8a. The DART train ride - Dublin Area Rapid Transit

A coastal walk trip on the DART to Greystones and Bray, Co. Wicklow - A ride on the DART and a really beautiful classic coastal cliff walk

Sub-index for this page

Section 1. Description of the DART transport system

Section 2. Links to the current 31 DART stations

Section 3. Starting the DART ride from Malahide

Section 4. Starting the DART journey from Howth

Section 5. Continuing the DART trip south from Howth Junction

Section 6. Entering Dublin

Section 7. Heading south from Dublin on the DART train

Section 8. Continuing south on the DART train as the coastal scenery comes into view

Section 9. Exploring Greystones - currently end of the DART line

Section 10. The coastal walk back from Greystones to Bray

Section 11. Exploring Bray

Extra notes on the DART train ride from Malahide or Howth south to Greystones

Section 12. Some UK railway 'connections'

Scenes from DUBLIN CITY and surrounding area

[Author & photographer © Dr Phil Brown PhD plus some AI help, updated May 16th 2026]

 Dublin Scenes and Notes Index  *   The spectacular Bray Air Display Show 2018

See also the Picture sequence based on the Bray to Greystones coastal walk

*Doc Brown's Science Website biology chemistry physics*

Section 1. Description of the DART transport system

Dublin’s DART System — A Complete, Clear Guide

The DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) is Dublin’s coastal electric rail service, running from Malahide/Howth in the north to Greystones in the south, and forming one of the backbone transport systems of the Greater Dublin Area.

It is fast, frequent, scenic, and central to Dublin’s public transport network.


1. What the DART is

  • Type: Electric commuter rail system
  • Operator: Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail)
  • Opened: 1984
  • Route length: ~53 km (33 miles)
  • Electrification: 1,500 V DC overhead
  • Track gauge: Irish gauge (1,600 mm)

The DART is one of the few fully electrified rail corridors in Ireland and is known for its reliability and coastal views.


2. Route & Key Stations

The DART runs along Dublin Bay, connecting major residential, business, and tourist areas.

Northern Terminus Options

  • Malahide
  • Howth

Southern Terminus

  • Greystones (County Wicklow)

Important Stations

  • Connolly (major interchange)
  • Tara Street (city centre)
  • Pearse (city centre)
  • Grand Canal Dock
  • Dún Laoghaire
  • Bray

The line is famous for its scenic coastal sections, especially between Dublin and Bray.


3. Frequency & Travel Experience

  • Trains typically run every 10–20 minutes, depending on time of day.
  • Services are more frequent at peak times.
  • The journey is known for:
    • Smooth electric operation
    • Excellent sea views
    • Easy access to beaches, suburbs, and the city centre

4. Rolling Stock

The DART uses several classes of electric multiple units, including:

  • 8100 Class
  • 8500 / 8510 / 8520 Classes

Newer trains are being introduced as part of the DART+ fleet expansion, including modern, higher‑capacity units.


5. DART+ Programme — The Future of Dublin Rail

The DART+ Programme is a major expansion plan that will triple the length of the electrified network from ~50 km to over 150 km.

Planned Extensions

  • DART+ West: Maynooth & M3 Parkway → City Centre
  • DART+ South West: Hazelhatch & Celbridge → City Centre
  • DART+ Coastal North: Drogheda → City Centre
  • DART+ Coastal South: Greystones → City Centre
  • DART+ Fleet: New trains to increase capacity

This will transform the DART from a coastal line into a full metropolitan rail network.


6. Connections to Other Transport

The DART integrates with:

  • Luas (Dublin’s tram system)
  • Commuter rail services to Kildare, Meath, Louth, Longford, Wicklow
  • Dublin Bus
  • Airport bus services (Aircoach, Dublin Express)

Maps often show DART alongside Luas and commuter lines for easy navigation.


7. Why the DART Is Important

  • Reduces road congestion
  • Provides sustainable electric transport
  • Connects major employment and residential zones
  • Supports tourism (Howth, Dún Laoghaire, Bray, Greystones)
  • Forms the backbone for future rail expansion

8. Quick Facts (At a Glance)

Feature Detail
Opened 1984
Operator Iarnród Éireann
Electrification 1,500 V DC
Length 53 km
Speed Up to 100 km/h
Key Interchanges Connolly, Pearse, Tara Street
Future Expansion DART+ (to 150+ km)

9. Why Visitors Love It

  • One of the easiest ways to explore Dublin Bay
  • Cheap, frequent, and scenic
  • Ideal for day trips to Howth, Bray, Dún Laoghaire, and Greystones

Section 2. Links to the current 31 DART stations

North of Howth Junction

1. Malahide, 2. Portmarnock, 3. Clongriffin

Northeast of Howth Junction

4. Howth, 5. Sutton, 6. Bayside

South of Howth Junction

7. Howth Junction & Donaghmede, 8. Kilbarrack, 9. Raheny, 10. Harmonstown, 11. Killester, 12. Clontarf Road, 13. Connolly

