Bray, County Wicklow

Bray is one of those resort towns that suffers from the perfection of our childhood memories. The ghost train is no longer so scary, the candyfloss is way too sweet and the promenade, or esplanade as is the preferred local term, is not quite as tidy and sun dappled as we remember.

On a sunny July weekend, however, there are few places to beat it and if chair-o-planes aren’t your thing, then a good hike along Bray head will do wonders for the soul.

Caffe Letterario GattaNera on Albert walk is the perfect spot to dive into after a morning spent sketching along the seafront and while you’re there, pop in next door to Blaze and Sparkle for some really neat gifts!