Guidebook for
Food Scene
Tasty food and friendly service on the Harbour in Bray; the Dockyard also happens to be next-door to The Best Bar in the World (aka: The Harbour Bar), so grab some dinner before you get your pint.
11 locals recommend
Dockyard No.8
Harbour RoadTasty food and friendly service on the Harbour in Bray; the Dockyard also happens to be next-door to The Best Bar in the World (aka: The Harbour Bar), so grab some dinner before you get your pint.
Call ahead for a reservation, but if you want a tasty and elegant meal in a friendly but classy-looking urban bistro, DeVille's is well worth the 15 minute drive to Dalkey. Great spot for a date night! +353 (0)1 284 9071
18 locals recommend
DeVille's
25 Castle StreetCall ahead for a reservation, but if you want a tasty and elegant meal in a friendly but classy-looking urban bistro, DeVille's is well worth the 15 minute drive to Dalkey. Great spot for a date night! +353 (0)1 284 9071
You can walk here in 20 minutes. Lunch is tasty, and the craft beers are mighty & diverse. The Silver Tassie got a face lift not long ago. It's still the same old local pub, but now it also has a tasty lunch menu. A great spot to wander down to on foot on a bright day. Have a bite to eat and enjoy a couple pints. There's a gin menu, lots of interesting craft beers, and over 400 wines from all around the world including organics, biodynamics and more.
10 locals recommend
Whelehans Wines / Winebar
Bray RoadYou can walk here in 20 minutes. Lunch is tasty, and the craft beers are mighty & diverse. The Silver Tassie got a face lift not long ago. It's still the same old local pub, but now it also has a tasty lunch menu. A great spot to wander down to on foot on a bright day. Have a bite to eat and enjoy a couple pints. There's a gin menu, lots of interesting craft beers, and over 400 wines from all around the world including organics, biodynamics and more.
Avoca Handweavers is an Irish institution, and their HQ in Kil-Mac is an ideal spot to while away an afternoon with fancy tea and lazy shopping. Food offerings include a plethora of exotic spices, cheeses, meats, and speciality items. It can get expensive, but that's mostly because you'll end up wanting everything. * Open 7 Days a Week
STORE: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm,
Sat, Sun & Bank Hols 9.30am-6pm
FERNHOUSE CAFE:
Breakfast: 9:30am - 11.30am
Lunch Mon - Fri: 12.15pm - 4.30pm
Lunch Sat - Sun: 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Evening Menu: Thurs, Fri, Sat 6pm-9.30pm
SUGAR TREE CAFE:
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9.30am - 5pm
Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm
44 locals recommend
Avoca
Avoca Handweavers is an Irish institution, and their HQ in Kil-Mac is an ideal spot to while away an afternoon with fancy tea and lazy shopping. Food offerings include a plethora of exotic spices, cheeses, meats, and speciality items. It can get expensive, but that's mostly because you'll end up wanting everything. * Open 7 Days a Week
STORE: Mon - Fri 9am - 6pm,
Sat, Sun & Bank Hols 9.30am-6pm
FERNHOUSE CAFE:
Breakfast: 9:30am - 11.30am
Lunch Mon - Fri: 12.15pm - 4.30pm
Lunch Sat - Sun: 12.30pm - 4.30pm
Evening Menu: Thurs, Fri, Sat 6pm-9.30pm
SUGAR TREE CAFE:
Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9.30am - 5pm
Sunday 9.30am-5.30pm
Platform Pizza Bar
7 Strand RdCheap & Cheerful with a decent kids' menu.
FishShackCafé
1 Martello TerraceGood fish, craft beers, & fun ice creams on the sea front.
Tasty thin pizza with great toppings, and near enough to deliver in case you're feeling lazy.
The Vanilla Pod Carrickmines
Tasty thin pizza with great toppings, and near enough to deliver in case you're feeling lazy.
Seafood, cheeses, breads, cakes & cold meats - plus a right proper deli.
