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