Bray Tourism, in conjunction with Bray & District Chamber of Commerce have launched a series of walking tours around Bray for the enjoyment of visitors and locals alike.
The walks will be operated by local Leaving Certificate student Jake O’Neill, who hopes to bring a fresh perspective to tourism with the launch of two free tours celebrating the town’s history, culture, music, film connections, and hidden stories. The initiative aims to give locals and visitors a more personal and engaging way to experience Bray.
“I wanted to create something that felt accessible, interesting, and genuinely enjoyable for people of all ages,” said the founder of Bray Walking Tours, 18-year-old Jake. “Bray has so much character and history, but there are also so many fascinating stories connected to music, film, and culture that people walk past every day without noticing.”
The tip-based tours are completely free to attend, but participants are encouraged to give the volunteer guides a gratuity at the end. There will be two separate tours, ‘Bray’s History and Culture’ and ‘Bray’s Movies, Music and More’, and each will last approximately two hours, starting at Bray Train Station and ending at the bandstand on the promenade.
One focuses on Bray’s rich history and cultural heritage, guiding visitors through stories of Victorian Bray, local landmarks, famous figures, and the town’s evolution over the years. The second tour takes a more modern, entertainment-focused approach, highlighting the town’s links to music, movies, television, and pop culture.
The walks are limited to 20 people per tour, and people must book in advance through here. A limited number of tours will take place between now and the end of June, as Jake sits his Leaving Certificate before a full schedule begins in July – but bookings are open now.
Representatives from both Bray Tourism and Bray Chamber welcomed the initiative, praising the students’ creativity and enthusiasm for promoting the town.
“The launch of these tours is a fantastic example of the energy and innovation coming from young people in Bray,” said the President of Bray Tourism, Eugene Finnegan. “Projects like this help showcase the unique character of our town while encouraging visitors to engage more deeply with Bray’s history and culture.”
The President of Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, Jonathan Donnelly, also expressed support for the project, saying: “It is incredibly encouraging to see a young entrepreneur creating something positive for the local community and tourism sector. These tours offer a fresh and modern way to experience Bray, and we are delighted to support the initiative.”
“I would like to thank Sarah Finnegan of Finnegan Coaches, Brian White of Bray Cualann Historical Society, Kathy O’Toole of Bray & District Chamber, Bray Municipal District Administrator Brian Wildes and Councillor Erika Doyle, who were all very helpful in setting up the tours,” adds Jake.
Further details, booking information, and tour schedules can be found at bray.ie/braywalkingtours/.
Pictured above are Sarah Finnegan, Brian Wildes, Erika Doyle, Jake O’Neill, Jonathan Donnelly, Kathy O’Toole, Eugene Finnegan and Brian White on Bray seafront for the launch of Bray Walking Tours.