Bray Head Cliff Walk Dublin
A dramatic coastal trail offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains, with alternative routes available.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Bray Head Cliff Walk Dublin
Best Time
Best light and fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A dramatic coastal trail offering breathtaking views of the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains, with alternative routes available.
"The views are absolutely stunning, a must-do coastal walk!"
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be rough and uneven. Protect your feet and ankles with good hiking shoes.
⚠️ Check Official Status
The main cliff walk is often closed. Be prepared for detours or alternative routes.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bray Head Loop Walk
Bray Head
Panoramic views of the Irish Sea and Wicklow Mountains. A safer alternative to the main cliff path.
Irish Sea Vistas
Coastal path
Uninterrupted, breathtaking views of the vast Irish Sea and dramatic coastline.
Wicklow Mountains Backdrop
Along the trail
The majestic Wicklow Mountains provide a stunning, verdant backdrop to your coastal adventure.
Planning Your Visit
Cliff Walk Status: Proceed with Caution
Alternative Routes & Safety
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be rough and uneven. Protect your feet and ankles with good hiking shoes.
⚠️ Check Official Status
The main cliff walk is often closed. Be prepared for detours or alternative routes. +1
Bray cliff walk
Bray to Greystones
⬆️ Consider Bray Head Loop
A safer, well-maintained alternative offering spectacular views.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photo opportunities of the sea and mountains.
Bray Head and Cliff walk.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
The terrain can be rough and uneven. Protect your feet and ankles with good hiking shoes.
⚠️ Check Official Status
The main cliff walk is often closed. Be prepared for detours or alternative routes. +1
⬆️ Consider Bray Head Loop
A safer, well-maintained alternative offering spectacular views.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera or phone for incredible photo opportunities of the sea and mountains.
💧 Pack Water & Snacks
There are limited facilities along the path, so come prepared for your trek.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking coastal scenery and the invigorating sea air on the Bray Head Cliff Walk. While the official closure of the main path causes some inconvenience, many find the alternative Bray Head Loop a rewarding experience. The journey via the DART train is also frequently praised for its convenience and scenic value.
"Absolutely stunning walk with breathtaking views!
The Bray Cliff Walk is a must-do if you're in the area. Starting from Newcourt, the trail is well-marked and fairly easy, making it perfect for all fitness levels. You'll be treated to panoramic views of the Irish Sea, rugged cliffs, and even some wildlife if you're lucky. It can get windy, so bring a light jacket, and wear comfortable shoes—parts of the path can be uneven. Great for a peaceful solo walk, a day out with friends, or even a casual date. Highly recommend timing it around sunset for that extra wow factor!
There are a lot of amenities for play, food and entertainment. Huge car park, free on Sundays. If you’re lucky over the long weekends you might able to ride fun fair to enjoy with your kids. Many picnic tables and spots, for a perfect picnic out with your loved ones."
Nipuni de Silva
"Only a small portion of the hike is open at the moment--maybe 1km? It's still a nice walk down to the closed off section. The views are quite lovely. There are still a handful of picnic tables throughout the path that would be nice for a bite or a rest. I really hope they get it fixed soon."
Ike Ichael
"• Bray Head Cross – A short but steep hike up from the Bray end gives panoramic views of the Irish Sea, Bray town, and the Wicklow Mountains.
• Cliff Views – The trail hugs the coastline, with dramatic sea cliffs, seabirds, and sometimes even dolphins offshore.
• Greystones – Lovely seaside town at the end of the walk with cafes, restaurants, and a DART station for the return trip."
Huang Hai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The easiest way is to take the DART train from Dublin city center directly to Bray station. From there, it's a short walk to the start of the trail. Some DART trains continue to Greystones, which is the other end of the walk.
Yes, there are parking options in Bray town, but they can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Consider public transport via the DART for a more reliable option.
Yes, you can start or end the walk in Greystones. The DART station in Greystones is also conveniently located near the trail access point.
The DART train is highly recommended as it runs frequently between Bray and Greystones, making it easy to complete a one-way walk and return to your starting point.
While buses serve Bray town, the DART is generally the most convenient and scenic public transport option for accessing the cliff walk area.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Bray Head Cliff Walk is a public trail and does not require tickets for entry. It's free to access.
