De Buitléar Way

Overview

The De Buitléar Way (Irish: Slí de Buitléar) is a modest‑length, 4 km circular walk that climbs the iconic Bray Head on the east coast of County Wicklow. Opened in May 2014, the trail was inaugurated by Laillí de Buitléar, the filmmaker’s widow, and local councillors. It provides a gentle yet rewarding hike that showcases the rugged beauty of the Irish Sea coastline, sweeping vistas over Dublin Bay, and a rich tapestry of native plants and wildlife that inspired Éamon de Buitléar’s celebrated documentaries.

History

Éamon de Buitléar (1930‑2013) was a pioneering Irish wildlife filmmaker, naturalist, writer and traditional musician. Born in Renmore Barracks, County Galway, he grew up in a Gaelic‑speaking household and later settled in Bray, where his love of the local landscape informed much of his work for RTÉ, the BBC and other broadcasters. In recognition of his contributions to Irish natural history and his deep ties to the community, Bray commissioned a dedicated walking route on the headland that bears his name. The ribbon‑cutting ceremony in May 2014 was performed by his wife Laillí de Buitléar alongside local officials and councillors.

What to See & Do

Walking the De Buitléar Way is as much an educational experience as it is a scenic one. Along the path you will encounter:

• Interpretive panels that tell the story of Éamon de Buitléar and highlight key flora such as bluebells, gorse, wild orchid and the occasional heather.
• Wildlife spotting – the headland is a haven for seabirds. In spring and early summer you may see puffins nesting on the cliffs, while razorbills, gulls and shearwaters are regular visitors. Dolphin sightings from the viewpoint are reported in summer months.
• Panoramic viewpoints – at the summit (206 m) a stone cross, erected in 1950 during the Holy Year, marks the highest point. From here you can see Dublin Bay, the town of Bray, the Great and Little Sugar Loaf, Carrickgollogan (locally known as Kathy Gallagher) and, on clear days, the Wicklow Mountains.
• Connection to the larger network – the De Buitléar Way links seamlessly to the 5.5 km Bray Head Loop Walk and the popular promenade that runs along the seafront. Walkers can extend their outing by heading down to the Cliff Walk, or by looping back via Vevay Road.

The trail is well‑marked with red arrows on a black background and a few short board‑walk sections through woodland. The gentle ascent (approximately 120 m) makes it suitable for families and casual walkers. Dogs are welcome on a lead, as grazing cattle are present on adjoining farmland.

Seasonal Highlights

• Spring (March–May) – bluebells carpet the woodland floor; puffins may be nesting on the cliffs.
• Summer (June–August) – abundant seabird activity, especially shearwaters and razorbills; occasional dolphin sightings from the summit.
• Autumn (September–November) – turning foliage and migrating birds; quieter paths.
• Winter (December–February) – dramatic sea‑spray and the chance to see wintering gulls; be prepared for wind and rain.

Connecting Walks & Nearby Attractions

• Bray Head Loop Walk – a 5.5 km loop that starts at the same trailhead, climbs to the stone cross and continues around the headland. The loop is marked with the same red‑arrow waymarks and is described in detail on the Bray tourism site.
• Bray Head Cliff Walk – a more exposed cliff route that is currently closed due to rock‑fall; walkers can safely return via the De Buitléar Way.
• Brandy Hole – a historic smuggler’s cove on the southern side of Bray Head. (see Brandy Hole)
• Bray Promenade – a flat, seaside promenade with cafés, restaurants and restrooms, perfect for a post‑walk treat. (see Bray Promenade)
• Bray to Greystones Walk – a longer coastal route that continues northwards; the section from Bray to Greystones is currently closed, but the start of the route is accessible from the De Buitléar Way. (see Bray to Greystones Walk)

Safety & Practical Tips

• Footwear – sturdy walking shoes with good grip are recommended; parts of the trail are steep and can be muddy after rain.
• Weather – the headland is exposed to wind and sea‑spray; dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket.
• Water & Food – carry water and a snack; cafés are available on the promenade after the walk.
• Leave No Trace – dispose of waste properly or take it home. Respect the wildlife and keep dogs on a lead.
• Emergency – in case of injury call 999/112.
• Parking – limited spaces are available at the Vevay Road car park near the Wilton Hotel roundabout; arrive early in summer.
• Public transport – Bray railway station (DART) is a short walk from the promenade; local bus services stop nearby.
• Map – a downloadable PDF of the Bray Head Loop Walk (including the De Buitléar Way) is available from the Bray tourism website.

Practical Information

The De Buitléar Way is free to access and open year‑round. Parking is available at several points along Vevay Road and near the lower end of the trail, though spaces can fill quickly during peak summer weekends. The walk is graded as moderate; the terrain consists of compacted earth, boardwalk sections through woodland, and a few short, rocky scrambles near the summit. While the path is generally well‑maintained, a light rain can make some sections muddy.

The trailhead is located just off Vevay Road, near the Wilton Hotel roundabout. A map board sits inside the gate, and the route is clearly indicated by red arrows on the ground. For those arriving by public transport, Bray railway station is a short walk from the promenade, and local bus services stop nearby.

For further reading on Éamon de Buitléar’s life and work, see his Wikipedia entry. Additional details about the Bray Head Loop Walk and surrounding walks can be found on the Bray tourism website.

The De Buitléar Way offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage and gentle adventure – a perfect way to honour one of Ireland’s most beloved wildlife storytellers while enjoying some of the finest coastal scenery the country has to offer.