Bray

Roads

The Scalp

Landscape rural view of C.I.E. Bus scene at The Scalp, Co. Wicklow.

© Lensmen Photographic Archive

The Scalp
© Lensmen Photographic Archive

The Scalp

Landscape rural view of C.I.E. Bus scene at The Scalp, Co. Wicklow.

© Lensmen Photographic Archive

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Roads in Bray were untarred in the past and made of earth and rough stones.

In this poor state, they quickly changed to mucky slush in the rain.

Constant horse traffic made the situation worse, as manure mixed with the mud, so that the wheels of the vehicles going up and down Main Street splashed pedestrians.

Bray Main Street in 1997

In February 1997, disc parking was introduced in Bray as a remedy for the traffic problems in the town. This photo was taken shortly afterwards.

Bray Main Street in 1997

In February 1997, disc parking was introduced in Bray as a remedy for the traffic problems in the town. This photo was taken shortly afterwards.

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However, it is worth considering the new problems our modern transport creates: over-congestion, petrol and diesel fumes and noise.

Railways

Bray Train Station, 1952

A photo of Bray train station in Co. Wicklow in 1952, when trains were the fastest mode of transport. Your parents or grandparents may remember these trains.

Image courtesy of Lensman.

Bray Train Station, 1952
Image courtesy of Lensman.

Bray Train Station, 1952

A photo of Bray train station in Co. Wicklow in 1952, when trains were the fastest mode of transport. Your parents or grandparents may remember these trains.

Image courtesy of Lensman.

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The railway line that came to Bray in 1854 was extended to Wicklow the following year.

The line was laid below Bray Head along the cliffs.

The world famous engineer, Brunel, designed the tunnelling to run through the rock along the cliff edge. Some abandoned tunnels can still be seen.

Dublin to Bray Train, c. 1928

This photo shows three steam engines at Bray station. These engines were built in Grand Canal Street in the early 1900s for the Dublin and South Eastern Railway. The steam trains were taken out of service in around 1957.

Arthur Flynn. Local History Collection, Wicklow County Council Library Service.

Dublin to Bray Train, c. 1928
Arthur Flynn. Local History Collection, Wicklow County Council Library Service.

Dublin to Bray Train, c. 1928

This photo shows three steam engines at Bray station. These engines were built in Grand Canal Street in the early 1900s for the Dublin and South Eastern Railway. The steam trains were taken out of service in around 1957.

Arthur Flynn. Local History Collection, Wicklow County Council Library Service.

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These were built to replace the originals because of the natural erosion of the coastline.

Before the railway, Bray was just a simple fishing village. This shows how transport can transform areas and the people's lives who live there.

As a result of the railway, Bray quickly developed into a seaside resort. Gradually, fine houses were built and it became known as the Brighton of Ireland, a resort mainly for the middle classes and the wealthy.

Boating and Fishing

Harbour

Marine View Rathdrum County Wicklow, showing the boats in the harbour.

Harbour

Marine View Rathdrum County Wicklow, showing the boats in the harbour.

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Bray is the longest established seaside resort in the country, so it has long been a popular location for boating and fishing. Pier fishing for pollack and conger is popular there.

Bray also has a thriving Sailing Club that is over 100 years old. It facilitates both cruisers and dinghies and has a full program of racing.

Fishing boat coming into harbour

Marine View Rathdrum County Wicklow, showing fishing boat coming into harbour with lobster pots in the foreground.

Fishing boat coming into harbour

Marine View Rathdrum County Wicklow, showing fishing boat coming into harbour with lobster pots in the foreground.

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Fishing in Bray is popular as a leisure activity.

There are various clubs in Bray dedicated to fishing. They include the Bray Head Fishing and Social Club and the Bray Outcasts.

The Bray Sea Anglers is one of the oldest sea angling clubs in Ireland.

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