Things to do in Bray

UPDATED 31/01/2023

If you are wondering which things to do in Bray with your family, then this guide is for you. 

The coastal town offers a mix of scenic, rural, urban and historic attractions plus there are lots of fun free things to do in Bray. 

Whether you visit Bray on a day trip from Dublin or for a longer stay, there will be something in Bray, Co.Wicklow for everyone.

Where is Bray?

Not to be confused with Bray in Berkshire, England, Bray Ireland is a seaside town on the north coast of Co. Wicklow. It borders Greystones to the south and Shankill, County Dublin to the north.

How to get to Bray from Dublin?

It is an easy day trip from Dublin to Bray and the seaside town is the perfect location to escape busy Dublin city centre. 

Driving to Bray will take around 45 minutes by car from central Dublin (depending on traffic). It is a straightforward drive, most of which is on the M50 and the M11. Fee-paying parking is available in car parks in Bray town centre or in public car parks at either end of the seafront.

You can also catch a DART train from Connolly station in Dublin to Bray Daly station. The journey will take around one hour and the station is a one minute walk from Bray seafront. Check up to date DART timetables here. 

Things to do in Bray

Bray Head

Bray Head is the headland which juts into the Irish sea between Bray and Greystones. This rugged hill dominates the town’s skyline. 

Bray Head (or Bray hill) is 218 metres high and is easily recognisable due to the enormous stone cross on its summit.  

The Bray Head walk is one of the most popular things to do in Bray with both locals and tourists. We hike to the summit regularly and never get bored of the walk or of the fantastic view from the top. 

Bray Head Cliff Walk

The Bray Head climb is an easy walk to do with kids but you will need appropriate footwear. The path is rocky and uneven so don’t attempt it in flip flops or sandals. Good gripping trainers or boots are a must. The walk will take around 30 – 60 minutes each way.

The trail is easy to follow with a few steep sections but watch out for trip hazard trees roots and small rocks. Unfortunately, the Bray Head walk is not suitable for pushchairs or prams.  

It is a scenic trail which winds through woodland dotted with vivid yellow gorse. Gaps in the dense vegetation hints at the wonderful views you will see from the summit. 

When you reach the cross at the summit, you are rewarded with far reaching 360-degree views (on a clear day of course!) 

You can see all the way from Bray to Dublin city centre and to Dalkey and Howth. To the other side there are fantastic views of County Wicklow’s dramatic coastline and neighbouring Greystones Wicklow. 

Behind you, the inland view stretches to the Wicklow Mountains and includes the iconic Great Sugar Loaf and Little Sugar Loaf peaks.

The rewards of the Bray Head walk far outweigh its short duration and lack of difficulty.

TIP – There are no facilities on route so bring snacks and water with you. Visit the public toilet on Bray promenade before starting the hike. The summit is not fenced and there are steep drops so keep children close and watch your footing. 

How to get to Bray Head 

The Bray Head walk starts at the end of Bray’s seafront promenade.

Follow the paved road around the headland as if you are following the coastal path to Greystones. Shortly after the public car park, take the right-hand fork in the path to start the ascent to Bray Head. 

Alternatively, a slightly longer (but less steep option) is to walk to Bray Head from the public footpath path starting near Bray Golf Club.

This gently ascending, rocky route hugs the coastline rather than climbing the headland and has wonderful views of the Irish Sea. However this path is exposed and can get very windy.

If you are driving to Bray, park in the small Pay and Display public car park near the start of the walk.

If you are travelling by train, you will need to walk the length of Bray seafront before accessing the trail.

Walk from Bray to Greystones 

If you prefer flatter walking trails, the scenic walk from Bray to Greystones is a fantastic alternative to summiting Bray Head.

This 7 kilometre cliff hugging coastal path runs all the way from Bray to Greystones and is adjacent to (and sometimes above) the DART line. Kids will enjoy watching the trains entering and leaving the headland’s tunnels.

The 19th century railway line was designed by Brunel and earned the nickname ‘Brunel’s Folly’ due to its enormous construction and maintenance costs. Today, the path is popular with joggers, Sunday strollers and anyone who likes sweeping sea views. 

The footpath is generally flat but it can be narrow in places with steep drops on one side. It is doable with pushchairs but it won’t be easy or smooth. The path is mostly unfenced so watch your footing and keep children close. 

The path takes around 2.5 – 3 hours to walk each way and can get very busy on weekends and holidays.

