Bray – County Wicklow
BRAY OLD SCHOOL CHARM
For many in Ireland, Bray will always conjure up memories of seaside summers in the ’80s……Pebbles and sand tucked into every step of your shoes, the clinking of coins in the arcade drifting down the promenade, and a bag of chips on the wall before the last DART home. It was old-school Ireland at its very best, unpretentious, lively, and full of character.
GATEWAY TO IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST
The train has always been part of the Bray story. Generations remember the journey down the coast…..carriages packed with day-trippers, picnic baskets, and the thrill of that first glimpse of the sea as the line curved along the cliffs. Today, that same route is one of the most scenic in the country. The DART and mainline trains carry visitors into the heart of Bray, making it one of Ireland’s most accessible seaside escapes.
Fast forward to today, and Bray still carries that nostalgic heartbeat, but with a new energy layered on top. The promenade remains the town’s stretch for walkers, joggers, and families. Only now it’s framed with a growing café culture, independent eateries, and a line-up of events that bring thousands to the seafront every year. The Bray Air Display has become an international highlight, while the cliff walk remains one of the country’s most rewarding coastal strolls. The main streets still bustle with independent shops, cafés, and boutiques, offering everything from fashion to homeware to Irish crafts.
Food and Drink
Food and drink have always been at the centre of the Bray experience. In the ’80s it was ice-cream cones, candyfloss, and those seaside chipper bags shared on the promenade wall. These days, the choice is far wider but just as inviting. Bray’s seafront is now home to favourites like Butler & Barry, with its panoramic terrace over the water, Platform Pizza and Dockyard No.8 both offer casual dining….Add to that a growing café culture and craft beer pubs, and you’ve got a seaside town that knows how to eat well.
Stay
When the sun goes down……Live music, late-night venues, and a few buzzy bars mean there’s always somewhere to end the day with a bit of atmosphere. The town still carries that old-school sociable spirit…..And when it’s time to stay over, the Martello and the Palm offers a stylish stay with a modern seafront feel, both a perfect base for exploring the town and its surroundings and both spots keep you right at the heart of the seafront action
