Greystones

Greystones, a coastal town 24 kilometers south of Dublin, sits between the Wicklow Mountains and the Irish Sea. You can walk along the dramatic cliffs to Bray, swim at Blue Flag-certified South Beach, or watch fishing boats unload their catch at the 230-berth marina. The town center's Church Road has artisan bakeries and craft shops, while the intimate Whale Theatre puts on everything from amateur drama to touring musicians.

Getting to Greystones

The DART train runs every 30 minutes between Dublin and Greystones along the coastal route. InterCity trains connect the town with Wicklow, Wexford, and Rosslare Europort to the south. You can drive from Dublin in about 40 minutes using the M11 and M50 motorways, with regular bus services also available.

Beaches and Swimming

The town has two distinct beaches. North Beach is covered in grey stones and pebbles, stretching from the harbor to the cliffs of Bray Head. South Beach extends for one kilometer with golden sand and has earned Blue Flag status for its clean water and facilities. Lifeguards patrol South Beach daily between June and September.

The Bray Head Cliff Walk

The 6-kilometer coastal path between Greystones and Bray follows the railway line around Bray Head. The walk takes about two hours, with clear views of the Irish Sea and the Wicklow Mountains. The path has gravel surfaces but becomes slippery in wet weather - hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are essential.

Sports and Recreation

Charlesland Sports and Recreation Park includes a concrete skate park with ramps and rails, four full-size basketball courts, and a 400-meter running track with synthetic surface. Two golf courses serve the area: Greystones Golf Club, dating from 1895, sits on hillside terrain with sea views from most holes, while Charlesland Golf Club spreads across level coastal land. Greystones United, with over 700 young players, runs football training sessions six days a week.

Arts and Entertainment

The Whale Theatre's 130-seat auditorium hosts weekly events ranging from amateur dramatic society productions to touring musicians and comedy acts. Church Road and Theatre Lane have five art galleries and workshops where you can watch local artists at work.

Marina and Harbor Area

The 2013-built marina accommodates 230 boats from small fishing vessels to 30-meter yachts. A waterfront plaza surrounds the harbor, with three restaurants serving seafood caught by local boats. Between May and September, you can join two-hour boat trips around Bray Head or watch fishermen unload their catch at the public pier.