14 locals recommend
Cavistons Food Emporium
58/59 Glasthule RdSeafood, cheeses, breads, cakes & cold meats - plus a right proper deli.
Cavistons Seafood Restaurant
56 Glasthule RdLegendary & worth the extra cost.
FRESH FRESH seafood. It's a day-trip up north to Skerries, but we like to go at least once a year. The Dublin Bay Prawns are delightfully sweet and unlike anything else. They don't take bookings, so expect to wait at the bar, but you can leave your name and go and have a drink next door in Joe May’s. They will call you when a table opens up. Stop in and visit Ardgillan Castle while you're in North County Dublin, or take a walk along the shore. (Ardgillan Castle & Demesne is set in spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea with a magnificent view of the Mourne Mountains as well as both a walled garden and a rose garden.) 01 8492085
24 locals recommend
Stoop Your Head
19 Harbour RdFRESH FRESH seafood. It's a day-trip up north to Skerries, but we like to go at least once a year. The Dublin Bay Prawns are delightfully sweet and unlike anything else. They don't take bookings, so expect to wait at the bar, but you can leave your name and go and have a drink next door in Joe May’s. They will call you when a table opens up. Stop in and visit Ardgillan Castle while you're in North County Dublin, or take a walk along the shore. (Ardgillan Castle & Demesne is set in spectacular parklands overlooking the Irish Sea with a magnificent view of the Mourne Mountains as well as both a walled garden and a rose garden.) 01 8492085
We liked Alan back when he was selling fresh fish on the Quay, long before he became an internet sensation as the main sponsor of "Sammy The Seal." Be there around 4pm, if you want to meet Sammy. Otherwise, just make a reservation for dinner which is well-worth the half-hour drive down the coast - and an ideal end if you've spent a day hiking in nearby Devil's Glen.
15 locals recommend
The Lighthouse
South QuayWe liked Alan back when he was selling fresh fish on the Quay, long before he became an internet sensation as the main sponsor of "Sammy The Seal." Be there around 4pm, if you want to meet Sammy. Otherwise, just make a reservation for dinner which is well-worth the half-hour drive down the coast - and an ideal end if you've spent a day hiking in nearby Devil's Glen.
Perfect if you're willing to drive 20-30 minutes south for a romantic meal in a cozy sea-side village. It helps to have a reservation. The place is casually upscale. The menu ranges tends towards fresh & seasonal menus with seafood in summer and wild game in winter. The rooms are darkly inviting, with a touch of old world allure, and there's a wine list that worth exploring. I sometimes think The Hungry Monk secretly caters for Ashford Studios, because it seems to be the place of choice for hungry production teams; in any case, the fact that folks keep coming back says a lot about the quality of the food. (01) 2875759
15 locals recommend
The Hungry Monk
1 Church RdPerfect if you're willing to drive 20-30 minutes south for a romantic meal in a cozy sea-side village. It helps to have a reservation. The place is casually upscale. The menu ranges tends towards fresh & seasonal menus with seafood in summer and wild game in winter. The rooms are darkly inviting, with a touch of old world allure, and there's a wine list that worth exploring. I sometimes think The Hungry Monk secretly caters for Ashford Studios, because it seems to be the place of choice for hungry production teams; in any case, the fact that folks keep coming back says a lot about the quality of the food. (01) 2875759
Drinks & Nightlife
Voted “The Best Bar in the World” by Lonely Planet in 2010, & Est. in 1872, The Harbour was at one point both a bar and an undertakers, and rumour has it that it's mentioned somewhere in Finnegan’s Wake. James Joyce was one of many celebrated patrons. When filming in Ardmore Studios Peter O’Toole would often drink here. He donated the moose head (a prop from Woody Allen’s What’s New, Pussycat?) as a gesture of gratitude to the owners for making sure he was returned in one piece to his hotel each night. Live Music most nights 01 286 2274 Closes at 11pm Sunday, 11:30 weeknights & 12:30am on weekends.
