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Town
Bray-The Warmth of Our
Welcome!
Bray has something for everyone from its rich heritage and splendid scenery to excellent transport links, a vibrant arts scene, a bustling Main Street and thriving industry. The Town’s history predates Norman times, when Strongbow, granted lands on behalf of the Crown, to Sir Walter de Riddlesford circa 1171. Thanks to the arrival of the railway in 1834, the bustling town developed as a popular seaside resort and became known as the Brighton of Ireland.
Bray has a wide range of festivals and activities to keep visitors entertained throughout the year. Bray Summerfest was founded in 1981 and continues to be Ireland’s largest free summer festival. Enjoy Bray’s splendid seafront, walk the magnificent Bray Head walk to Greystones, visit Sea life or Killruddery House and Gardens. Enjoy an evening in any of our lively hostelries, choose from a wide range of restaurants to dine in, or stay in our excellent hotels. Why not base yourself in Bray while visiting Dublin and County Wicklow? Bray, (BrÈ or BrÌ Cualann) is known as the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland, due to its location in Northeast Wicklow, Ireland’s most scenic county.
Walk the Victorian Esplanade
Our promenade starts in the Harbour area near Martello Terrace, the former home of James Joyce. It is a mile in length with views of Bray Head and Sugarloaf Mountains. The view is dominated by Bray Head which has a large cross at its peak and walkers can follow a well worn path to the summit.
Take the Cliff Walk via Bray Head to Greystones
The famous Bray Head Walk is one of Bray’s most popular attractions for both visitors and local people alike with outstanding views throughout. It takes about two hours to complete the walk.
Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
Bray has an excellent selection of traditional, local independent retailers, together with our eclectic shops to cater for everyday needs, and your quirky gift ideas. Enjoy a browse around our Main Street shopping area, you are sure to find a bargain.
Mermaid Arts Centre:
Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre presents an ambitious programme of performance including innovative dance, spellbinding theatre, cutting edge music, and an art-house cinema.
Why not Visit our Sea Life Aquarium
The National SEA LIFE Centre aquarium is home to over 1000 fresh water and marine creatures from Ireland and all over the world in 29 amazing displays: from Perch to Piranhas, from Starfish to Sharks! New for 2013: SEAHORSE SANCTUARY- featuring Ireland’s largest collection of seahorses.
Explore the Beautiful Killruddery House and Gardens
Killruddery House and Gardens offers a wide range of activities for all the family, including a tour of the stately home, exploration of the gardens, and tea in the Garden Cafe.
Try some Horse Riding Amidst some Wonderful Scenery
Whether you are looking for regular riding lessons, or just want to go trekking around the Wicklow Mountains, our equestrian Schools will cater for all your needs.
Bray has something for everyone from its rich heritage and splendid scenery to excellent transport links, a vibrant arts scene, a bustling Main Street and thriving industry. The Town’s history predates Norman times, when Strongbow, granted lands on behalf of the Crown, to Sir Walter de Riddlesford circa 1171. Thanks to the arrival of the railway in 1834, the bustling town developed as a popular seaside resort and became known as the Brighton of Ireland.
Bray has a wide range of festivals and activities to keep visitors entertained throughout the year. Bray Summerfest was founded in 1981 and continues to be Ireland’s largest free summer festival. Enjoy Bray’s splendid seafront, walk the magnificent Bray Head walk to Greystones, visit Sea life or Killruddery House and Gardens. Enjoy an evening in any of our lively hostelries, choose from a wide range of restaurants to dine in, or stay in our excellent hotels. Why not base yourself in Bray while visiting Dublin and County Wicklow? Bray, (BrÈ or BrÌ Cualann) is known as the Gateway to the Garden of Ireland, due to its location in Northeast Wicklow, Ireland’s most scenic county.
Walk the Victorian Esplanade
Our promenade starts in the Harbour area near Martello Terrace, the former home of James Joyce. It is a mile in length with views of Bray Head and Sugarloaf Mountains. The view is dominated by Bray Head which has a large cross at its peak and walkers can follow a well worn path to the summit.
Take the Cliff Walk via Bray Head to Greystones
The famous Bray Head Walk is one of Bray’s most popular attractions for both visitors and local people alike with outstanding views throughout. It takes about two hours to complete the walk.
Indulge in Some Retail Therapy
Bray has an excellent selection of traditional, local independent retailers, together with our eclectic shops to cater for everyday needs, and your quirky gift ideas. Enjoy a browse around our Main Street shopping area, you are sure to find a bargain.
