From jaw-dropping air displays to live music, comedy, beach yoga, and a breathtaking fireworks display, #SummerInBray 2025 has been a feast of fun for visitors and locals alike. Free, family-friendly festivals, lively markets, and seaside thrills have kept the town buzzing all summer long, boosting tourism and giving the local economy a sunny lift. #SummerInBray had it all… music, food, thrills, chill and more…
This summer, Bray has come alive like never before. With sparkling waves, vibrant music, and thrilling skies, the seaside town has become the stage for one of Ireland’s most exciting summer seasons. Running from early June through to the end of September, #SummerInBray 2025 has drawn tens of thousands of visitors, bringing energy and excitement.
From the opening notes of Sunday Summer Sounds in June to the thrilling Bray Air Display on August 2nd, Bray has been alive with music, laughter, and community spirit. Families have enjoyed the Brave Maeve Family Festival and the sizzling Beach BBQ Festival, the new LiveWave music sessions brought fresh beats to the seafront, classic car enthusiasts admired polished chrome along the promenade, and the Seafront Funfair kept the energy high, ensuring endless summer fun for all ages.
The Bray Air Display was once again the centrepiece of the summer so far, as over 40,000 spectators gathered to watch world-class pilots perform daring stunts above the Irish Sea. More than just a spectacle, the Air Display is estimated to have contributed over €3.5 million to the local economy, showing the power of major events to drive tourism and sustain jobs.
“#SummerInBray is more than a calendar of events – it’s the heartbeat of our tourism industry,” said Eugene Finnegan from Bray Tourism. “It brings people together, supports local jobs, and keeps our streets and seafront buzzing with life. Every festival, every performance, every market stall contributes to the economic health and vibrancy of our community.”
2025 #SummerInBray Photo Gallery
Still to Come…
The season isn’t over yet – Bray’s end-of-summer calendar is bursting with music, culture, heritage, and sport:
- Sunday Summer Sounds on the Seafront Bandstand continues until September 14th.
- Bray Comhaltas Trad Jam – On Saturday, August 23rd at 2 pm, traditional Irish music will fill the streets outside Holy Redeemer Church.
- National Heritage Week – Until Sunday, August 24th, Bray will celebrate Ireland’s cultural, built, and natural heritage.
- Hell & Back – Ireland’s most formidable endurance challenge returns to Killruddery on September 6th and 7th.
- Culture Night – Get ready for a night of music, art, and creativity right here in Bray on Friday, September 19th.
- Free Beach Yoga – Final mindful seaside session takes place on Saturday, September 20th.
- EcoTrail Wicklow – The sixth edition takes place on Saturday, September 27th, drawing elite and amateur trail runners from around the world.
With the perfect mix of music, comedy, wellness, family entertainment, and thrilling spectacles, #SummerInBray 2025 has established itself as a summer-long celebration that delights locals and visitors alike.
Visit bray.ie/summer2025 or bray.ie/events for more event information. All events and activities are subject to change without notice and may depend on the weather. Be sure to stay up to date by following bray.ie on X, Facebook or on Instagram.
Travel Advice
Like all major festivals, some disruption is expected in Bray due to the high number of visitors. To reduce congestion and ensure safety, festival-goers are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport. Limited paid parking is available along Bray Seafront, with town centre parking at Herbert Road and Bray Central. Avoid illegal parking, which causes delays, inconveniences residents, and blocks emergency access. Plan routes ahead, arrive early, park responsibly, and stagger departure times to avoid peak crowds. For detailed travel information and directions, visit bray.ie/directions/.
The #SummerinBray campaign is a collaborative effort involving the Bray and District Chamber of Commerce, Bray Municipal District, Wicklow County Council and bray.ie.
“Thanks to all visitors, participants, volunteers, clean teams, emergency services, suppliers and sponsors for making this summer a success, and invite everyone to join the final weeks of the season, concluded Eugene.”
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. According to the 2022 census, it is the tenth-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.
Bray is home to…
Ireland’s oldest film studios, Ardmore Studios, the award-winning Bray Air Display, Bray Central – an impressive leisure, dining and retail development located in the heart of the thriving town of Bray, Bray Emmets GAA Club which was founded in 1885, Bray Wanderers Football Club with its home matches played at the Carlisle Grounds, East Coast FM – Wicklow’s Favourite Radio Station and Mermaid Arts Centre – a leading space where ideas, creativity, imagination and artistic expression find a natural home.
Getting to Bray couldn’t be simpler…
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. For detailed travel information and directions, visit bray.ie/directions/.
Bray Town has won numerous awards…
- bray.ie won ‘Best Connected Council‘ at the All-Ireland Community & Council Awards in 2017. Read more here.
- Bray Air Display was crowned ‘Best Event’ at The Irish Tourism Awards 2017. Read more here.
- Bray was runners-up at the Bank of Ireland National Enterprise Town Awards 2018. Read more here.
- The ‘Brave Maeve Children’s Myth & Art Trail’ won ‘Best Use of Creativity in the Community’ Award at the Business to Arts Awards 2018. Read more here.
- The Bray Air Display and the ‘Summer in Bray’ tourism initiative won Silver at The All Ireland Community and Council Awards in 2019. Read more here.
- River Dargle Flood Defence Scheme was a winner at the Engineers Ireland Excellence Awards 2018. Read more here.
Join the conversation – Campaign hashtags are #SummerInBray, #LoveBray and #Bray