As a public outdoor trail, it's generally accessible at all hours. However, it's best to visit during daylight for safety and visibility.
The traditional cliff walk between Bray and Greystones is officially closed due to safety concerns. However, many people still access it by bypassing gates. +1
While officially closed, many visitors still attempt the walk by navigating around gates. Be aware that this is done at your own risk due to potential hazards. +1
There are no entry fees for the cliff walk itself. Any costs would be related to transportation to Bray or Greystones.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The full cliff walk from Bray to Greystones is approximately 7km and can take 2-3 hours, depending on your pace and how often you stop for photos. The Bray Head loop is shorter, around 5km.
The traditional cliff walk, especially if parts are eroded, can be challenging and potentially dangerous. The Bray Head loop is moderately difficult with some inclines. +1
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots. Layers of clothing are recommended as the weather can change quickly by the coast.
Facilities are very limited directly on the cliff path. You'll find more options in Bray and Greystones towns before or after your walk.
The officially closed cliff walk is not recommended for young children due to safety risks. The Bray Head loop is more suitable, but still requires supervision.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints overlooking the Irish Sea, the coastline stretching towards Greystones, and the iconic Pigeon House. The Bray Head loop also offers fantastic panoramic shots.
Early morning or late afternoon during the 'golden hour' provides the most beautiful light for capturing the coastal scenery and dramatic skies.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive sea and landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for distant coastal features. Don't forget a polarizing filter for enhancing sea and sky.
Keep an eye out for the Pigeon House (a distinctive structure on the cliff), the Bray Head signal tower, and the charming seaside towns of Bray and Greystones.
On windy days, position yourself safely to capture waves crashing against the rocks. A faster shutter speed can freeze the spray, or a slower one can create a silky effect.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
Consider starting your day with a visit to Bray's pebble beach or exploring the playgrounds in the area. The DART train is a fun and easy way to travel with kids from Dublin, and the journey itself can be an adventure. Pack plenty of snacks and drinks, and be prepared for a moderate walk that will still offer plenty of beautiful scenery for everyone to enjoy.
🚶 Solo Adventurers & Hikers
Carry a fully charged phone, water, and snacks. The DART is an excellent option for solo travelers, allowing easy access to the trailheads from Dublin without the need for a car. Enjoy the freedom to set your own pace and soak in the dramatic Irish coastline.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the main cliff path offers unique perspectives, the Bray Head Loop also provides excellent vantage points for capturing panoramic seascapes. Bring a wide-angle lens to encompass the vastness of the scenery and a polarizing filter to enhance the blues of the sea and sky. Be mindful of the weather; dramatic skies and crashing waves can add incredible dynamism to your photographs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Cliff Walk's Status
Despite the closure, many determined walkers still find ways to access the path by carefully navigating around the gates or finding unofficial detours. However, it's crucial to understand that doing so is at your own risk. The conditions can be genuinely sketchy, and there's no guarantee of safety or a clear passage. Volunteers have been seen clearing overgrowth on the Greystones side, but this doesn't negate the inherent dangers of an officially closed trail.
For those seeking a safer and more predictable experience, the Bray Head Loop Walk is a highly recommended alternative. This well-maintained path offers stunning views of the Irish Sea and the surrounding landscape without the direct coastal exposure and associated risks of the traditional cliff walk. It provides a fantastic way to enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
Footwear and Preparedness
Beyond shoes, being prepared for the elements is key. The coastal environment means the weather can change rapidly. It's advisable to wear layers of clothing that you can easily add or remove. A waterproof and windproof jacket is a wise addition, even on seemingly pleasant days. Don't forget to pack water and snacks, as facilities along the cliff path itself are scarce. Having these essentials will ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience, allowing you to focus on the breathtaking scenery.
The DART: Your Scenic Gateway
The DART conveniently stops at both Bray and Greystones, the two main access points for the cliff walk. This makes it incredibly easy to plan a one-way hike and then hop back on the DART to return to your starting point or continue your exploration. The journey itself is part of the experience, offering a relaxed and efficient way to travel without the hassle of parking.
Taking the DART also means you can fully immerse yourself in the coastal views without worrying about driving or parking logistics. It's an eco-friendly and stress-free option that aligns perfectly with a day trip focused on enjoying the natural beauty of the Dublin coastline.
Social
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