As the DART winds its way down the coast towards Wicklow, the tourist will be impressed by the increasing beauty and stunning coastal views that are on offer from the train’s windows. Or, for those who have taken a car on the ferry from the UK, you will enjoy the drive along the main road that leads from the centre of Dublin to the beautiful seaside resort of Bray. When you reach the coast you can stop your car at any point and walk along one of the roads that lead to the sea. Many of these roads, especially the ones in Sandycove, have streets with beautiful multi-coloured houses and, combined with the sea air, you could easily be convinced that you are on holiday in the Mediterranean rather than in rainy Ireland.
Bray and Sandycove
Despite being very different, Bray and Sandycove are excellent seaside resorts, which would be a real shame to miss during your holiday in Dublin. Whereas Sandycove is a bathing location; Bray is not, but has a long, gentle beach that stretches right to the foot of Bray Head – a cliff that rises strikingly out of the sea, and marks the end of County Dublin and the start of County Wicklow.
Killiney
If you’d enjoy spending a day of your holiday strolling on a beautiful beach then get off the DART at Killiney. There is not much to see in Killiney apart from the beach – but what a stunning beach it is! With views of Bray Head to the South and Dalkey Island to the North, you could spend a whole afternoon strolling on this beach and not be bored.
Sea Life Bray
The sea is not the only attraction that is available in these seaside towns, although many are inspired by the ocean. Sea Life (formerly ‘the National Sea Life Centre’) in Bray is a great attraction that will help educate your children on the content of the ocean that makes up the eastern boundary of County Dublin.
Dún Laoghaire
Dún Laoghaire, which is most famous for being a ferry port, is also the home to a huge array of attractions and points of interest.
B&Bs
If you want to visit, but not stay, in the hustle and bustle of central Dublin, then a better choice for you may be one of the many bed & breakfast hotels that are available in some of the seaside resorts in the south of County Dublin. Many of these homely establishments face the sea, are reasonably cheap and exceptionally welcoming and friendly. If you decide to stay in a B&B during your stay in Dublin, it is likely you will find the owner of the establishment to be an invaluable source of information and advice for your Dublin holiday.
Harbour Bar in Bray
Given their location, all the notable stop-off seaside villages and towns on the DART’s southern route have excellent restaurant and nightlife options. A notable example is the Harbour Bar in Bray which was nominated as the World’s Best Bar by Lonely Planet in 2010. You certainly won’t feel lonely during your visit; drinkers in this town, which lies on the County Dublin / County Wicklow border, are known for their welcomes and their friendliness.