Bray Head: A Coastal Summit with Panoramic Views

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Hike to the iconic Bray Head in County Wicklow for breathtaking coastal scenery and panoramic views of Dublin, the Irish Sea, and the Wicklow Mountains.

Bray Head, a prominent headland in County Wicklow, Ireland, offers stunning panoramic views of the Irish Sea, the Wicklow Mountains, and the towns of Bray and Greystones. A popular destination for hillwalkers, its summit features a concrete cross erected in 1950.

A brief summary to Bray Head

Newcourt, Co. Wicklow, IE

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Bray Head.

Wear sturdy shoes, as the trails can be steep and rocky.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, as conditions can change rapidly.
Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities on the peak.
Visit early in the morning to enjoy the sunrise over the sea.
Be prepared for slippery conditions on the trails, especially in wet weather.

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Getting There

Walking

From Bray Main Street or the DART station, head south towards the seafront and Bray Promenade. Walk along the promenade until you reach the end, where the path leads to the Bray Head trail. The walk from the town center or DART station to the trailhead takes approximately 15-20 minutes. Follow the signs for Bray Head.
Public Transport

Take the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) from Dublin city center to Bray Station. Trains run frequently from Pearse Station or Tara Street Station to Bray Station. From Bray Station, walk south towards the seafront and follow the promenade to the Bray Head trail. The train journey from Dublin to Bray takes approximately 45 minutes. A single fare from Dublin to Bray costs approximately €3-€5.
Driving

From Dublin city center, take the N11 road southbound. Continue on the N11 for approximately 12 miles until you reach the exit for Bray (R761). Follow the signs for Bray Head. Parking is available at the Cliff Walk Car Park at Raheen Park, just outside of Bray town center. Parking fees may apply. From the car park, follow the path to the Bray Head trail.

Discover more about Bray Head

Bray Head, rising 241 meters (791 feet) above the Irish Sea, is a majestic hill and headland located in northern County Wicklow. Situated between Bray and Greystones, it forms part of the Wicklow Mountains and is a beloved spot for locals and tourists alike. The headland's name, 'Bré', directly translates from Irish to mean 'hill'.At the summit stands a concrete cross, placed in 1950 during the Holy Year. Every Good Friday, hundreds of locals participate in a procession to the cross, marking the Stations of the Cross. The area is steeped in history, with evidence of early Christian presence dating back to the fifth century.The walk to the summit offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. To the north, one can see the urban sprawl of Dublin, while to the south, the Wicklow Mountains provide a stunning backdrop. The coastline offers dramatic cliffs plunging into the sea. Bray Head is also significant for its geology, composed of Cambrian rocks, including greywacke slate and quartzite. These rocks contain trace fossils, providing insights into early invertebrate life.There are a few different trails available, including the Bray Head Loop, and the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk. The Bray Head Loop is a 5.5km route that offers spectacular views of Bray, North East Wicklow, Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea. The more challenging Cliff Walk, which connects Bray and Greystones, is currently closed due to rock falls.