42 locals recommend
The Harbour Bar
1 Strand RdVoted “The Best Bar in the World” by Lonely Planet in 2010, & Est. in 1872, The Harbour was at one point both a bar and an undertakers, and rumour has it that it's mentioned somewhere in Finnegan’s Wake. James Joyce was one of many celebrated patrons. When filming in Ardmore Studios Peter O’Toole would often drink here. He donated the moose head (a prop from Woody Allen’s What’s New, Pussycat?) as a gesture of gratitude to the owners for making sure he was returned in one piece to his hotel each night. Live Music most nights 01 286 2274 Closes at 11pm Sunday, 11:30 weeknights & 12:30am on weekends.
Brady's is the local pub in Shankill. Big and friendly with lots of tellies, good pints, and tasty food. Lots of free parking, and they'll be happy to call you a taxi if you like.
12 locals recommend
Brady's Shankill
Brady's is the local pub in Shankill. Big and friendly with lots of tellies, good pints, and tasty food. Lots of free parking, and they'll be happy to call you a taxi if you like.
Johnny Foxes serves up Trad music in a bog-standard Irish Pub. Very touristy, but it delivers exactly as promised. Lots of fiddling, and whistling and maybe even some Irish dancers. Hi-diddly-eye-ho!
131 locals recommend
Johnnie Fox's Pub
Johnny Foxes serves up Trad music in a bog-standard Irish Pub. Very touristy, but it delivers exactly as promised. Lots of fiddling, and whistling and maybe even some Irish dancers. Hi-diddly-eye-ho!
A drinking pub with a music problem - The Cobblestone is always good for a trad session. Call ahead to find out what's booked, or just pop in - you might get lucky. - The Mulligan family have been playing Irish music for five generations, no one can remember back any further. Tom’s laid back and friendly pub is built on family tradition – respect for music and culture. Some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including Tom’s brother, the renowned uilleann piper Néillidh, lead traditional Irish music sessions in the bar 7 days a week. The music is not put on for show. Musicians and singers hand on songs, tunes and skills that keep the tradition alive. (01) 872 1799
296 locals recommend
The Cobblestone
77 King St NA drinking pub with a music problem - The Cobblestone is always good for a trad session. Call ahead to find out what's booked, or just pop in - you might get lucky. - The Mulligan family have been playing Irish music for five generations, no one can remember back any further. Tom’s laid back and friendly pub is built on family tradition – respect for music and culture. Some of Ireland’s finest musicians, including Tom’s brother, the renowned uilleann piper Néillidh, lead traditional Irish music sessions in the bar 7 days a week. The music is not put on for show. Musicians and singers hand on songs, tunes and skills that keep the tradition alive. (01) 872 1799
You could walk there in maybe 30-40 minutes. It's perfectly formed pub with a respectable food offering. Good for gastro-pub type grub, and a pint or few.
Enniskerry Inn,The
Church HillYou could walk there in maybe 30-40 minutes. It's perfectly formed pub with a respectable food offering. Good for gastro-pub type grub, and a pint or few.
Overlooking the harbour in Greystones, the The Beach House serves a very proper pint and has well-prepared and un-pretentious food. Greystones itself is a classic little Irish village. Make a day of it with some window-shopping or a dip in the ocean, followed by a pint & some tunes in The Hot Spot, hotspotmusiclubg@gmail or 087 2917519. The Hot Spot Music Club specialises in those acts that are a little too big or a little too unique for your average pub (Think Hozier, Scullion, Andy Irvine, Declan Sinnott, Kila, Mary Coughlan, Freddie White...).
