Bray Head
Cape Prominent coastal headland near Bray with ocean views
On the Wicklow coast above Bray, the headland trail leads to a white summit cross and cliff-top views over the Irish Sea; popular for coastal walks and photography.
Bray Head is a sandstone headland overlooking the coastal town of Bray in County Wicklow, Ireland, crowned by a prominent summit cross. It forms the eastern edge of Bray and provides coastal views along the Irish Sea.
A popular local walk follows paths from the town through wooded slopes to the summit, with views of the coastline and nearby towns; the route is used by residents and day visitors. Coastal cliff sections and exposed slopes make some parts steep and potentially slippery in poor weather.
As a natural promontory it provides clear sightlines over Bray, the harbour and the sea, and it forms part of the larger Wicklow coastal landscape used for recreation and short coastal walks.
Bray Head sits immediately above the town of Bray, around 20 kilometres south of Dublin, on Ireland’s east coast.
- Summit cross and height: The summit reaches about 241 metres and is marked by a large cross that is a local landmark visible from the town below.
How to Get to Bray Head #
Bray Head is a short walk from Bray town centre and Bray DART (suburban rail) station, which links with Dublin. The headland’s car parks and promenade provide easy access for visitors.
Tips for Visiting Bray Head #
- Walk the cliff path clockwise from the car park for the best sequential views of the headland and the Wicklow coastline.
- Watch tides if planning to explore the beach below - access points can be limited and slippery.
- Bring binoculars to pick out the small iron cross memorial up on the headland and to scan for seabirds on sea-splashed rocks.
Best Time to Visit Bray Head #
Best in late spring through early autumn for comfortable walking and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Bray Head #
Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 2°C to 19°C. Moderate rainfall (838 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (83 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (62 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (54 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (60 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (77 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with 86 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.