Irish Coastal Walks

54 walks around Ireland’s beautiful, raw and rugged 3500 mile coastline. All parts of Ireland, including Northern Ireland and its Giant’s Causeway, are covered. Detailed coverage on the south-west and west (Galway).

Irish Coastal Walks

Author

Paddy Dillon

Cover

Paperback - Laminated

Edition

First

ISBN_13

9781852842871

Availability

Reprinted

Price

£9.99

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Front Cover (1)
Overview Maps (1)
Sample Routes (1)

Seasons

Any time of the year, although spring and summer weather may be better.

Centres

The walks are spread around the Irish coast. Any coastal town will give good access to walks in its area.

Difficulty

Half- and full-day routes, usually straightforward even along cliffs, although parts of the Irish coast can be remote and wild-feeling.

Must See

The Giant's Causeway, the Cliffs of Moher, the Wexford Coastal Path, the Sheep's Head, Inishturk, Aran Island, Bray Head.

View Sample Route Map

Walk 3 - Bray Head

Distance: 6 miles (10 kilometres).
Start: Bray Railway Station - 270187.
Finish: Greystones Railway Station - 297122.
Map: OS Discovery Sheet 56.
Terrain: Very clear and well-trodden cliff paths.
Parking: In Bray town centre or at the end of Putland Road, and around Greystones.
Transport: DART services to Bray and Suburban Rail back from Greystones. Dublin Bus 45, 45A, 84 & 85 to Bray.

The southward growth of Bray as a Victorian seaside resort was arrested by the rugged cliffs of Bray Head. However, a railway was cut along the base of the cliffs, leading to the next coastal village of Greystones. The railway is accompanied by a fine path, though there are other paths which climb over the rugged summit of Bray Head. The walk from Bray to Greystones or vice versa is a popular choice among locals, and visitors will find it easy and interesting. The walk is described from station to station.

The Route
Leave the DART railway station and cross a nearby level crossing, then follow the promenade running parallel to the Esplanade towards Bray Head. The rugged headland is unmistakable, being surmounted by a prominent cross. After passing the Bray Head Inn, a broad, curved concrete track climbs uphill and crosses a railway bridge to pass a car park. Motorists can park in town, or drive along Putland Road to reach the car park at the foot of Bray Head.

The broad and clear cliff path runs parallel to the railway beyond the car park. (Off to the right is a stepped path climbing to the cross on top of Bray Head.) The cliff path is fenced and runs parallel to the railway, often running almost vertically above the lines. While marvelling at the engineering of the railway, note also an abandoned stretch of cuttings and a tunnel, which fell victim to coastal erosion. The rock walls are like hanging gardens in places, and a few sure-footed wild goats might be spotted. Guano-stained rocks are the preserve of a variety of gulls, while some tidal rocks may be used as perches by cormorants drying their wings. Views northwards along the coast reveal Dalkey Island, Howth Head and Lambay Island.

The cliff path passes some farmland, rising to the right, and the way is enclosed with trees and shrubs for a short while. The path drops from rocky slopes onto glacial till, which shows several signs of collapse. For proof of continuing erosion, there is one stretch where there are four parallel lines of retreating wire fencing! Despite the crumbling cliffs, walkers keep treading a path and this is enclosed by stout fencing. There are views inland of the rugged hills of Little and Great Sugar Loaf.

Sports pitches are passed, followed by angling and yacht club premises. Keep left along the coastal road in Greystones, passing restaurants, a take-away and La Touche Hotel. The road swings inland near Greystones Railway Station, and by crossing a footbridge or nearby level crossing a full range of shops, pubs and restaurants can be discovered in the centre of town, as well as the main entrance to the railway station.

Bray Heritage Centre
Housed in the fine old Courthouse on Main Street, dating from 1841, the Bray Heritage Centre details the growth of the former market town and its transformation into one of Ireland’s premier seaside resorts. In the late 19th century whole terraces of hotels and guesthouses were constructed, and the place still has an air of Victoriana. The tourist information office is also located in the building.

The National Aquarium
Featuring native and imported fish, the National Aquarium on the Esplanade is rather larger than you might anticipate. There are over 200 tanks holding some 10,000 fish, made up of more than 700 species. While many of the exotic imported species attract most attention, take the time to study the native Irish species, and particularly those from the sea, as they won’t be seen quite so easily on any of the coastal walks!

Greystones
Greystones takes its name from the Grey Stones above the little harbour. The railway helped it to become a seaside resort, and as it is now well connected with Dublin, it is developing into something of a commuter suburb.