Hike From Bray to Greystones, Ireland

On your next visit to Dublin, consider a day tripbegan to move to Bray to get out of the city
south to the popular seaside towns of Bray andand many tourists continue to visit the scenic
Greystones. A great way to visit both places is totown each summer.
hike the beautiful coastal path between the two.There has been a carnival located south of the
The 6 mile (10 km) trip takes 4 or more hours atbeach toward the trail on a few of my trips to
a slow pace and offers stunning views of theBray. My children and I went for a ferris wheel
rugged coastline.ride before starting our hike.
I do have to warn you that periodically, the cliffA short way into the hike south of Bray you will
walk is officially closed due to erosion and possiblefind a path up the hill to "Bray Head". It is worth
falling rocks. I have taken my children on the trailthe effort to make your way up to see the view
and also have gone alone. On two of the trips,of the land and seascape, including the town of
there has been a sign at the start warning ofBray to the north and the Wicklow Mountains to
possible danger near the path's edge.the south and west. Bray Head is 791 feet (241
My hiking strategy is to be careful and stay am) above the sea. A concrete cross is situated at
safe distance from the cliffs. This is always athe summit; it was erected in 1950 for the holy
good practice when visiting Ireland's rugged andyear.
gorgeous coastal areas. Please be advised thatYou will have many photo opportunities along the
you should use your own judgment when decidingtrail near Bray. Wildflowers grow along the path,
whether to take the cliff walk from Bray tothe coastline is beautiful and you can always
Greystones.document the hike with pictures of yourself and
To visit Bray, you may start at any DART trainyour friends.
station in Dublin and go south. Bray is only about 5If you do hike from Bray to Greystones, you will
miles (7 km) from the southern suburb of Dunsee an old tunnel, called the Brabazon Tunnel,
Laoghaire. The train ride gives you a sampling ofwhich was abandoned in the 1870s. You will see
the coastline as you move farther from the city.an arch on the sea side of the path, which is
If you stay on the train, Greystones will be yourfrom an old railway station. You will walk by the
next stop.former site of the 15th century Rathdown Castle.
When you get off the DART in Bray, walkYou will also see the succession of tunnels used
toward the beach and you will see plenty ofby the current DART train. The coastal cliff views
shops where you can pick up some water and aare dramatic and breathtaking.
snack for the hike. Walk south along the beachYou can stop along the path to rest and have a
and you will soon see the way to the coastalsnack. When you reach Greystones, you can see
path.the development to the south and know that the
The beachfront promenade at Bray is 1 mile (2Dublin suburbs are expanding each year.
km) in length. A boardwalk goes much of theYou may end your hike with a nice dinner at one
distance and is a nice place to stroll even whenof the restaurants or pubs in Greystones, or in
you don't want to take a long hike to the nextBray if you decide not to hike the whole distance.
town.I always like to relax with a meal after a hike and
The Bray seafront was built in the 1880s and wasenjoy the feeling of accomplishment and a day of
a popular resort destination for Dubliners andfresh air. When you are finished, find your way to
other Europeans for decades. Dublin residentsthe DART station and head back to Dublin. Enjoy!