South of the River Liffey

14. Tara Street, 15. Pearse, 16. Grand Canal Dock, 17. Lansdowne Road, 18. Sandymount, 19. Sydney Parade, 20. Booterstown, 21 Blackrock, 22. Seapoint, 23. Salthill and Monkstown

South of Dún Laoghaire

24. Dún Laoghaire, 25. Sandycove and Glasthule, 26. Glenageary, 27. Dalkey, 28. Killiney, 29. Shankill, 30. Bray, 31.
Greystones


Section 3. Starting the DART ride from Malahide

Part (1) The DART train ride from Malahide and Howth North of Dublin along the coast down to Bray and Greystones

Some of these pictures were taken through the carriage window, so not surprisingly they are not that good, BUT they do give a good impression of the delightful train ride from Dublin south to Bray and Greystones. DART = Dublin Area Rapid Transport.

Prior to steam, then push and pull diesel rail cars, then DART.

1984 - initial phase of electrification, last sections completed in 2001, proposed extensions?

53 km track, 46 of it double carrying 20 million passengers per year, several disused stations were reopened, particularly with the general growth and development of Dublin and surrounding county.

Various classes of EMU from 8100 to 8600, 1500 DC overhead pantograph power supply.

Replacing ageing diesel powered traction.

Very frequent DART service of 4, 6 or 8 carriage units (multiples of 2), operating up to 62 mph.

Ireland joined the European Common Market in 1973.
 


North of Howth Junction


1. Malahide - the most northern start of the DART line

Malahide 1844 DART 2000

Vikings came to the Malahide estuary in 795

Malahide has become an affluent suburb of Dublin.

Medieval Castle, cricket ground, marina, housing developments.

Malahide station

Class 22000 DMU for Intercity Routes, maximum speed of ~100 mph, in service and manufactured from 2007.

Express DMU train from Drogheda to Dublin at Malahide station (same units for Belfast trains)

 

6 coach DART at Malahide headed by Class 8100 unit 8126 approaching Malahide station.

Steve: 018 interior of DART no. 8117 - functional !!!

 

The small 'formal' garden in front of Malahide Castle also important botanical gardens.

The earliest origins of Malahide Castle lie in the 12th century, and its use was continuous from 1185 to 1975!

This historic castle was home to the Talbot family for 800 years but the Castle and Grounds have undergone extensive restoration and development, the latter particularly for the visiting tourist e.g. the Courtyards shopping centre and visitor centre.

When last of the Talbots, a brother and sister died with no issue, state took over.

The cricket grounds and pitch of Malahide Cricket Club which you pass on the way back to Malahide village and station.

 


2. Portmarnock

Portmarnock station,1844, DART connection 2000

Looking towards 'Ireland's Eye' and the 'Hills of Howth' from Portmarnock beach.

 

The Southern Cross Monument - a sculpture celebrating Portmarnock's role in aviation history. The Velvet strand was used as the runway for the first successful East to West Transatlantic flight, by the aircraft 'Southern Cross' on June 24th 1930, piloted by Australian aviator Sir Charles Kingford Smith, co-pilot Evert Van Dyk, Irish navigator Captain Paddy Saul and wireless operator John Stannage. The Velvet Strand was also used by aviators Jim Mollison to achieve the first East-West solo crossing of the Atlantic in the aircraft 'Hearts Content' and by Charles Ulm in 'Faith in Australia'.

Great weather at Portmarnock!

The name Martello (tower) comes from a the Mortlello Point defences in Corsica.

The were designed as gun batteries and built in the Dublin area from 1803 to 1808 thwart any invasion by Napoleon's army (ironic!).


3. Clongriffin

Clongriffin station only dates from 2010, link to the airport proposed but nothing happened in the direction of Swords to the west !!


Section 4.  Starting the DART journey from Howth

North-east of Howth Junction - the north-east start of the DART line

4. Howth

Howth station 1847, 1984 DART arrives

Vikings came in 819, Howth's name is of Norse origin.

Once a humble fishing village and small trading port from medieval times.

Now a busy, affluent and upmarket suburb of Dublin, but still retains some active fishing boat business.

Early 19th century became harbour for the steam packet postal service but relocated to Dún Laoghaire in 1809,

In 1914 900 rifles landed from small boat for Irish Volunteers, organised by Erskine Childers and wife Molly!