Mermaid Arts Centre:
Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre presents an ambitious programme of performance including innovative dance, spellbinding theatre, cutting edge music, and an art-house cinema.
Why not Visit our Sea Life Aquarium
The National SEA LIFE Centre aquarium is home to over 1000 fresh water and marine creatures from Ireland and all over the world in 29 amazing displays: from Perch to Piranhas, from Starfish to Sharks! New for 2013: SEAHORSE SANCTUARY- featuring Ireland’s largest collection of seahorses.
Explore the Beautiful Killruddery House and Gardens
Killruddery House and Gardens offers a wide range of activities for all the family, including a tour of the stately home, exploration of the gardens, and tea in the Garden Cafe.
Try some Horse Riding Amidst some Wonderful Scenery
Whether you are looking for regular riding lessons, or just want to go trekking around the Wicklow Mountains, our equestrian Schools will cater for all your needs.
Bray Harbour and it
Swans
Bray Harbour has a thriving colony of mute swans which need to be nurtured and protected. Bray Harbour is a hub of water sports, while also a tranquil picturesque vision, especially on relaxing summer evening.
Enjoy the Magic of the Movies
As the home of Ardmore Studios, Bray has been the hub of the very successful Irish film industry, for over fifty years. The roll call of major box office names associated with Ardmore Studios is impressive. While visiting Bray stroll around and see if you can recognize location from some famous Hollywood films.
Try a Round of Golf
Bray is the ideal base for a golfing holiday as it is within easy reach of some of the top golf courses in the country, including our own Bray Golf Club.
Useful Numbers
Bray Harbour has a thriving colony of mute swans which need to be nurtured and protected. Bray Harbour is a hub of water sports, while also a tranquil picturesque vision, especially on relaxing summer evening.
Enjoy the Magic of the Movies
As the home of Ardmore Studios, Bray has been the hub of the very successful Irish film industry, for over fifty years. The roll call of major box office names associated with Ardmore Studios is impressive. While visiting Bray stroll around and see if you can recognize location from some famous Hollywood films.
Try a Round of Golf
Bray is the ideal base for a golfing holiday as it is within easy reach of some of the top golf courses in the country, including our own Bray Golf Club.
Useful Numbers
Garda/Police
…………………..……………………………. 01 666 5300
Accommodation
Esplanande Hotel …………………………………………… 01 286 2056
Wilton Hotel…………………………….……………………. 01 276 0258
Royal Hotel ………………………………………………..… 01 286 2935
Strand Hotel …………………………..………………………01 286 2327
The Martello Hotel ……………….………………………. .01 286 8000
The Porter House Inn ………….………………………….…01 286 0668
Avondale ……………………………….……………………..01 286 3610
Hillview Bed & Breakfast……………..…………………… .01 287 7226
Loyola……………………………………………….…………01 286 3757
Hillcrest ………………………….…………………………….01 286 2184
Ulysses Guest House ………………..……………………...01 286 3860
The Old Rectory ……………………..……..………………..01 286 7515
Woodville B&B …………….……………………..…………..01 286 3103
Iveragh B&B …………………………..……………………...01 286 3877
Entertainment
Bray Sea Life ……………………………………………… 01 286 6939
Bray Mermaid Arts Centre ………..…………………………01 272 4030
Bray Bowl …………………………..…………………… …01 286 4455
Bray Wanderers ……………………………………………..01 282 8214
Bray Cliff Walk (Bray Tourism) ……………………………..01 286 7128
Killruddery House & Gardens ……….……………………...01 286 3405
Bray Shoreline Leisure ……………………………………..01 276 5660
Festina Lente Gardens ……………….…………………….0873293680
Brennanstown Riding School ……………………………….01 286 3778
Bray Golf Club …………………………………………….…01 276 3200
Old Conna Golf Club …………………….…………………..01 282 6055
Powerscourt ………………………………………….……….01 204 6000
Services
BUS
Glendalough Bus ……………………….………………..…..01 281 8119
Finnegans Bus ……………………………………………....01 286 0061
Air Coach ……………………………….…………………....01 844 7118
Bus Eireann 133 …………………………………………......01 836 6111
Taxi
Murphys ……………………………………………………...01 286 0759
MT Cabs …………………………………………………..….01 286 3633
Bray Town Taxis ……………………`……………………....01 286 0400
