Brace yourselves for an unforgettable summer adventure as Bray, the much-loved seaside resort, unveils an exciting line-up of family-friendly festivals, events and activities for the 2023 season.
Movie enthusiasts can enjoy Movies by the bandstand in July against the backdrop of the picturesque Bray seafront, enjoy all the thrills of the Seafront Funfair from July 22nd until August 7th, join the outdoor party vibe at Beach BBQ Festival on July 22nd and 23rd, marvel at the breathtaking flying skills at Ireland’s biggest Air Display on July 29th and 30th, explore the spectacular views from Bray Head or be wowed with stunning fireworks as the night sky will be illuminated by dazzling bursts of colour on the August Bank Holiday Monday.
Eugene Finnegan from Bray Tourism said, “Bray is ready to welcome visitors with a line-up of exciting festivals, events and activities that will make this summer an unforgettable experience for the whole family. From a thrilling funfair, Ireland’s biggest airshow to mesmerising fireworks, Bray has it all. I’m very proud to announce the “Splash into Summer 2023 and Make a Break for Bray” campaign, showcasing the town’s diverse tourism offerings. Bray is not only home to these incredible festivals and events but also offers a wide range of unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else.”
Cllr Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District said, “The ‘Summer in Bray’ campaign highlights the remarkable tourism products and fantastic family fun-filled festivals, events and activities that Bray has to offer. We are dedicated to promoting our beloved seaside resort and strengthening the local economy. So why not make a break for Bray this summer, and dive into great family-friendly fun? Head over to bray.ie and start to plan your visit.”
The summer festivals, events and activities include:
- For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Hell & Back returns to Killruddery on selected dates during the summer months
- Sunday Summer Sounds on the Seafront Bandstand kicks off on June 25th at 2:30 pm
- Wicklow Triathlon Club presents the Aquathon Series on June 14th, July 26th and August 9th
- Movies by the bandstand on Wednesday, July 5th and Wednesday, July 12th
- The Seafront Funfair returns to Bray Seafront from Saturday, July 22nd to Bank Holiday Monday, August 7th – Closed Monday, July 31st and August 1st 2023.
- Beach BBQ Festival turns up the heat on Saturday, July 22nd and Sunday, 23rd
- Eyes to skies as Ireland’s biggest air show the Bray Air Display returns on Saturday, July 29th and Sunday, July 30th
- A stunning fireworks display takes place on Bank Holiday Monday, August 7th
- HER Outdoors Week will be back from August 14th to 20th
- Heritage Week from August 12th to 20th
Simply click on the #SummerInBray event/activity image below to reveal more information.
There’s plenty to keep you busy between events too as Bray is packed full of incredible experiences that you can’t get anywhere else…
From taking a stroll along the Victorian promenade to exploring the breathtakingly beautiful scenery from Bray Head (Please note that the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk is closed until further notice owing to a rockslide), enjoying the great social scene to experiencing the vibrant town centre.
Shop for the latest styles, search for the perfect birthday or anniversary gift and help Bray retailers bounce back. Browse for the ‘Best of Bray‘ listings here.
Take in a show, movie or exhibition at the Mermaid Arts Centre and then why not dine alfresco at one of Bray’s top bars, cafés or restaurants?
Take a dip in the waters of our beach, explore our incredible coastline with Bray Adventures, and enjoy a unique bicycle-related experience with Fatbike Adventures.
You can even zoom along the zip-lines at Squirrel’s Scramble Tree Adventure Park or trek across the County Wicklow countryside on horseback. Experience the underwater world at SeaLife Aquarium.
Take part in some amazing Summer Camps at Bray Emmets, Bray Wanderers or ATC Language School.
Open up your imagination by exploring the award-winning Brave Maeve Story Trail or enjoy the Bray Celtic Camino Coastal Route.
Go Tenpin Bowling at Bray Bowl, enjoy a world of entertainment all under one roof at Star Amusements, make a splash with family and friends at Shoreline’s swimming pool or get Alive Outside at Ireland’s premier outdoor activity centre in the stunning setting of Killruddery Estate.
Step back in time and experience the incredible heritage at Killruddery House and Gardens or learn about the 800 years of history at Powerscourt Estate. While at Powerscourt why not take in a Distillery Tour & Whiskey Tasting Experience?
Tee off at one of the many renowned golf courses, which have remarkable views of Bray and South County Dublin. But, if you simply just want to relax and rejuvenate yourself you can at some of the best spas which are right on our doorstep.
The vibrant Bray District has a range of top-notch accommodation options, conveniently located near various local amenities. Indulge in exceptional onsite facilities and find the perfect place to stay by visiting bray.ie/stay.
bray.ie brings you a soundtrack for your summer… Listen here.
‘Movies by the bandstand’ Terms & Conditions
- The ‘Movies by the bandstand’ screenings are a free event
- All films will start at 6 pm or 8:30 pm
- Please dress appropriately for the weather
- You can bring a blanket, deck chair or camp chair
- No pets are allowed
- There’s no alcohol allowed
- Our ‘Movies by the bandstand’ screenings are age appropriate. The onus is on the parent to decide if the movie is suitable for their child to watch
- If attending the ‘Movies by the bandstand’ screenings children must be accompanied by an adult
- The screenings will take place on Bray Seafront at the bandstand, please be good to the environment, respect your town, and take everything home with you
- There is parking throughout the seafront
- The event team reserves the right to refuse admission
- ‘Movies by the bandstand’ screenings are weather permitting, if bad weather is forecast, screenings may/will be cancelled
- Technical issues, glitches or failures are unforeseen. Our event team will try and find a solution. Please be patient and have some respect for our on-the-ground teams. If a solution can’t be found it may result in the screening being cancelled without notice. Unfortunately, sometimes these things happen at outdoor events. We apologise in advance for any inconvenience this may cause
Share images or videos of your own trip or holiday moments in Bray
Share your own images or videos of your best holiday moments in Bray using the hashtags #SummerInBray and #LoveBray, some of which may be shared across bray.ie’s socials: Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
About Bray
Bray is a coastal town in County Wicklow and is situated about 20 km south of Dublin city centre on the east coast. It is the ninth-largest urban area within the Republic of Ireland.
Bray is a resort town making it a destination for tourists and day-trippers, with a great social scene, bustling town centre, and thriving industry.
Irish Rail, Dublin Bus, Go-Ahead Ireland on behalf of Transport for Ireland,Bus Éireann, Finnegan’s Bray, Aircoach, St. Kevin’s Bus Service to Glendalough and the M11 and M50 motorways provide commuter links between Bray and the rest of the country.
Bray.ie won ‘Best Connected Council‘ at the All-Ireland Community & Council Awards in 2017. Read more here.
The Bray Air Display and the ‘Summer in Bray’ tourism initiative have won Silver at The All Ireland Community and Council Awards in 2019. Read more here.
The #SummerinBray campaign are supported by Bray Chamber, Wicklow County Council and Bray.ie. Bray.ie is a trading name of Bray Tourism.
Campaign tagline – ‘Splash into summer 2023 & make a break for Bray.’
Join the conversation – Campaign hashtags are #SummerInBray #LoveBray
Latest news – Be sure to stay up to date by following bray.ie on Twitter, Facebook or on Instagram.
Media queries
For further information, interview requests, media accreditation, filming opportunities and high-resolution images please email info@bray.ie.