On my Sunday ride I explored the coast to the south of Dublin, bordering the Irish Sea. Bray is a popular coastal town and bustling at weekends with tourists from Dublin and further afield. It is on the borders of Dublin and Wicklow and at the edge of what was once ‘English-controlled’ government based in Dublin Castle known as the ‘pale. To venture any further, into areas not controlled by the English was considered to travel in dangerous country and was unacceptable, hence the phrase ‘beyond the pale’.

There is lots to do in Bray and it has a large population and some very attractive suburbs. It is ideal commuting-land for Dublin and this stretch of the N11 is always busy. It is named after Bre (meaning hill).

At the south end of the ‘prom’ at Bray looking towards Bray Head

The beach and seafront at Bray with Dublin (and possibly Howth Head) in the far distance

Further south is the smaller and quieter town of Greystones. You might have guessed it but it is named after the grey stones on the coast and it has a rocky harbour and a lovely sandy beach. The main street has a lot of nice-looking restaurants (people were happily sitting outside enjoying life when I rode past) and it looks like a great location for a summer break. It is about 8km south of Bray and served by the Dart railway.

Looking north along the beach at Greystones. To the south (behind me) is the wonderful, sandy, south beach. You can see Bray Head in the distance

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