Bray Head Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Bray Head
Ceann Bhré
South side of Bray Head, viewed from Greystones harbour
Highest point
Elevation	243 m (797 ft)
Geography
Bray Head Location in Ireland
Parent range	Wicklow Mountains

Bray Head (called Ceann Bhré in Irish) is a tall hill and headland in County Wicklow, Ireland. It stands 241 meters (about 790 feet) high. You can find it between the towns of Bray and Greystones.

Bray Head is part of the Wicklow Mountains. It is a very popular place for people who love to walk and hike. At the very top of Bray Head, there is a large concrete cross. This cross was put there in 1950 during a special Christian "holy year."

Every Good Friday, hundreds of local people walk up to the top of Bray Head. This walk is a special procession. They follow the "Stations of the Cross" along the way. The last station is held right at the holy year cross. The land around Bray Head became a protected area in March 2008.

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Exploring Bray Head: Walks and Views

Bray Head offers amazing views and fun walking paths. It is a great place to explore nature.

How to Reach the Cross

The easiest way to get to the cross is by walking. The cross is about 190 meters (623 feet) above sea level.

From Bray: You can start your walk near the free car park. This is on the lower, northern side of the hill. The path starts with steps. Then it becomes a rougher path through the woods. It takes about 30 minutes for someone fit.
Another Bray Route: There is also a smoother path from the Southern Cross area. This is near the Bray Golf Club. It is an easier walk.
From Greystones: You can also walk up from the Greystones side. This path goes straight up the east side of the hill. It is quite steep! Once you reach the top, you can walk along the path to the cross.

South side of Bray Head, viewed from Greystones harbour

The Famous Railway Line

The railway line from Dublin to Wicklow runs right along the coast at Bray Head. Sometimes, the train tracks are only a few feet from the cliffs!

Brunel's Folly

This railway line was designed by a famous engineer named Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Some people call it "Brunel's Folly." This is because it costs a lot of money to keep the tracks safe. The cliffs can be unstable. The railway line had to be moved three times in the past. This happened in 1876, 1879, and 1917.

A Past Accident

On August 9, 1867, a serious train accident happened nearby. A passenger train went off the tracks on the Brandy Hole Viaduct. Sadly, two passengers died in this accident.

Train Travel Today

Today, a train trip from Dublin to Bray Daly station takes about 45 minutes. Bray Daly is the closest station to Bray Head.

Nature and Activities

Bray Head is not just for walking. It also has interesting natural features.

Waterspout Sighting

On the morning of April 14, 2012, something cool happened. People saw a waterspout just off the coast of Bray Head. A waterspout is like a tornado that forms over water.

Rock Climbing

The sea-cliffs at Bray Head are made of slate. They have been a place for rock climbing since the 1970s. Some climbs were even recorded way back in the 1940s. A climbing guide from 2009 lists 27 climbs. These climbs are usually for beginners or intermediate climbers.