Overview
Bray Head on the east coast of County Wicklow offers two complementary coastal routes that cater to different paces and interests. The historic Bray-to-Greystones Walk once formed a continuous 7 km cliff-side footpath from the bandstand on Bray Promenade down to Greystones Harbour. A major rock-fall in October 2022 closed the central section, but the open northern and southern stretches, along with the popular Bray Head Loop, remain accessible and highly rewarding.
For a shorter, more contained experience, the De Buitléar Way (Slí de Buitléar) is a 4 km circular trail that climbs the headland. Opened in 2014 and named for the celebrated wildlife filmmaker, the route features interpretive panels and connects smoothly to the seafront promenade and the larger loop. Together, these paths give you the flexibility to choose between a longer coastal trek or a manageable, family-friendly ascent with rich natural history.
History & Background
The headland’s landscape is layered with engineering ambition, smuggling tales, and cultural milestones:
- Brunel’s Folly (1840s–1850s) – The original cliff-hanging service road was engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to support the Dublin-to-Bray railway. Its precarious alignment and costly maintenance earned it the nickname Brunel’s Folly.
- Lord Meath’s Lodge & Toll Gate – A 19th-century stone cottage where a penny toll was once collected from walkers. Today, the romantic ruin marks the boundary of the former Lord Meath estate.
- Brandy Hole – A dramatic coastal alcove that served as a smuggler’s hiding spot. The original cave was destroyed during railway realignment, but the name endures on modern maps.
- The Old Chairlift (1952–1970) – A concrete-based lift once carried visitors from the seafront up to the Eagles Nest Restaurant on Bray Head. Its base structure remains visible near Raheen Park.
- Éamon de Buitléar (1930–2013) – A renowned wildlife filmmaker and traditional musician who made Bray his home. The De Buitléar Way was commissioned to honour his lifelong dedication to Irish natural history, with panels along the trail highlighting the local flora, fauna, and his broadcasting legacy.
What to See & Do
Walkers on Bray Head are treated to constantly shifting perspectives, from sun-baked limestone cliffs to sheltered coves. Key highlights include:
- Panoramic outlooks – On clear days, the views stretch across the Irish Sea to Howth, south along Dublin Bay to Wicklow Harbour, and inland toward the Wicklow Mountains.
- Wildlife spotting – The headland is a haven for coastal species. Keep an eye out for peregrine falcons, cormorants, kittiwakes, and razorbills. In the water, bottlenose dolphins, black-harbour porpoises, and summer basking sharks make regular appearances.
- Naylor’s Cove – The remains of the early-20th-century Bray Cove Baths, once a popular swimming spot, now form a quiet, sheltered cove.
- Fiddler’s Bridge – A small stone bridge tied to local musical heritage and the story of Pádraig Ó Grádaigh, a blind Irish-speaking fiddler who once played nearby.
- Cable Rock & the Éire sign – Submerged rocks once marked by a safety cable for passing ships. A World War II “Éire” sign painted on the cliff face was used by Allied pilots for navigation.
- De Buitléar Way interpretive panels – These markers detail native plants like bluebells, gorse, and wild orchids, alongside insights into the wildlife Éamon de Buitléar documented throughout his career.
- Summit stone cross – Erected in 1950, the cross sits at the headland’s highest point and provides a classic 360° viewpoint overlooking Dublin Bay and the Sugar Loaf.
Practical Information
- Route status & safety – The central section of the Bray-to-Greystones Walk remains fenced off following the 2022 rock-fall. Use the open northern or southern sections, or stick to the fully accessible Bray Head Loop and De Buitléar Way. Always check local signage before setting out.
- Distance & difficulty
- Bray-to-Greystones Walk (full): ~7 km, easy (when fully open)
- Bray Head Loop: ~5.5 km, easy to moderate
- De Buitléar Way: 4 km circular, moderate (approx. 120 m ascent)
- Access & parking – Free parking lines Vevay Road near the lower trailhead and is available along the Bray Promenade. Spaces fill quickly on summer weekends, so aim for mid-week visits or arrive before 10 am.
- Weather & footwear – The trails are open year-round. Exposed boardwalk sections can become slippery in rain, and coastal winds pick up quickly. Sturdy walking shoes or trainers with grip are essential.
- Facilities & rules – Public toilets and cafés are located on the Bray seafront. Greystones Harbour offers additional eateries and a south-facing beach for a post-walk refresh. Dogs are welcome on a lead. Grazing cattle may be present on adjoining fields; keep a safe distance and follow farm gate instructions.
- Navigation – The De Buitléar Way is marked with red arrows, while the cliff path uses standard way-markers. Mobile signal is generally reliable, but carrying a printed map or offline GPS is wise when navigating the closed sections.
Getting There
By car – The headland is easily accessed from the N11 dual-carriageway. Follow signs into Bray town centre, then continue along the coastal road to the Vevay Road car park (roughly 5 km from the centre). The Greystones end is reached via the R762 from the M11, with limited roadside parking near the harbour.
Public transport – DART services run frequently to Bray Daly and Greystones stations, both within a short walk of their respective trailheads. Bus routes 84, 84a, and 84b also stop along the seafront promenade.
Cycling – A dedicated coastal cycle route connects Bray and Greystones. Cyclists can leave their bikes at the racks near the Vevay Road car park and continue on foot.
Nearby Attractions
Extend your coastal day trip by exploring these nearby Wicklow destinations:
- Brittas Bay – A wide sandy beach and nature reserve north of Bray, ideal for wind-surfing, birdwatching, and family picnics.
- Avoca – About 15 km inland, this village is famous for its hand-weaving mill, riverside walks, and traditional pub dining.
- Ashford – Home to Mount Usher Gardens, a historic landscape garden perfect for a leisurely stroll after your headland walk.
- Arklow Maritime Museum – Discover the region’s seafaring past and traditional boat-building techniques on the south-coast.
- Camaderry – For those wanting a mountain challenge, this peak near Glendalough offers rugged trails and panoramic views over the Wicklow Mountains National Park.
Start early to secure parking, pack layers for the coastal wind, and allow at least two hours to properly explore the open sections. The combination of engineered history, coastal ecology, and unobstructed sea views makes Bray Head one of the most accessible and rewarding walks in the east of Ireland.