Swan Sanctuary, Bray Harbour
Observe graceful swans in their natural habitat at this peaceful sanctuary on Bray Harbour, a beloved landmark in County Wicklow.
The Swan Sanctuary in Bray is a unique and charming attraction, providing a safe and natural environment for a large population of swans. Located at Bray Harbour, the sanctuary offers visitors a peaceful retreat where they can observe these elegant birds up close. The sanctuary has become a beloved landmark, contributing to the character of Bray and attracting visitors from near and far. Until the mid-1990s, the harbor was too polluted to support a large swan population. The construction of a new sewage treatment plant led to a steady increase in swan numbers, growing from around 24 in 1996 to over 160. In 2008, local volunteers established the Bray Swan Sanctuary Volunteer Group to care for the swans and educate the public. The group aims to ensure the harbor environment remains pleasant for both swans and people. Visitors can enjoy watching the swans waddling along the sand and gliding gracefully across the water. The birds are accustomed to human presence, often approaching people in search of a treat. Other bird species, including seagulls, ducks, geese and herons, also frequent the area. The Swan Sanctuary is an ideal destination for families, birdwatching enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful connection with nature.
Local tips
- Visit early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best bird activity and peaceful scenery.
- Bring some bird feed if allowed, but be sure to check local guidelines to protect the wildlife.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking along the paths and be prepared for varying weather conditions.
- Consider combining your visit with a walk along the Bray seafront for a full day of scenic enjoyment.
A brief summary to Swan Sanctuary
- The Harbour, Harbour Road, Bray, Ravenswell, Co. Wicklow, IE
Getting There
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Walking
From Bray Main Street, head towards the seafront and walk south along the promenade. Continue until you reach Bray Harbour. Turn right onto Harbour Road, and the Swan Sanctuary will be on your left. The walk from Bray Main Street to the sanctuary is approximately 15 minutes.
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Public Transport
From Bray Main Street, take bus number 45A, E1, L1, L2, or L15 towards Ravenswell. Ask the driver to drop you off at the stop nearest to The Harbour on Harbour Road. From there, walk towards Harbour Road until you see the Swan Sanctuary. A single fare on Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann services within the Bray area typically costs around €2-€4.
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Taxi
From anywhere in Bray, a taxi to the Swan Sanctuary at The Harbour, Harbour Road, Ravenswell, Co. Wicklow, should cost approximately €10-€15, depending on the starting location. Ensure the driver is familiar with the location or use a GPS navigation app to guide them.
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Car
From the south (e.g., Wicklow Town), take the R750 road towards Bray. Follow signs for 'The Harbour' and 'Ravenswell'. Use Harbour Road to reach the Swan Sanctuary, located directly at The Harbour, Ravenswell. Free parking is available along the road near the sanctuary. Alternatively, Q-Park Bray in central Bray offers parking a short walk from Bray Harbour. Parking here costs €2.80 for up to 2 hours, €5.60 for up to 3 hours, or €12.00 for up to 24 hours. Another option is Herbert Road Car Park (Holy Redeemer Church), which charges €1.00 per hour or €4.00 for a day.