10 locals recommend
The Beach House
Overlooking the harbour in Greystones, the The Beach House serves a very proper pint and has well-prepared and un-pretentious food. Greystones itself is a classic little Irish village. Make a day of it with some window-shopping or a dip in the ocean, followed by a pint & some tunes in The Hot Spot, hotspotmusiclubg@gmail or 087 2917519. The Hot Spot Music Club specialises in those acts that are a little too big or a little too unique for your average pub (Think Hozier, Scullion, Andy Irvine, Declan Sinnott, Kila, Mary Coughlan, Freddie White...).
Arts & Culture
Check out the Mermaid for art exhibits, live music, films, theatre, and a good little cafe.
19 locals recommend
Mermaid County Wicklow Arts Centre
Main StreetCheck out the Mermaid for art exhibits, live music, films, theatre, and a good little cafe.
Embrace the literature of James Joyce within this iconic museum at the Martello Tower, Sandycove, Co. Dublin. Rare editions and big piles of Joycean ephemera, inside a Martello Tower - plus it's free. Stop by the 40-Foot while you're there.
26 locals recommend
James Joyce Tower & Museum
Sandycove PointEmbrace the literature of James Joyce within this iconic museum at the Martello Tower, Sandycove, Co. Dublin. Rare editions and big piles of Joycean ephemera, inside a Martello Tower - plus it's free. Stop by the 40-Foot while you're there.
Shopping
If you need to pick up a gift, find a chemist (Boots), or just want to kill an afternoon bargain hunting in TKMaxx, The Park is your only man.
8 locals recommend
The Park Carrickmines
Glenamuck RoadIf you need to pick up a gift, find a chemist (Boots), or just want to kill an afternoon bargain hunting in TKMaxx, The Park is your only man.
Essentials
Lidl
Sallynoggin RoadWhat can I say, it's a grocery store. Cheap & cheerful.
Supervalu stocks a decent range of health foods and a few exotic bits. They also have a decent butcher.
22 locals recommend
SuperValu
Rochestown AvenueSupervalu stocks a decent range of health foods and a few exotic bits. They also have a decent butcher.
A more full-service grocery store, this Tesco stocks most things of your basics and has both a coffee shop and an off-license next door, for all your beverage needs.
Tesco Express
Quinsborough RoadA more full-service grocery store, this Tesco stocks most things of your basics and has both a coffee shop and an off-license next door, for all your beverage needs.
Parks & Nature
IGNORE THE MAP PRINTED HERE. From our gates, turn left. Rathmichael Woods is 10 minutes on foot. The entrance is marked with a large wooden sign post. Historic features include the remains of a rath (hillfort) on the hilltop of Rathmichael overlooking Shankill. The rath was probably an important defended settlement in its day, and possibly a political centre of a local wealthy chieftain. On the lane up to Rathmichael Wood from Ferndale Road there's also a 12th century Fassore cross boundary marker (a short granite cross, with a simple crucifixion scene). Rathmichael Walk is an easy looped walk of 1.7km waymarked green.
Rathmichael Woods
Rathmichael WoodsIGNORE THE MAP PRINTED HERE. From our gates, turn left. Rathmichael Woods is 10 minutes on foot. The entrance is marked with a large wooden sign post. Historic features include the remains of a rath (hillfort) on the hilltop of Rathmichael overlooking Shankill. The rath was probably an important defended settlement in its day, and possibly a political centre of a local wealthy chieftain. On the lane up to Rathmichael Wood from Ferndale Road there's also a 12th century Fassore cross boundary marker (a short granite cross, with a simple crucifixion scene). Rathmichael Walk is an easy looped walk of 1.7km waymarked green.
The English name Glendalough comes from the Irish Gleann Dá Locha which translates to "The valley of the 2 lakes."
This early Christian ecclesiastical settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French and Spanish guided tours are available by advance booking. St. Kevin's Bus Service +353 1 2818119 runs a day bus from Bray. Tickets Purchased on Bus.
303 locals recommend
Glendalough
The English name Glendalough comes from the Irish Gleann Dá Locha which translates to "The valley of the 2 lakes."
