Overview
Bray Head on the east coast of County Wicklow boasts two complementary coastal routes. The Bray‑to‑Greystones Walk is a historic cliff‑side footpath that once stretched about 7 km (4 mi) from the bandstand on Bray Promenade to Greystones Harbour Marina. Under normal conditions the walk took 1.5–2.5 hours and was rated as easy. A major rock‑fall in October 2022 forced the central section to close; short out‑and‑back sections at either end and the popular Bray Head Loop remain open.
The De Buitléar Way (Slí de Buitléar) is a 4 km circular trail that climbs Bray Head, opened in May 2014 and named for wildlife filmmaker Éamon de Buitléar. It links seamlessly to the Bray Head Loop and the seafront promenade, allowing walkers to extend their outing toward the cliff walk or back down to the town.
Together the routes give visitors a choice between a longer, historic coastal experience and a shorter, family‑friendly ascent with interpretive insights.
History & Background
- Brunel’s Folly (1840s‑1850s) – The original cliff‑hanging service road was engineered by Isambard Kingdom Brunel to aid the construction of the Dublin‑to‑Bray railway. Its daring alignment earned the nickname Brunel’s Folly because of the costly upkeep required.
- Lord Meath’s Lodge & Toll Gate – A 19th‑century stone cottage where a penny toll was once collected, now a romantic ruin marking the former estate boundary.
- Brandy Hole – A former smuggling alcove that gave its name to a dramatic spot on the trail; the name survives even though the cave was destroyed during railway realignment.
- Chairlift (1952‑1970) – A concrete‑based lift once carried visitors from the seafront up to the Eagles Nest Restaurant on Bray Head; its base is still visible near Raheen Park.
- Éamon de Buitléar (1930‑2013) – Renowned wildlife filmmaker and traditional musician who settled in Bray. In recognition of his contribution to Irish natural history, the town commissioned the De Buitléar Way, complete with interpretive panels that tell his story and highlight the headland’s flora and fauna.
What to See & Do
- Panoramic sea views – Sweeping outlooks over the Irish Sea, Dublin Bay, the Wicklow Mountains and, on clear days, distant Howth.
- Wildlife spotting – Sun‑baked lizards, seabirds such as cormorants, kittiwakes, razorbills and occasional puffins, peregrine falcons, and marine mammals (bottlenose dolphins, black‑harbour porpoises, summer basking sharks).
- Naylor’s Cove – Remains of the early‑20th‑century Bray Cove Baths, a beloved swimming spot.
- Fiddler’s Bridge – Small stone bridge linked to local fiddlers and the legend of blind Irish‑speaker Pádraig Ó Grádaigh.
- Lord Meath’s Lodge & Toll Gate – Ruined stone cottage and historic gate.
- Brandy Hole – The smuggler’s alcove that still marks a hidden corner of the coast.
- Cable Rock & Éire sign – Submerged rocks once marked by a safety cable for ships; a World‑War II “Éire” sign used by Allied pilots.
- Greystones Harbour – Modern marina with cafés and restaurants (e.g., the vegetarian Happy Pear) and a south‑beach suitable for a post‑walk dip.
- De Buitléar Way interpretive panels – Information on Éamon de Buitléar, native plants (bluebells, gorse, occasional wild orchid) and the wildlife he filmed.
- Stone cross at Bray Head summit – Erected in 1950, offering a classic photo point with 360° views of Dublin Bay, the Irish Sea and the Sugar Loaf.
- Connection to wider network – The De Buitléar Way links to the Bray Head Loop (5.5 km) and the seafront promenade, enabling longer coastal treks or shorter loops.
Practical Information
- Safety & closures – The central section of the Bray‑to‑Greystones Walk remains fenced off after the 2022 rock‑fall. Walkers are advised to use the open end sections or the Bray Head Loop while repairs are planned.
- Lengths & difficulty
- Bray‑to‑Greystones Walk (full): ~7 km, easy (when open).
- Bray Head Loop: ~5.5 km, easy to moderate.
- De Buitléar Way: 4 km circular, moderate (≈120 m ascent).
- Access & parking – Free parking is available along Vevay Road, near the lower trailhead, and at the Bray promenade. Spaces fill quickly in summer weekends.
- Season & weather – Open year‑round. Light rain can make boardwalk sections muddy; sturdy walking shoes are recommended.
- Facilities – Restrooms at Bray Promenade, cafés on the promenade, and eateries at Greystones Harbour. Dogs are welcome on a lead; grazing cattle may be present on adjoining farmland.
- Navigation – Trails are well‑marked with red arrows (De Buitléar Way) and standard way‑markers on the cliff walk. Mobile signal is generally good, but a printed map is advisable for the closed sections.
Getting There
By car – The walk is easily reached from the N11 dual‑carriageway. Follow signs for Bray town centre, then continue along the coastal road to the Vevay Road car park (approximately 5 km from Bray town centre). The Greystones end is accessed via the R762 from the M11, with limited roadside parking near the harbour.
Public transport – Regular DART services stop at Bray Daly and Greystones stations, both a short walk from the respective trailheads. Bus routes 84, 84a and 84b also serve the seafront promenade.
Cycling – The coastal cycle route runs between Bray and Greystones; cyclists can park at designated bike racks near the Vevay Road car park before setting off on foot.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re on the headland, consider extending your day with a visit to other Wicklow highlights:
- Brittas Bay – A sandy beach a short drive north, popular for wind‑surfing and family picnics.
- Avoca Village – Famous for its hand‑weaving mill and riverside walks, about 15 km inland.
- Ashford – Home to the beautiful Mount Usher Gardens, a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll after your walk.
- Arklow Maritime Museum – Explore Wicklow’s seafaring heritage on the south‑coast.
- Glendalough – Though a longer drive, the monastic settlement and mountain trails are a classic Wicklow day‑trip.
Enjoy the blend of history, natural beauty and coastal drama that makes Bray Head one of Ireland’s most beloved walking destinations.