How to get to the Bray to Greystones walk

If you are driving, park on Bray promenade or in the car park near the Bray Head climb.

Follow the paved path at the end of the promenade around the headland and just keep going to Greystones.

You can either return on foot along the same path or catch the DART back to Bray. If you are visiting Bray on a day trip from Dublin, I recommend visiting Bray before walking this path. Once in Greystones, you can then catch the DART all the way back to Dublin. 

TIP – There are no facilities on the path so bring plenty of drinks and snacks. 

Sea Life Bray

The Sea Life Bray aquarium on Bray seafront (officially called the National Sea Life Centre) is one of the best aquariums in Ireland.

The aquarium is packed with both Irish sea life and marine animals from foreign waters ranging from sharks to sea horses.

There are six themed zones such as Caribbean Cove and Toxic Terrors that will keep inquisitive kids engaged. There are also several talks and feeding demonstrations daily. Our kids favourite section is the ethereal Jellyfish zone with its colour changing tanks.

Sea Life Bray is one of the best things to do in Wicklow with kids so it can get very busy during peak periods and on rainy days.

Tickets for Bray Aquarium have an allotted time slot so, unless you are sure of your schedule, purchase a flexi ticket. This ticket allows free date changes up to 24 hours before your arrival time.

Price – Non Flexible ticket Adults €15.50 / €12.50 for children 3-14 yrs / Children under 3 free. Flexible ticket Adults €18.50 / €15.50 Children 3-14 yrs.

TIP – Significant savings can be made by booking online in advance of your visit.

Check the Sea Life Bray website in advance for seasonal opening times, timetable of talks and feeding times. 

Bray Seafront

One of our favourite things to do in Bray is to go for a stroll along Bray seafront.

The Victorian era esplanade stretches for one mile from Bray Head to Bray Harbour. It cuts between the beach and an adjoining green space which is lined by some of the best Bray pubs and is popular with all ages.

There are a couple of cafes and restaurants on the promenade plus a small gym/workout area and an enclosed playground for younger children. Our kids loved this fun Bray park when they were toddlers. 

A Victorian bandstand hosts live bands on Sundays during the summer and in July and August, Bray seafront plays host to the popular Bray Festival and funfair. On the last weekend in July, the seafront is packed with thousands of spectators for the thrilling Bray Air Show.

Check out upcoming events on Bray seafront here.

Visiting Bray seafront

If you are looking for beaches in Wicklow with lots of space to spread out, Bray beach is one of the best.  The clean pebbly beach is boasts Blue Flag status and the sea is ideal for a paddle or a chilly swim. There are no lifeguards on duty.

There is a small sandy beach in front of the Martello Terrace houses near the harbour which is ideal for building sandcastles.

Free public toilets are available in the middle of the seafront under the Butler and Barry restaurant.

TIP – Gino’s Gelato on the seafront sells a dizzying array of ice cream flavours but our personal favourite is a traditional 99 ice cream from Teddy’s near the arcades. The generously sized ice creams are great value for money and they sell child portions and offer family deals. We happily eat a Teddy’s 99 in the middle of winter! 

Killruddery House and Gardens

If you want to visit gardens in Wicklow, check out the 800 acre Killruddery House and Gardens estate, home to the Earls of Meath since the early 17th century. The estate is a sustainable bio diverse farm with several attractions. 

There are seasonal guided tours available of the house plus visitors can take a self-guided audio tour of the landscaped gardens. The unusual gardens grow in their original 17th-century layout and feature a flowering woodland, a formal garden, long ponds and a walled garden. Kids will love the Faerie Woodland Village and a Giant Sandpit in the Apple Orchard.

There is a cafe, tea room and farm shop plus Killruddery hosts a seasonal Farmers Market every Saturday between 10 am and 4 pm. 

Check the Killruddery website for a timetable of family friendly events and private event closures.  If you are touring the house, you may be asked to leave pushchairs outside. 

Opening times – Gardens: April to October from Tuesday to Sunday 9.30 am – 5 pm (last entry 4 pm).
Closing time is extended to 6 pm from May to September with last entry at 5 pm.

Price – House and Gardens Adult €15.50 / Children €5.50 4-12 years.

               Gardens Only Ticket Adults €8.50 / Children €3 4-12 years. 

Squirrel Scramble

One of the most fun things to do in Wicklow for families is the tree top adventure course Squirrel Scramble, located in the grounds of Killruddery House. 