This early Christian ecclesiastical settlement was founded by St. Kevin in the 6th century. Set in a glaciated valley, the monastic remains include a superb round tower, stone churches and decorated crosses. The Visitor Centre has an interesting exhibition and an audio-visual show. French and Spanish guided tours are available by advance booking. St. Kevin's Bus Service +353 1 2818119 runs a day bus from Bray. Tickets Purchased on Bus.
Killruddery House in Bray has a busy calendar of outdoor events ranging from falconry to mushroom hunting. Cafés, greenhouses and the apple orchard hen run are all fun places to while away a day - and the Saturday Market is great for lunch and gift shopping. Built for the Brabazon family (the Earls of Meath) in 1618, Killruddery House itself is an Elizabethan-Revival mansion. The 17th century Gardens survive in their original formal layout (with some 18th & 19th century additions). The Long Ponds, The Angles and The Sylvan Theatre are all worth seeing.
62 locals recommend
Killruddery House & Gardens
Southern Cross RoadKillruddery House in Bray has a busy calendar of outdoor events ranging from falconry to mushroom hunting. Cafés, greenhouses and the apple orchard hen run are all fun places to while away a day - and the Saturday Market is great for lunch and gift shopping. Built for the Brabazon family (the Earls of Meath) in 1618, Killruddery House itself is an Elizabethan-Revival mansion. The 17th century Gardens survive in their original formal layout (with some 18th & 19th century additions). The Long Ponds, The Angles and The Sylvan Theatre are all worth seeing.
The walking trails in Devil's Glen are not to be missed, both for the natural scenery, and also because of the surprising site-specific artworks scattered around the paths. Keep an eye out for my personal favourite: "We have lost the dog."
6 locals recommend
Devil's Glen Carpark
The walking trails in Devil's Glen are not to be missed, both for the natural scenery, and also because of the surprising site-specific artworks scattered around the paths. Keep an eye out for my personal favourite: "We have lost the dog."
Walking distance. Open 9am to 4pm. This is a great walk, with different routes available depending on your skill and energy level. You can cut across the headland to the Lead Mines chimney or head south and enjoy a pleasant walk to the bottom of a small hill. There's a path to the top but sturdy footwear is essential! The short climb is definitely worth it for the fantastic 360 degree view of South Dublin/North County Wicklow.
Carrickgollogan Forest Trail
Walking distance. Open 9am to 4pm. This is a great walk, with different routes available depending on your skill and energy level. You can cut across the headland to the Lead Mines chimney or head south and enjoy a pleasant walk to the bottom of a small hill. There's a path to the top but sturdy footwear is essential! The short climb is definitely worth it for the fantastic 360 degree view of South Dublin/North County Wicklow.
Beautiful short walk with a great variety of scenery in a relatively small forest. Wear good sturdy shoes with grippy soles.
Barnaslingan Forest
Beautiful short walk with a great variety of scenery in a relatively small forest. Wear good sturdy shoes with grippy soles.
Shankill Beach
Nice stone beach for a walk.
Getting Around
We like to take the Luas (light rail) into Dublin, which can save both time and money since you aren't sitting in traffic or paying for parking. There's usually parking near the Bride's Glen, and that's a ten minute drive from the cabin.
Brides Glen station
We like to take the Luas (light rail) into Dublin, which can save both time and money since you aren't sitting in traffic or paying for parking. There's usually parking near the Bride's Glen, and that's a ten minute drive from the cabin.
Both DART and mainline commuter trains connect north to Howth, via Dublin, and south to Wicklow Town, Rosslare, and so on. Typically, they DART trains run every fifteen minutes, but parking around the station can be difficult.
8 locals recommend
Shankill station
Rathsallagh DriveBoth DART and mainline commuter trains connect north to Howth, via Dublin, and south to Wicklow Town, Rosslare, and so on. Typically, they DART trains run every fifteen minutes, but parking around the station can be difficult.