Bray Tourist Attractions
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Bray (Bri Cualann, "Hill of Cuala") lies a little way south of Dublin in a beautiful, sheltered bay on the Irish Sea, between the Dalkey Promontory to the north and Bray Head to the south. It is one of Ireland's largest and oldest seaside resorts, mainly favored by Dubliners.
Bray Esplanade
Bray's most popular feature is the Esplanade, a spacious promenade which extends along a beach of sand and shingle more than 1mi/2km long, with a bandstand, a putting course and other amusements. At the north end is the boating harbor; to the south is Bray Head.
Bray Head
To the south of Bray is Bray Head, rising steeply from the sea to a height of nearly 800ft/240m. A footpath known as the Great White Way runs from the south end of the Esplanade, passing a small ruined church (13th C), to the summit of the head (1.5 hours there and back). From the top there are fine views over the sea and inland.Bray has excellent sports facilities, tennis courts, golf courses (nine holes and 18 holes), swimming, sailing, motor boating.
Surroundings
Rathmichael
2.5mi/4km northwest of Bray are the 16th C. Church of Rathmichael and the stump of a round tower (National Monument). On the south wall of the church are a number of unusual early gravestones and a cross.
River Dargle
2.5mi/4km west of Bray the River Dargle, which flows through the town to reach the sea, forms a densely wooded valley, the rugged and romantic Glen of the Dargle, with Lover's Leap, a massive projecting crag. A narrow path runs alongside the river, and a winding road leads into the upper part of the valley.
Killruddery House
On the right of the R761, which leads south from Bray, is Killruddery House, an Elizabethan-style mansion of 1820 with beautiful gardens (late 17th C).
Sugar Loaf Mountains
To the south of Bray are the imposing outlines of the Sugar Loaf Mountains - the Little Sugar Loaf (1,106ft/337m) and Great Sugar Loaf (1,628ft/496m), both of which afford extensive views.
Greystones
5mi/8km south of Bray the R761 comes to the resort of Graystones, in wooded country, with tennis courts, a golf course (18 holes) and good bathing in the bay; sailing boats and motor boats can be hired.The Bray Harriers hunt in the surrounding district.
Delgany
1.5mi/2.5km southwest of Graystones, away from the coast, lies Delgany, a charming little village in a wooded setting, with a golf course (18 holes).
Glen of the Downs
From Delgany an excursion can be made to the Glen of the Downs, a State forest with a well laid out nature trail.
