1. 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. Make the hike today!
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2. Walk the magnificent cliff walk
Take the Cliff walk via Bray Head Walk 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. Various sea birds, grey and common seals, can be seen as can the occasional school of dolphins or porpoises.
3. Indulge in some retail therapy
Bray has an excellent selection of traditional, local independent retailers, to cater for everyday needs, a variety of cafés and coffee shops. It also has a growing number of niche artisan style hobby shops. Enjoy a browse around our Main Street shopping area, you are sure to find a bargain.
- Absolutely Wicklow Retail at Bray Heritage Centre.
Absolutely Wicklow is an initiative of Wicklow County Arts Office, supported by Bray Town Council and the Wicklow County Enterprise Board, and the Crafts Council of Ireland. The brand has been created to showcase some of the high end handmade Crafts that are exclusively made in County Wicklow.
http://www.thedraftoffice.com/wordpress-sites/
Bray Town Council operates two car parks for shoppers, at Quinsborough /Florence Road and at Herbert Road. There is also a convenient privately operated car-park at the Civic Centre.
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4. Mermaid County Wicklow 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.
www.mermaidartscentre.ie
01-2724030 (box office)
5. The National Aquarium Sealife Centre
Visitors can dive into this underwater world which has equally stunning internal views similar to the Promenade but of a very different nature! At Sealife visitors can get astonishing views of everything from the humble starfish to tropical sharks, all in displays which carefully recreate their natural habitats.
Further information on the centre is available from 01-2866939. Book online http://www.visitsealife.com/Bray/plan-your-visit/
6. View 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 then have tea in the Garden Café. Why not have a picnic in the walled garden? Watch out for the programme of events including Killruddery Film Festival, Music in Great Irish Houses, or Concerts at Killruddery. Partake in a Sunday barbeque, and try Nordic Walking or even a bootcamp.
7. Try horse riding amidst wonderful scenery
Whether you are looking for regular riding lessons, or just want to go trekking around the Wicklow Mountains, the following equestrian Schools will cater for all your needs.
Horse-riding
Brennanstown Riding School
www.brennanstownrs.ie
01-2863778
Killegar Riding Stables
www.killergarstables.com
01-2860919
8. Feed the swans in Bray Harbour
There is a thriving colony of mute swans in Bray Harbour. Swans enjoy brown or wholemeal bread or even green vegetables. Remember that swans are wild birds and can be quite fierce if frightened or provoked. Young children should be carefully supervised when feeding the swans.
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9. 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, as is the number of Oscar winning films shot in Bray and in theCountyWicklowcountryside.
You can download Memories Made Manifest an audiotour of Bray’s Film Locations <http://www.wicklowfilmcommission.com/brayfilmaudiotour.htm>
10. 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. Whatever your handicap there are courses and links, lessons and driving ranges all within a very short distance of the town.