If you’re heading to the coastal town of Bray, naturally you’re going to want to know the best places to stay in Bray so you can make the most out of your trip.

With so many things to do in Bray, it’s the perfect place to visit for a weekend getaway or even a longer vacation. From seafront hotels to self-catering apartments and a castle hotel nearby, there are options to suit most budgets and trip types.

Bray makes a fantastic base for exploring nearby gems like the Wicklow Mountains National Park, Dalkey Castle, or Powerscourt Estate. It’s no wonder Wicklow is known as the Garden of Ireland!

There’s also plenty to keep you busy in the town itself – from strolling along the promenade to learning some history at the Bray Heritage Centre.

At just a 50-minute drive or train journey from Ireland’s capital along the scenic east coast, I often made my way to Bray for a day or for weekend trips when I lived in Dublin.

There’s a whole heap of things to keep you busy for a longer stay too. From beautiful hikes and scenic lookouts, to live music and delicious seafood, Bray really has got a bit of everything for such a small town.

Here are the 10 best places to stay in Bray.

1. The Palm

The Palm is an adults-only hotel on Strand Road, right on the Bray seafront. Rooms have balconies, private bathrooms, and sea-facing windows.

The restaurant covers European food at lunch and dinner with vegetarian and gluten-free options. The bar is a good spot after a walk along the promenade, and guests consistently rate the hot tub and the staff as highlights.

Bray Beach is steps away and the National Sealife Aquarium is a 2-minute walk. It has over 1,200 reviews and an 8.7 rating on Booking.com.

👉 View The Palm Availability and Pricing

2. The Martello Hotel

The Martello Hotel is a Victorian building right on the Bray seafront, renovated into a hotel with 25 rooms and 19 self-catering apartments. Front rooms look directly out over the promenade and the Irish Sea.

The apartments are the stronger option for families, with fully equipped kitchens and more space than a standard room. The hotel also has an on-site nightclub, which is useful context if you want somewhere that stays quiet in the evenings. The hotel can arrange kayaking, golf tours, and day excursions on your behalf.

For a seafront location in Bray with the option to self-cater, this is one of the more flexible setups in town.

👉 View The Martello Hotel Availability and Pricing

3. Hugo Mews

Hugo Mews is a ground-floor studio apartment in Bray, 4 minutes on foot from the beach. It has a private entrance, a terrace, and soundproofed walls.

The kitchenette has a coffee machine, microwave, and toaster. Private self check-in means no waiting around on arrival, and the streaming TV and dining area make it a comfortable base.

Bray Heritage Centre is a 10-minute walk and the Sealife Aquarium is close by. At 9.8 from 105 reviews, it is one of the highest-rated properties in the town.

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4. Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel

Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel is in Killiney, not Bray. It is about 8km by road from Bray town centre, or a 5-minute DART ride. If you have a car or are flexible about location, it is one of the stronger options in this part of County Dublin.

The leisure club has an indoor pool, sauna, and steam room. There is a full-size snooker table, the Dungeon Bar does proper pub food and drinks, and the Castle Vaults restaurant serves seasonal evening meals. Most rooms face south with views over Killiney Bay and the Irish Sea.

With over 1,200 reviews and a location rating of 9.1 on Booking.com, it has a stronger track record than most options closer to Bray town.

👉 View Fitzpatrick Castle Hotel Availability and Pricing

5. Bray Head B&B

Bray Head B&B is a 3-minute walk from the beach, which puts it close to the promenade, the town centre, and the DART. Rooms are family-sized with private bathrooms, walk-in showers, and the full set of in-room amenities.

Continental breakfast is included each morning. The National Sealife Aquarium is 200 metres away and Bray Heritage Centre is under a kilometre.

At 8.8 from 289 reviews, it is one of the most consistently rated mid-range options in Bray.

👉 View Bray Head B&B Availability and Pricing

6. The Wilton Hotel

The Wilton Hotel is about 2km from the seafront, set in green surroundings on the edge of town. If you want a quieter base than the promenade hotels, this is a solid option.

Bray Golf Club is directly across the road. The hotel has its own restaurant and lounge, and the morning breakfast covers hot, cold, and continental options. Guests consistently mention the staff as a highlight.

Killruddery House and Gardens is a short drive away. It suits couples or anyone who wants space without the noise of a seafront property.

👉 View The Wilton Hotel Availability and Pricing

7. Self Catering at Beechwalk House

Self Catering at Beechwalk House is in Enniskerry, about 6km from Bray. You need a car to stay here, as there is no direct public transport from Bray town. It suits anyone who wants quiet and space over a seafront location. Powerscourt House and Gardens is 1.1 miles away, and the sun terrace has garden and mountain views.

The apartment has a fully equipped kitchen, a washing machine, outdoor seating, and free parking. It is a one-bedroom setup, so it works best for two people. A car helps, as you are not within walking distance of Bray town.

If your plan involves Wicklow Mountains walks or a day at Powerscourt, this is a better base than anything in Bray itself.

👉 View Self Catering at Beechwalk House Availability and Pricing

8. Firefly Hotel

Firefly Hotel is 650 metres from Bray Beach and a 2-minute walk to the main street. The 18 rooms are compact and individually decorated with work by local artists.

It is the first fully automated hotel in Ireland. Check-in is done on your phone, which also serves as the room key. Staff are on site 24/7 but the process is self-managed, which works well if you want flexibility on arrival times. Free WiFi and a workspace in rooms make it a reasonable option for remote workers or anyone on a tight schedule.

McGettigan’s Bar is directly across Main Street for food and drinks in the evening.

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9. Summerhill House Hotel

Summerhill House Hotel is a country house hotel in Enniskerry, not Bray. It is about 30 minutes from Dublin by car and roughly 15 minutes from Bray. You need a car to stay here. Most rooms have views of Bray Head. Dublin is about 30 minutes by car.

The restaurant uses locally sourced seasonal produce. The Cooper Beach Bar has an open fire. Next door, the Rainforest Day Spa overlooks the Irish Sea with a hot tub, sauna, and a full list of holistic treatments.

With 1,554 reviews and an 8.6 rating, this is one of the most established properties in the area. It works best if you actually want to spend time at the hotel rather than just sleep there.

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10. The Strand Hotel

The Strand Hotel sits on the seafront at the southern end of Bray promenade, at the foot of the Bray Head Cliff Walk. The building was once the home of Oscar Wilde, which is reflected in the art and decor throughout.

The hotel has four food and drink options on site: The Curry Leaf, Wilde’s Restaurant, Wilde’s Bar, and a Caffe Vergnano, the Italian coffee brand. The DART stop is steps away, which puts Dublin and Killiney both within easy reach without a car.

The location at the start of the cliff walk is the main draw for anyone planning to hike Bray Head.

👉 View The Strand Hotel Availability and Pricing

FAQs About Bray Accommodation

Here are answers to the questions I get most about staying in Bray, covering the best options by trip type, safety, and whether the town is worth the visit.

Conclusion

There’s no shortage of places to stay in Bray, and with all the options available you’re sure to find the perfect accommodation for your needs.

Whether you’re looking for a quirky hotel, a self-catering apartment with sea views or even an automated hotel, Bray has it all.

Your only trouble will be choosing which accommodation in Bray to stay in!