Bray, Ireland 🇮🇪
#1572
,
Nomad Score:
60%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bray is a picturesque coastal town located in County Wicklow, Ireland, known for its scenic beach and mountainous backdrop. |
| 👥 Population | Approximately 32,000. |
| 💻 Internet Speed | Average internet speeds are around 50 Mbps, with availability of fiber in many areas. |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.07 USD; widely accepted banks include Bank of Ireland and AIB. |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable and of good quality. |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets. |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Three, Vodafone, and Eir. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut and traditional banks like AIB and Bank of Ireland are available. |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local letting agents, and short-term rental platforms. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are common. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb and local short-term rental sites provide various options. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Bray Head Hotel and The Wilton Hotel offer budget-friendly stays. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Tourists | The seafront area offers great views, attractions, and amenities. |
| 🏙️ Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads | Consider staying near the Killruddery Estate for quiet and inspiring surroundings. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | Creedon's on Strand Road offers a great coworking environment with local community support. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Happy Pear offers a relaxed atmosphere and Wi-Fi for remote work. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Local meetups can be found on platforms like Meetup.com; often held in local cafes. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Bray Expat WhatsApp group offers a range of social events and networking opportunities. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Fastway and Galway Cabs serve the area well. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike rental available at Bray Bikes, promoting sustainable transport. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bray Strand is right at your doorstep, perfect for relaxing and swimming. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aer Lingus offers local flights from Dublin. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Aer Lingus operate from Dublin Airport, just a 50-minute train ride away. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The N11 provides direct access to Dublin and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bray Train Station connects directly to Dublin city center within 40 minutes. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Leap Card offers discounts for public transport across Dublin and surrounding areas. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (Irish Rail) and local bus services (Dublin Bus) connect Bray to nearby towns and Dublin. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Vincent's University Hospital is the nearest major hospital, about 30 minutes away. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bray Yoga offers various classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bray Sports and Leisure Centre provides a range of fitness programs and facilities. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Laundromat services available in various locations in Bray. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo operate in Bray. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Seafood chowder at the Woollen Mills is a local favorite. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Vegan Sandwich Co. offers a variety of plant-based meals. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Gino's Gelato on the seafront is a must-visit for dessert lovers. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bray Farmers Market offers fresh local produce at budget-friendly prices. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Local grocery options can be found on supervalu.ie. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | Online delivery services like Tesco.ie are available. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | Bray's seafront has several popular pubs, including The Harbour Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bray Brewery offers local craft beers with tours available. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | The Bray Wine Bar provides a cozy atmosphere and carefully selected wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Bray Farmers’ Market features many local food stalls on Saturdays. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Pizza from Donal’s or curries from where? offer international flavors in Bray. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bray Head and the Victorian Promenade are must-visit spots for breathtaking views. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | The Sean Whelan Gallery hosts various local art exhibitions. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The ruins of the Old Bray Head Signal Tower offer a glimpse into Bray’s history. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | The picturesque St. Peter's Church is worth visiting. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bray Summerfest is a popular annual festival celebrating music and arts. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | The seafront area hosts galleries, eateries, and cultural events throughout the year. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mermaid Arts Centre regularly features performances and films. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bray's Sunday market is a local hotspot for arts and crafts. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | The Harbour Bar often hosts live music events. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Bray is known for its vibrant murals, particularly along Main Street. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | The Cookery School atBishopstown offers courses focusing on Irish cuisine. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Consider visiting the Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council Arts Office for local exhibits. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Victorian architecture along the seafront provides a glimpse into the past. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bray is rich in Irish heritage, prominently displayed through local festivals and crafts. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Wicklow Mountains provide stunning landscapes and walking trails. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wicklow National Park is roughly a 30-minute drive from Bray. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk offers breathtaking coastal views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | The top of Bray Head provides panoramic views of the coast and countryside. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | The wetlands near Bray offer great birdwatching opportunities. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas along the beachfront allow for safe bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | An Post and DHL serve the area for package deliveries. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Bray Phone Repair offers reliable services for tech issues. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Local community centers like the Bray Community Hall host table tennis games. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Bray Language School offers English and Irish language classes. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bray Library is a great place for studying with free Wi-Fi. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bray Family Resource Centre offers various community activities. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Gamers can find community events at local cafés and libraries. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | Currently, there are no casinos, but local pubs offer gaming machines. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000). |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €116,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,100 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €186,000). |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,600 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €156,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €2,900 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €232,000). |
| 🏡 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,400 per m² (e.g., 80 m² = €192,000). |
| 💼 Corporate Tax | 12.5% |
| 💵 Dividend Withholding Tax | 25% |
| 🏦 Tax System | Residency-based taxation applies to all income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 52% for high earners over €35,300 |
| 🧾 VAT | 23% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, effective CFC rules are in place. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Annual property tax based on property value. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% for residential transfers. |
| 💻 Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads | Tax incentives available for certain income types; consult a tax advisor. |