to the picturesque landscape.
This undulating granite range to the east is a paradise for hikers, and while exploring the countryside, one can understand why County Wicklow is referred to as the “Garden of Ireland.” Opportunities abound for relaxation in country homes and walled gardens, or for indulging in golfing experiences at any of the five acclaimed golf courses on the town’s outskirts.
Let us delve into the best attractions in Bray:
1. Bray Head
An eastern spur of the Wicklow Mountains, Bray Head is a 241-meter hill that overlooks the southern part of the town.
You can initiate a vigorous ascent from Bray’s Victorian promenade, scrambling to the summit for expansive views of Bray, Dublin Bay, and the mountains beyond.
At the top, there is a stone cross erected during the Catholic Holy Year of 1950, which serves as the final station of the cross during a pilgrimage observed every Good Friday.
If you continue south from the summit, you will join the Bray Head Cliff Walk, where the path hugs the slate cliffs on the route towards the Greystones resort.
2. Bray Promenade
On sunny days, the long Victorian promenade along Bray’s beach is exceptionally picturesque.
It commences at Martello Terrace in the north, which has its own historic significance as a young James Joyce resided at number 1 from 1887 to 1891. To the south lies Bray Head, providing a dramatic backdrop to the row of colorful Victorian houses fronting the shore.
The grass area known as Seafront Park is ideal for family picnics, or you may wish to explore the pubs, restaurants, and ice cream shops located across the street.
Bray’s pebble and sand beach has undergone landscape renovations in recent years to combat coastal erosion, typically offering gentle surf for those interested in a paddle.
3. Wicklow Mountains National Park
The largest continuous upland area in Ireland lies just west of Bray.
The Wicklow Mountains feature a granite range with gently rolling peaks rising to a maximum height of 925 meters.
This mountainous region is adorned with heath, blanket bog, and grassland, while the sheltered valleys invite exploration through mossy hardwood forests.
During your excursion, you might encounter wild deer and spot merlins or peregrine falcons above.
Prehistoric glaciation sculpted impressive corries (cirques), and at Lough Bray, approximately thirty minutes west of Bray, you can admire two stunning examples, each containing lakes.
A parking area near the southern lough allows for a walk along a ridge offering breathtaking views of the lakes and the verdant countryside surrounding them.
4. Powerscourt Gardens & House
The exquisite Palladian estate of Powerscourt was commissioned by the Anglo-Irish peer Richard Wingfield in the early 1730s.
The architect responsible for its design was the German Richard Kassels, well-known during the Georgian era in Ireland.
Once ravaged by fire in 1974, the house stood in ruins until it was revived in the mid-1990s.
The gardens, however, were planted in the 19th century following Mervyn Wingfield’s European tour of iconic palaces, such as Versailles and Schönbrunn Palace in Vienna.
Within these 20 hectares, visitors can explore numerous areas, including Italian gardens adorned with statues, Tower Valley featuring a Medieval folly, Japanese gardens, walled gardens, Triton Lake, and the family pet cemetery of the Wingfield and Slazenger families.
5. Powerscourt Waterfall
As the tallest waterfall in Ireland, Powerscourt Waterfall cascades to a height of 121 meters, positioning it at 687th in the world rankings.
Situated on the eastern slopes of the Wicklow Mountains, it is located five kilometers west of Powerscourt House.
In the 19th century, the pathways leading to the falls were planted with towering sequoias, beeches, oaks, and pines, which have since matured into impressive giants.
The parkland is home to a herd of sika deer introduced in 1858, and there is a children’s playground and picnic area at the base of the falls for visitors to fully enjoy this remarkable sight.
6. Killruddery House & Gardens
Owned by the same family, the Brabazons (Earls and Countesses of Meath), since 1534, the estate on the southern edge of Bray features a house that was redesigned in an Elizabethan Revival style during the 1820s, while portions of the gardens have remained unchanged since the 17th century.
In 1682, a Monsieur Bonet laid out the parterre, trained under the renowned French landscape architect André Le Nôtre.
The main highlight at Killruddery is the orangery, constructed in 1852 and inspired by London’s Crystal Palace.
Similar to Powerscourt, the range of attractions and events is extensive, including guided tours of the stately house during July, August, and September, bushcraft workshops, outdoor concerts, beekeeping sessions, and delightful homemade treats available at the tea rooms.
7. National Garden Exhibition Centre
A visit to the National Garden Exhibition Centre, located under 15 minutes south of Bray, is an ideal outing for gardening enthusiasts.
You can explore 20 individual gardens, each designed in various styles by leading designers in the field.
The gardens present a wonderful opportunity to stroll leisurely; the water features, design concepts, sculptures, and plant arrangements offer much inspiration for horticulture aficionados.
Every plant is labeled, with detailed species information available upon request.
If the pace is too slow for younger visitors, a playground is available, as well as a special observation deck providing magnificent views of the gardens.
