Travelling Parents

The off-season (August 30 – September 5, 2007) proved to be a good choice not only for a greatly reduced number of tour buses but also for 12 days of sunshine that hadn’t existed since the end of May,’07.

We (husband, 75 and myself, 67 ) traveled with an REI (Recreational Equipment, Inc) hiking group from Dublin
to Shannon. We were blessed with with an outstanding US/Irish guide who also drove our 15 passenger van. One of our four major hikes follows:

What to Do?

BRAY TO GREYSTONES 7km heading South along the Irish Sea. Good tennis shoes will suffice. We did this on our own prior to joining the group. Bray lies 30 minutes South of Dublin by train (DART) from Connolly Station. Trains leave every 5 min. at peak times and every 15 – 20 min. at other times. The path begins at the Bray Boardwalk , parallel to the Strand Road, on the ocean 3 blocks East of the DART Station. Traveling South on the Boardwalk, BrayHead, with an elevation of 240m and a cross at the summit, is immediately in view. One can climb up to the cross or stay to the water’s edge and continue on to Greystones. You will be following the railroad on a narrow strip of land between the Sea and the high rocky headland. The path is lined with hedges of fuschia, purple heather and yellow gorse cover much of the ground. Blackberries abound. About two thirds of the way into our hike a sign indicating “Dangerous Trail “greeted us. We observed this and went uphill to the main road. Inquiring, we found that such signs are posted when a governmental body wishes to protect itself from any liabilities. So it was proceed at your own risk. We found our way back to the trail and continued on the ocean walk. Once in Greystones, the main village is to the right and uphill from the harbor. The Beach House is great for a harbor view, a pint and a good lunch. We boarded the DART for the short trip back to Bray. One could stay on DART and continue back into Dublin.

What to Eat?

Restaurant in Bray for good seafood, and right on the water is the Baracuda. Dinner for two with 1 beer , 1 wine and 2 coffees was 78Euros.

Where to Stay?

Esplanade Hotel in Bray on the beach was convenient. We had a very small room with bath in the old part. Did not see the new area but understand that rooms are larger. Breakfast buffet- full Irish (eggs, bacon sausage, tomato, toast) as well as assorted cold cereals, juices and breads is included with room rate (120 E).