Bray

Bray is a coastal town in northern County Wicklow that stretches along a bay with a beach, where Bray Head rises steeply above the sea. Walking paths lead from the town center along the promenade to the clifftop coast, while Victorian buildings and newer housing shape the townscape.

The original fishing village lay within the medieval Pale district and attracted few visitors. After the railway link to Dublin opened in 1854, the settlement quickly developed into a popular seaside resort for the growing middle class.

The name comes from the Irish word Brí, meaning hill or mountain, referring to Bray Head. Local cafés and traditional pubs line the seafront promenade, where residents stop for walks or a coffee with a view of the water.

The clifftop path to Bray Head starts at the southern end of the promenade and takes about an hour uphill. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear, as the ground on the way to the cross can be uneven and slippery after rain.

Ardmore Studios opened in 1958 as the first Irish film studio and brought international productions such as Excalibur and Braveheart to the area. The facility lies outside the town center and continues to be used for film and television shoots.

Location: County Wicklow

Elevation above the sea: 18 m

Website: http://braytowncouncil.ie

GPS coordinates: 53.20146,-6.11050

Latest update: December 14, 2025 17:23