A garden center on-site caters to those inspired by the exhibition and wishing to take ideas home.
8. Mermaid Arts Centre
A cultural hub for Bray and County Wicklow, the Mermaid Arts Centre, established in 2002, features a 250-seat auditorium along with art studios, a gallery, and a café.
The main auditorium hosts live music, theatrical performances, comedy shows, dance events, and film screenings.
The second-floor gallery is free to enter and showcases exhibitions that change every few weeks, ensuring there’s always something new to experience.
The annual highlight is the esteemed Bray Jazz Festival, which occurs during the May bank holiday weekend.
Now celebrating its 19th year, the festival has featured artists such as Maceo Parker, Stefon Harris, and Eliane Elias.
In 2018, notable performers included Joe Lovano, Dave Douglas, and Joey Baron.
9. Festina Lente Gardens
The largest operating Victorian walled garden in Ireland is located a short distance from Bray.
Festina Lente Gardens have been painstakingly restored to their 19th-century style, enclosed by walls dating back to 1780. Visitors can explore three distinct areas: a working kitchen garden featuring vegetables and herbs, a pool garden home to a terrapin sanctuary, and an ornamental formal garden, which includes a meticulously maintained rose terrace, sculptures, fountains, and geometric flowerbeds.
Additionally, the ornamental garden boasts a sensory trail designed by award-winning garden designer Oliver Shurmann.
10. Great Sugar Loaf
East of the Wicklow Mountains lies a distinct hill characterized by its conical shape, which stands out in the landscape for miles around.
Often mistaken for a volcano due to its shape, the Great Sugar Loaf is actually composed of Cambrian quartzite, an ancient sedimentary deposit from the seabed that has withstood erosion.
This 500-meter hill has served as a navigational landmark for pilgrims and scholars traveling to and from the high Glendalough monastery for centuries.
Although the slopes may appear intimidating, walkers of all skill levels can summit this peak, even if it requires some assistance towards the final stretch.
From the summit, you can gaze out toward the sea, westward to the Wicklow Mountains, and north towards the urban expanse of Dublin.
11. Dalkey Castle
Located in the heritage town of Dalkey, which lies en route to Dublin, this compact Norman castle dates back to 1390. The monument has been restored multiple times over its 600-year history and currently serves as a lighthearted attraction for visitors.
At Dalkey Castle, costumed actors reenact historical roles, including a barber/surgeon discussing his gruesome practices, a cook preparing “hedgehog pie,” and an archer offering guests a chance to try their hand with a longbow.
A museum showcases the site’s extensive history, complemented by a gallery honoring famed writers such as Joyce, Maeve Binchy, and Samuel Beckett.
Visitors can also ascend to the battlements for a sweeping view of the town, the Irish Sea, and the Wicklow Mountains.
12. Killiney Hill
Situated south of Dalkey, Killiney Hill is a 153-meter granite hill overlooking the coast, sloping steeply down to the sea.
The slopes are covered in dense pine and oak forest, while the summit is primarily bare, except for a carpet of heather.
A notable obelisk constructed in 1742 serves as a reminder of a famine relief initiative following a crop failure during a particularly cold period towards the end of the Little Ice Age.
Gazing south, one can view the distinctive outline of the Great Sugar Loaf in the distance.
The sandy White Rock Beach at the base of the hill is perfect for summer swimming, offering shelter from the brisk northwesterly winds.
13. Golf
For those who enjoy golf, Bray’s stunning countryside offers a spectacular golfing experience.
Fortunately, the town is almost entirely encircled by golf courses, with five clubs located within a ten-minute drive.
These clubs, listed in a clockwise direction starting from the south, are Bray Golf Club, Powerscourt Golf Club, Dun Laoghaire Golf Club, Old Conna Golf Club, and the coastal Woodbrook Golf Club.
All five clubs welcome visitors and are well-reviewed.
Green fees for 18 holes range from a budget-friendly €30 at Bray Golf Club to €65 at Powerscourt and Dun Laoghaire.
Naturally, these rates can vary depending on the day and season.
If one must choose only one, Powerscourt is notable for its invigorating views of the Great Sugar Loaf and was recognized as the Best Parkland Course in Ireland by Golfer’s Guide to Ireland in 2014.
14. Ardmore Studios
Bray is home to the only four-wall film studio in the Republic of Ireland, Ardmore Studios.
Since its opening in 1958, the studio has participated in notable productions such as Braveheart (1995), My Left Foot (1989), The Tudors (2007-2010), Penny Dreadful (2014-2016), King Arthur (2004), and Reign of Fire (2002). More recently, it has hosted Ireland’s version of the TV show Dancing with the Stars.
Although the studio is not strictly a tourist attraction, film enthusiasts may contact ahead to arrange a tour of the facility and gain insights about the renowned directors and actors who have worked there.
