https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3lQbD0c1KRY
Bray Beach stretches 1.3 km and is accessible by DART from Dublin.
The stony shoreline, with promenade, has drawn visitors since the mid‑19th century. And as you’ll see, the architecture of this Victorian seaside resort bears that out. But be cautious – strong currents make swimming risky here; it’s better for scenic walks rather than dips,
And just at the end of the beach there is Bray Head, the perfect place for a bracing stroll. Again you can see the victorian cast iron railings along the promenade, a reminder of this coastal town’s 19th Century grander. And we’ll see more Victorian grandeur as the video progresses.
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We then head north towards the town’s main street, up Quinsborough Road. We have to pause at the DART crossing— while we wait. This was originally the Dublin–Kingstown Railway (back in 1834), and was extended to Bray in 1854, this was Ireland’s first railway and catalyzed Bray’s growth as the ‘Brighton of Ireland. The DART (which stands for Dublin Area Rapid Transport) is an electric rail system that connects Dublin as far South as Graystones just south of Bray. So if you’re staying in Bray, and want to visit Dublin for the day, or vice versa, this is your mode of transport.
On the other side of the tracks we see some elegant Victorian terraces, built by William Dargan and John Quin as part of that development push initiated by the railway. In fact, the grand International Hotel once stood just opposite the station; it housed ~212 bedrooms and was one of Ireland’s largest before its decline
We also visit Carlisle Grounds—home of Bray Wanderers. It opened in 1862 as a multi-sport venue (for things like cricket and archery), it’s one of Ireland’s oldest sporting venues. Later it hosted flower shows, roller skating, and the likes. The current stadium holds around 3,200, seating around 2,000
So Bray was historically on the southern edge of the Pale. The Pale being the section of Ireland that the British had a strong hold over. Its amazing that it’s developed initially from a Norman manor to the old Victorian resort we still see today reflected in its architecture.
We continue up past the junction with Eglinton Road. Here stands the Methodist/Presbyterian church—Bray’s rapid development mid‑1800s brought a flurry of ecclesiastical buildings. This is St Andrew’s, another product of that Victorian wave.
One of the town’s most famous residents by the way is the comedian Dara O’Briain, I don’t know how well known he’ll be to viewers outside the UK and Ireland, but he’s certainly broken through in this part of Europe as an intellectual funny man and panel show host. Another famous son of Bray was the recently deceased Broadcaster and Formula One racing driver Eddie Jordan.
Now on the subject of celebrities here’s a political one. This is the office of Simon Harris, Ireland’s Fine Gael Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister). He also served as the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. And of course a the Taoiseach (Ireland’s Prime Minister) between 2024 and 2025. He was born just down the road from here in Greystones.
We pass the Holy Redeemer Catholic church, a protected building dating from the 1890s.
We arrive at the Town Hall. it was built in 1881 by T. N. Deane, it’s a celebration of Bray’s Victorian prosperity—today, it not only houses the town hall, but also a McDonald’s and an English-language centre, blending civic pride with everyday utility.
Retracing our steps a bit and then turning right of Main Street we pass the Mermaid Arts Centre—a hub for local theatre, music, talks, and exhibitions (a key cultural venue).
I must say that Bray combines a lot of things that makes it an advantageous place to live or visit even. It has the beach, the walks up Bray head. It has some beautiful; architecture and a vibrant shopping town, but perhaps most importantly it has its transport links with Dublin via the Dart. So definitely a worthwhile destination.
Finally we arrive at the iconic Royal Hotel—the site of Bray’s oldest hotel (formerly Meath Arms, Quinn’s Hotel). Once a grand inn, it’s perhaps not so grand today. I stayed in this place at Easter 1998. I remember the dates well as I watched on the news as the Good Friday Agreement was signed.
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Credit to : Naked Ireland