On your next visit to Dublin, consider a day trip south to the popular seaside towns of Bray and Greystones. A great way to visit both places is to walk the beautiful coastal path between the two. The 6-mile (10 km) journey takes 4 hours or more at a slow pace and offers stunning views of the rugged coastline.
I have to warn you that periodically, the cliff walk is officially closed due to erosion and possible rockfall. I have taken my children on the trail and I have also gone alone. On two of the trips, there has been a sign at the exit warning of a potential hazard near the edge of the road.
My hiking strategy is to be careful and keep a safe distance from the cliffs. This is always good practice when visiting Ireland’s rugged and beautiful coastal areas. Please note that you should use your own judgment when deciding whether to take the Bray to Greystones cliff walk.
To visit Bray, you can start at any DART train station in Dublin and head south. Bray is only 5 miles (7 km) from the southern suburb of Dun Laoghaire. The train ride gives you a taste of the coast as you head out of the city. If you stay on the train, Greystones will be your next stop.
When you get off the DART at Bray, walk towards the beach and you will see many shops where you can buy water and a snack for the walk. Walk south along the beach and you will soon see the path to the coastal path.
The beachfront promenade at Bray is 1 mile (2 km) long. A boardwalk runs much of the distance and is a good place to stroll, even when you don’t want to take a long walk to the next town.
Bray’s seafront was built in the 1880s and was a popular tourist destination for Dubliners and other Europeans for decades. Dublin residents began moving to Bray to get out of the city and many tourists continue to visit the picturesque town each summer.
There has been a carnival located south of the beach towards the trail on a few of my trips to Bray. My kids and I went for a ride on the ferris wheel before starting our hike.
A short walk south of Bray you will find a path that goes up the hill to “Bray Head”. It’s worth the effort to climb 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 241 m (791 ft) above sea level. A concrete cross is located at the top; it was erected in 1950 for the holy year.
You will have plenty of photo opportunities along the trail near Bray. Wildflowers grow along the trail, the coastline is beautiful, and you can always document the hike with photos of you and your friends.
If you hike from Bray to Greystones, you’ll see an old tunnel, called the Brabazon Tunnel, which was abandoned in the 1870s. You’ll see an arch on the sea side of the path, which is from an old railway station. You will walk on the former site of the 15th century Rathdown Castle. You will also see the succession of tunnels used by the current DART train. The views of the coastal cliffs are spectacular and impressive.
You can stop along the way to rest and have a snack. When you arrive at Greystones, you can see the development to the south and know that Dublin’s suburbs are expanding every year.
You can finish your walk with a good dinner in one of the restaurants or pubs in Greystones, or in Bray if you choose not to walk 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’re done, find your way to the DART station and return to Dublin. Enjoy!