Bray is a town in CountyWicklow, Republic of Ireland, which is situated just 12 miles southof the vibrant capital city of Dublin. It is a combination of a thriving urbancentre and a traditional seaside resort, and, as such, it attracts holidaymakers and day trippers from as close as Dublin and as far as the rest of theworld.
There has been a settlement on this particular partof the Irish coast since medieval times, and it grew in popularity during the18th century, thanks to its combination of mountain views and accessto the sea front. When the railway arrived in 1854 it prompted a boom in Bray,with hotels and other amenities being constructed on a large scale, creatingthe holiday destination beloved by so many people today.
Looking AroundBray
The geographical set up of Brayis such that it combines two of Ireland’s most appealing aspects – beautiful beachesand spectacular hills and mountains.
From a base anywhere in Brayyou’ll be able to enjoy a range of treks, hikes and walks, varied to suiteveryone from the experienced walker to the family group. Popular walks within Brayitself include the cliff walk, which follows the coastline, and the BrayHead walk, which takes a path up the hill at the end of the promenade,rewarding those energetic enough to reach the top with stunning views.
Things to Doin Bray
Staying in Bray willmean never running out of sources of entertainment and activity. Within thetown itself you’ll find the NationalSealife Centre, which is home to over 1,000 creatures includingsharks, seahorses and octopus.
If you’re looking for an interesting and healthyway to get around Bray then pop into the TouristOffice on the Main Street and, for a small fee, hire a bike for the day. Forthose seeking an even more traditional means of getting around, there are twoequestrian centres within Bray, each offeringfacilities for riders with varying levels of skill. Whether you’re a seasonedrider looking to keep your hand in, or a total novice, they’ll have you in thesaddle and exploring the surrounding countryside in no time.
The Arts inBray
The Bray culturalscene is a thriving part of its appeal, as befits a town which, at varioustimes, has been home to creative spirits as diverse as James Joyce, SineadO’Connor and comedian Dara Ó Briain. The current cultural offering includes TheMermaid Arts Centre, which showcases music, dance, visual art, theatre andindependent cinema throughout the year, as well as holding hands-on creativeworkshops. A couple of other arts centres can be found within Brayand live music is offered in a number of pubs and clubs everyweekend.
When to VisitBray
The combination of seaside fun, rural escape andculture excitement means Bray is a draw forvisitors throughout the year. Particularly popular events include the BrayJazz Festival over the May Bank Holiday weekend and September’s Killrudderysilent film festival.
