As the festive lights dim and the final countdown approaches, it’s time to pause and look back at the incredible year of achievements in Bray, County Wicklow, during 2025. This wasn’t just any year—it was a year defined by golden achievements, record-breaking milestones, and significant steps forward in local infrastructure.
Join us as we revisit the standout moments that truly made #ThisHappened in 2025.
2025: A Year of Progress!
Connected & Sustainable
The year brought major steps forward in improving connectivity, accessibility, and sustainability for residents and visitors.
The Bray Transport Interchange officially opened early in the year, marking a major step forward, providing a safer, more integrated, and efficient hub for rail, bus, and road transport. The sod was officially turned for the New Park and Ride Facility at Fassaroe in June. This significant investment by the National Transport Authority will offer 388 spaces (including EV charging) to encourage a shift from private cars to public transport in 2026. The introduction of Moby E-Bikes saw Bray launch a new bike-share scheme this year. This system offers an environmentally friendly way to commute, run errands, and easily explore the town centre and seafront.
Pictured above are Minister of State at the Department of Transport, Seán Canney, with Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council – Melanie Corrigan, Cathaoirleach of Bray MD – Erika Doyle, members of the Active Travel team and Garda Superintendent John Fitzgerald at Bray Dart Station. Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District Cllr Dermot O’Brien, Joe Lane (Director of services, Wicklow County Council), Elaine Conlan (Park & Ride Development Office), Emer O’Gorman (CEO, Wicklow County Council), Muireann O’Keeffe (NTA), Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council Paul O’Brien and Tim Wills (Operations Director at Wills Brothers Group) at the sod turning event for Fassaroe Park & Ride, Bray. Paul O’Brien (Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council), and Cathaoirleach of Climate, Biodiversity, Recreation, Environment, Energy, Marine & Amenity SPC Cllr Erika Doyle and Dermot O’Brien (Cathaoirleach of Bray Municipal District) at the launch the Moby E-Mobility Bike scheme, Council Buildings, Wicklow Town.
Pictured above is a crowded Main Street with spectators watching the beginning of the 2025 Saint Patrick’s Day Bray Parade. The Beach BBQ Festival kickstarted the summer festivities in July, while thousands gathered in August for the Bray Air Display to see next-generation jetliners, vintage aircraft, and daring Wingwalkers.
We Won Big
2025 was a year when local dedication and community pride earned major national recognition, supporting commerce and celebrating local talent.
Our seafront and beach were nationally recognised in the annual IBAL (Irish Business Against Litter) Survey for being in “excellent condition.” This result contributed to Irish beaches hitting their cleanest levels in eight years. We were delighted and incredibly proud to secure the Gold Medal Award in the SuperValu Tidy Towns Competition! This achievement was accompanied by a remarkable 19-point increase in our adjudication score—a phenomenal tribute to the commitment of our volunteers. The annual Bray Endeavour Awards ceremony celebrated the commitment of local businesses, groups, and individuals who make Bray a better place to live, work, and visit. We celebrated Wicklow’s sporting success with a Civic Reception for cyclist Lara Gillespie, who won Ireland’s first-ever female track cycling gold medal at the World Championships. Furthermore, the Shop Local First Initiative was central to our efforts, especially during the festive season, encouraging residents and visitors alike to invest in our local economy.
Pictured above are the 2025 Endeavour Award winners, Dylan Kavanagh, the 2025 Bray Person of the Year, and cyclist Lara Gillespie, who secured Ireland’s first-ever female track cycling gold medal at the World Championships.
Shop Local First Campaign Video
Culture Lives Here
Culture, heritage, and tourism continued to enrich the town, culminating in the highly anticipated festive season.
Highlighting our natural resources, Her Outdoors Week encouraged female participation in outdoor activities across the town. Additionally, National Heritage Week saw local history and nature celebrated through guided walks and exhibitions across Bray. Adding to the cultural depth of the town, Wicklow’s Culture Night saw local venues host a diverse range of free performances, workshops, and exhibitions, celebrating the vibrant artistic community in Bray and the county. The Bagatelle Bench was officially unveiled, celebrating the musical legacy of one of Ireland’s most beloved bands right on the seafront where their music echoed. In a major boost to tourism, the Marine Life Aquarium opened its doors in late November. Redesigned with a strong focus on education and marine conservation, this modern attraction significantly strengthens Bray’s year-round offering. The year wrapped up with the spectacular Christmas Lights Switch-on in the Town Centre Civic Plaza, where the highlight was the Grinch being stopped by quick-thinking Gardaí after attempting to abseil down the civic buildings to steal Christmas, ensuring Santa’s spectacular arrival was a magical success!
Pictured above at the launch of the Christmas in Bray 2025 marketing campaign are Jonathan Donnelly of Bray Chamber, Brian Wildes and Stephen Fox of Wicklow County Council, Adam Burke, Councillors Caroline Winstanley and Ned Whelan, Bray MD Cathaoirleach Erika Doyle, Frosty and Santa Claus, crowds at Bray’s Christmas Lights Switch-On, and Garda Joe and Sean swiftly intercepting the Grinch in late November.
Thank You, Bray—Pure Talent, Pure Pride
Thank you to all our residents, visitors, Bray Municipal District/Wicklow County Council, Bray & District Chamber of Commerce, businesses, and the many volunteers for their dedication and participation, which made these milestones in Bray a reality. We anticipate continued progress and look forward to celebrating new achievements with you throughout 2026.