While Bray is firmly rooted on the Wicklow coast, our reach extends far beyond the Irish Sea. Through our Town Twinning programme, Bray maintains active and meaningful partnerships with three distinct towns across the globe: Bègles in France, Würzburg in Germany, and Dublin, California in the USA.
These aren’t just names on a signpost. Our twinning initiatives are designed to foster genuine friendships, encourage cultural exchange, and support local trade and tourism by connecting our community with the world.
Our Twinning Partners
Bègles, France
Bègles was Bray’s first European twinning partner. Located in south-western France near Bordeaux, this partnership has long paved the way for cultural connections. Over the years, these exchanges have allowed residents from both towns to share experiences in education, sport, and the arts, strengthening our ties with our European neighbours.
Würzburg, Germany
Formalised in 1999, our link with Würzburg is built on a shared history that stretches back centuries. The city is famously associated with the Irish martyr Saint Kilian, who is the patron saint of Würzburg. Today, this connection is celebrated through regular delegation visits and civic events, maintaining a strong bond between the Garden of Ireland and Bavaria.
Dublin, California, USA
Established in the late 1990s, our relationship with Dublin, California, connects Bray with a vibrant community in the San Francisco Bay Area. Originally settled by Irish pioneers, the town shares our name and a great pride in Irish heritage. This partnership has led to numerous collaborative exchanges, particularly around festival seasons and business networking.
Why We Twin
The Town Twinning programme is about building a welcoming, globally connected community. By hosting international representatives and sending our own delegates abroad, we achieve several key goals:
- Building Friendships: Creating personal and professional links between citizens.
- Cultural Understanding: Learning from different traditions, languages, and histories.
- Promoting Bray: Showcasing our town as a premier destination for tourism and investment.
- Shared Growth: Exchanging ideas on community development and local governance.