The course consists of 50 tree high challenges involving climbing, balancing and crawling as well as 12 ziplines over five different levels. Kids love it.

The woodland course is suitable for children aged 5  and over and under 7’s must be accompanied around the course by an adult. The course is even doable on a rainy day as the trees provide some shelter.

Tickets must be pre booked in advance.

Price – Adult and children over 5 €21.00 A family of four costs €20 per person. 

Check opening times and book online here. 

Powerscourt

The stunning 47 acre gardens are the main attraction at historic Powerscourt Estate. 

Powerscourt House gardens were voted No 3 in National Geographic’s ‘Top Ten Gardens in the World.’ They are the best gardens in Wicklow and have one of the best backdrops of any Irish garden; Great Sugar Loaf mountain. 

The 18th century gardens are divided into different zones such as The Walled Garden, the Japanese Garden and the Italian Garden and are at their best in Spring and Summer. Kids will like the cute Pepperpot Tower and the Pet Cemetery. 

Powerscourt House was destroyed by fire in 1974 but the renovated shell now houses an Avoca cafe and shop. Powerscourt Avoca is well worth visiting (try the Millionaires Shortbread, it’s incredible!) and a Powerscourt afternoon tea is ranked amongst the best in Ireland.

There is also a small theatre which plays a short movie charting the history of the estate.

Opening times – Everyday, all year round. March to October 9.30 am – 5.30 pm. Other times vary, check website for details.

Price – Gardens Only Adult €11.50 / Children €5 / Children under 5 free / Family (2 adult and up to 3 children) €26.00

How to get to Powerscourt

The Powerscourt estate is a short 10 minute drive from Bray town centre.

It can also be reached by catching the 185 Bus from Bray. The bus drops you in Enniskerry from where it is a 20 minute walk to the estate. 

Powerscourt Waterfall

If you want to visit waterfalls in Ireland then you cannot miss Powerscourt Waterfall. It is Ireland’s highest waterfall at 121 metres high. 

There is a 30 minute scenic ‘Powerscourt waterfall walk’ through the trees (including Giant Redwoods) to reach the waterfall where there is lots of open green space for a run around and a picnic.

There is parking, toilets and a refreshment kiosk on site. Note that Powerscourt waterfall is 6 kilometres away from Powerscourt House and Gardens so you will need to drive – or walk – t0 get there from the estate. 

Opening times – November to February 10.30 am – 4 pm.  March/April/ September/ October 10.30 am – 5.30 pm. May to August 9.30 am – 7 pm. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.

Powerscourt waterfall price – Adults €6.50 / Children €3.50 / Under 2’s free / Family of five €16.00. Tickets are bought on arrival at the waterfall. 

For lots of other fun things to do in Wicklow, check out our Wicklow with kids post here. 

Things to do in Bray on a rainy day

The Sea Life Centre is the best option on a rainy day in Bray or check out the amusements and arcades on the seafront.

Alternatively, stay dry in the Mermaid Arts Centre cinema in the town centre or visit Bray Bowl for ten pin bowling or Shoreline Leisure for swimming. 

Places to eat in Bray

Bray seafront is the best place to eat in Bray as it has a range of cafes, pubs, takeaways and restaurants. 

We have eaten several times in The Martello. Our children are always made to feel welcomed and the generous food portions are reasonably priced. They do a fabulous Full Irish breakfast.

We also like Butler and Barry; it is a bit pricier than The Martello but has uninterrupted sea views. Dockyard No8 in the harbour is a local favourite.

Wherever you eat, don’t miss the unique Harbour Bar, a 19th century pub directly opposite the harbour. It was voted ‘Best Bar In The World’ by the Lonely Planet in 2010.

The quirky pub has a rare, old world charm and there are two floors are packed with memorabilia. It regularly hosts live music including traditional music sessions.

Enjoy a pint – or a cup of tea- in ‘The Good Room’, a rear ‘snug’ section of the bar complete with a sofa, open fire and a resident cat. It will remind you of your Irish granny’s living room.

Bray is a great place to visit and it deserves to be added to any Ireland itinerary. If you are only visiting Dublin, a day trip to Bray offers the chance to experience the food and culture of Ireland outside the capital whilst enjoying the scenic views Ireland is known for.

Looking for other family friendly destinations in Ireland? Check out my things to do in Clare with kids.