As many of you will have experienced, when hosting family or friends from out of town, we get experience our home place in a way we wouldn’t normally do. And this past week for us was no exception. With family coming to visit we were lamenting the forecast for the week, which was due to be fairly typical Irish Spring weather, overcast and rainy but as it happened we were in luck and the sun shone, at least intermittently.

On Sunday we decide to make the journey to Bray a seaside town to the South of Dublin and take the cliff walk around Bray head to the pretty little town of Greystones. It was advertised as 6km but we reckon i was closer to 8km from start to finish.

You can drive to Bray or better still enjoy the train journey on the DART from the city centre, with views to the sea and Dun Laoghaire pier, Dalkey and Killiney. When you arrive in Bray follow the signs for the sea front and walk along the promenade to the end and than follow the signposted path for the cliff walk. The path is paved to begin with and eventually turns into a cinder path and it is good underfoot. It isn’t too hilly with the exception of one steep set of steps, overall it is a relatively gentle walk.

The views though are what make this trail so worthwhile. Panoramas north and south along the coast, with views to the bottom of the cliffs in places and nesting seabirds galore, if you are lucky you may even spot a seal in the water. There a few open spots along the way to rest and take in the sights.

The last bit of the walk in to Greystones is a work in progress, with some new homes being built at the Greystones Marina but the village of Greystones is charming and if the weather is good and you are brave enough there is a couple of coves which are perfect for swimming. Afterward enjoy a well earn lunch in one of the villages many great eateries. The Happy Pear is our favourite and in the good weather they have an outdoor seating area where you can continue to enjoy the fresh air. Visit some of the trendy craft shops along the main street as you make your way down through the village to catch the DART back to the city or wherever you left your car.

I couldn’t recommend this as a day out more highly, all you need now is to pick a fine day and you are set.