Bray, Ireland 🇮🇪
#1572
53.187425, -6.106529
Nomad Score:
64%
Essentials
| 🏙️ City | Bray is a picturesque coastal town located in County Wicklow, Ireland, known for its scenic seafront and proximity to Dublin. |
| 👥 Population | approximately 32,000 |
| 💻 Internet Speed | average speeds of around 50 Mbps, with fiber options available |
| 💸 Currency & Banking | 1 EUR ≈ 1.06 USD |
| 🚰 Tap Water | Drinkable |
| 🔌 Power | 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type G sockets |
| 📶 SIM Card | Providers include Three Ireland, Vodafone, and Eir; Ppurchased at local shops or supermarkets. |
| 💳 Banking for Expats | Revolut, N26, and traditional banks like Bank of Ireland and AIB |
| 🛌 Accommodation | Options include Airbnb, local rentals, and hostels. |
| 💳 Cashless Friendly | Yes, credit and debit cards are widely accepted. |
| 🏠 Short Term Rentals | Airbnb, VRBO, and local estate agents have options for short-term stays. |
| 🛏️ Budget Accommodation | Bray Backpackers Hostel offers affordable lodging. |
Working and Networking
| 🏢 Best Coworking Space | The Hive Bray, known for its community atmosphere and reliable internet. |
| ☕ Best Cafe for Work | The Happy Pear offers a cozy workspace with healthy food options. |
| 💼 Networking Events | Meetup groups often organize informal gatherings at local cafes and co-working spaces. |
| 🥂 Social Events for Expats | Irish Expats in Bray Facebook group for community events. |
Transportation
| 🚕 Best Taxi/Ride App | Free Now is a popular ride-hailing app for Bray. |
| 🚲 Bike/Scooter Rental | Bike hire available at local shops, with scenic routes along the coast. |
| 🏖️ Best Beach Nearby | Bray Strand Beach is a beautiful seaside spot, easily accessible from town. |
| ✈️ Top Regional Airline | Aer Lingus offers flights to and from various regions. |
| ✈️ Top International Airline | Ryanair and Aer Lingus offer numerous international routes. |
| 🛣️ Highway Access | The N11 dual carriageway provides easy access to Dublin and beyond. |
| 🚉 Main Train/Transit Hub | Bray DART Station connects directly to Dublin and other major towns. |
| 🚍 Public Transport Passes | Leap Card provides discounted travel on public transport. |
| ✈️ Regional Travel | Trains (DART) and bus services (Dublin Bus) connect to nearby cities and Dublin. |
Health and Wellness
| 🏥 Best Hospital | St. Vincent's Hospital is the main facility for major medical needs. |
| 🧘 Yoga & Wellness Centers | Bray Yoga offers a variety of classes for all levels. |
| 🏋️ Gyms & Fitness Centers | Bray Leisure Centre provides fitness facilities including a swimming pool. |
| 🧺 Laundry Services | Local laundromats and dry cleaning services are available. |
Food and Drink
| 📱 Best Food Delivery App | Just Eat and Deliveroo are popular for local food delivery. |
| 🍽️ Best Local Dish to Try | Try fish and chips from The Martello. |
| 🍱 Vegan/Vegetarian Options | The Happy Pear offers a great selection of plant-based dishes. |
| 🍫 Best Dessert Spots | Teddy's Ice Cream is a local favorite for treats. |
| 🛒 Affordable Shopping Spots | Bray has local markets and shops for budget-friendly groceries. |
| 🛒 E-commerce/Online Store | Amazon and local e-commerce platforms available for various purchases. |
| 🛒 Grocery Delivery | SuperValu and Tesco offer grocery delivery services. |
| 🍸 Bar/Nightlife Area | The town center has several pubs, including The Harbour Bar. |
| 🍻 Local Brewery | Bray Brewery produces local craft beers. |
| 🍷 Wine Bars | Brewery Yard offers a selection of local and international wines. |
| 🍲 Street Food Stalls | Occasional food markets with local street vendors. |
| 🍕 Popular International Cuisine | Restaurants like Da Luca serve Italian fare. |
Culture and Attractions
| 🎟️ Must-See Landmarks | Bray Head offers stunning views and hiking opportunities. |
| 🏛️ Museums & Art Venues | Bray Literary Festival showcases local art and literature. |
| 🏰 Historical Sites | The Victorian Bray Seafront is a historical highlight. |
| 🕍 Religious Sites | St. Mary's Church, a landmark in the area. |
| 🎉 Annual Events | Bray Summerfest is an annual festival celebrating local culture and music. |
| 🎨 Cultural Districts | Bray's seafront is a vibrant area for culture and community. |
| 🎭 Theater Venues | The Mermaid Arts Centre hosts performances and events. |
| 🛍️ Local Markets | Bray Farmers' Market every Saturday is popular among locals. |
| 🎼 Music Scene | Various pubs feature live music regularly. |
| 🎨 Street Art | Community murals are scattered around the town, particularly in alleyways. |
| 🧑🍳 Cooking Classes | Local cooking schools offer workshops and classes. |
| 👩🎨 Art Galleries | Bray Arts Centre features rotating exhibits from local artists. |
| 🕰️ Historic Buildings | The Pavilion Theatre is a notable historic venue. |
| 🏴 Local Heritage | Bray maintains a rich cultural identity and heritage, celebrated through local festivals. |
Nature and Outdoor Activities
| 🌅 Nearby Nature Escapes | The Wicklow Mountains provide fantastic hiking and nature experiences. |
| 🏞️ National Parks Nearby | Wicklow National Park is easily accessible for day trips. |
| 🚲 Cycling/Walking Paths | The Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk offers stunning coastal views. |
| 🌄 Scenic Viewpoints | Bray Head provides breathtaking views of the Irish Sea. |
| 🦉 Birdwatching Locations | Bray Harbour is good for spotting seabirds. |
| 🔥 Bonfire-Friendly Spots | Designated areas on Bray Head are suitable for bonfires. |
Other Services and Amenities
| 📦 Parcel Delivery Service | An Post and local courier services available. |
| 🛠️ Tech Repair Services | Local shops offer mobile and device repair services. |
| 🏓 Table Tennis Spots | Bray's community center includes table tennis facilities. |
| 🧑🏫 Language Classes | Language schools offer classes in Irish and other languages. |
| 📚 Libraries & Study Spots | Bray Library offers a quiet place to read and study. |
| 🏘️ Community Centers | The Bray Community Centre hosts various activities and events. |
| 🕹️ Gaming Lounges | Check out local cafes for board games and casual gaming. |
| 🎰 Casino & Gaming Halls | The town has an arcade, but no casinos yet. |
Business
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,200 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €128,000) |
| 🏢 Studio Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,800 per m² (e.g., 40 m² = €112,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center) | Approx. €3,000 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €180,000) |
| 🏠 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City) | Approx. €2,500 per m² (e.g., 60 m² = €150,000) |
| 🏡 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 | Resident tax applies to worldwide income. |
| 📈 Highest Income Tax Bracket | 40% |
| 🧾 VAT | 23% |
| 🌐 Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules | Yes, present in Irish tax law. |
| 🏠 Property Tax | Based on local property valuations. |
| 🏠 Property Transaction Tax | 1% for properties above €1 million. |