 Howth harbour village, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 Howth harbour village, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 The Howth station pub called the 'Bloody Stream'

Now that's a good use for the old station buildings at Howth, a pub bar and restaurant! but no time for a 'stop' now, so we press onto the harbour except when there is a Howth Sunday Market! Seafood bar and cafe

 Howth harbour village, Co. Dublin, Ireland

 Howth harbour village, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Beam trawler WD.39 BRIDGET CARMEL entering Howth harbour

 Howth harbour village, Co. Dublin, Ireland

Stern trawler MIANDA, DROGHEDA

Howth Abbey occupies the site of a church founded in 1042 by Sigtrygg, King of Dublin. This was replaced about 1235 by a new church founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin. The buildings seen now date from the late 14th or early 15th century. Co. Dubin, Ireland

Howth Abbey occupies the site of a church founded in 1042 by Sigtrygg, King of Dublin. This was replaced about 1235 by a new church founded by Luke, Archbishop of Dublin. The buildings seen now date from the late 14th or early 15th century.

 


5. Sutton

Sutton station1846,  one of two level crossing.

Sutton (Cross) is a large residential suburb on the DART line.

Crossing the railway near Sutton station to find your way down to the beach.

and back over the level crossing back to Sutton Cross.

 

Sutton Station on the coastal DART line near where we used to stay. You can take the train to Howth and do the coastal cliff walk back to Sutton Station, or the other way round. You can even walk from Sutton to Howth on the beach or vice versa if the tide is out!

 

Catching the DART train at Sutton Station to head south along the coast to Killiney, en route a series of views from the train. Its a super train ride along the Dublin Bay coast and tickets are relatively cheap.

 

A Dublin bus approaching Sutton on the Malahide road.

A Dublin bus approaching Sutton on the Malahide to Sutton Cross road.


6. Bayside

Station opened 1973, prior to DART connection 1984


Section 5. Continuing the DART trip south from Howth Junction
 


7. Howth Junction & Donaghmede

Howth Junction

Station opened in1848, 4 platforms junction of N Belfast line via Malahide and NE branch line to Howth port.


8. Kilbarrack station opened 1969

9. Raheny station opened in 1844

10. Harmonstown opened in 1957

11. Killester station opened in 1845 closed 1847, reopened 1923, year 1922-1923 civil war ended


12. Clontarf Road

Station opened in 1847, new station 1997

A new exhibition for 2015 Battle of Clontarf 1014 Timeline and Brian Boru at the National Museum of Ireland - archaeology

Now an affluent coastal suburb of Dublin, but Clontarf was the site of the Battle of Clontarf in 1014, in which Brian Boru (died of wounds), High King of Ireland, defeated the Vikings of Dublin and their allies, the Irish of Leinster. This battle, which extended over a wide area, from modern Ballybough to Kilbarrack, at least, is seen as marking an end to the Irish-Viking Wars. So, Brian Baru defeated the last of the Viking rulers, but leaving some 7000-10000 dead

 

Dublin-Belfast railway trip: Crossing over the dock line and the Royal Canal, north of Connolly station - a Dockland's Station terminus station has existed from 2007, 1500 passengers daily.

Dublin-Belfast railway trip: The line eastwards down to the docks - docklands station 2007, north of Connolly station

View of the start of the Grand Canal from the road bridge at the north end of Spencer Dock. A stone on the bridge is inscribed 'Midland and Great Western Railway of Ireland, 15th April 1873.


Section 6. Entering Dublin

13. Connolly station after the revolutionary James Connolly - Easter Rising - executed in Kilmainham Gaol May 1916

Photo Steve Rabone: 049 Connolly station's 3 road locomotive depot with 2-6-0 No 461  ex Dublin and South Eastern Railway

Diesel locomotive 227 in Connolly Motive Power Depot MPD.  227 is a Co-Co Class 201 locomotive (Type C), named 'RIVER LAUNE.

IE 201 Class diesel-electric locomotives: The Iarnród Éireann (IE) 201 Class locomotives are the newest and most powerful diesel locomotives operating in Ireland, and were built between 1994 and 1995 by General Motors, engine of 3200 hp, weigh ~109 tonnes with a maximum speed of 164 km/h (102 mph).


Class 200 diesel locomotive 220 and driving van trailer 4002 (Cork-Dublin train at Limerick Junction)

4002

 

Steve: 019 at Connolly with 8137 seen at the Pearse end of station

 

Steve: 052 Connolly with a Howth to Bray DART

 

Archive Photo Steve Rabone: 057 Connolly with No.123 on a Push-Pull train of modern Mark 3 coaches (the same as our HST coaches) on a Pearse to Dundalk train.

 

Class 29000 unit 29108 entering Connolly station. Class 29000 DMUs have been built by CAF (Construcciones y Auxiliar de Ferrocarriles) from 2002 onwards.

from Wikipedia

Connolly The Italianate facade of Connolly Station 1844

Dublin-Belfast railway trip: The early morning train from Dublin Connolly station to Belfast Central station

 

Modern Irish Rail coaching stock and an old turntable and water tank at Connolly station from the days of steam.

 

In 2004 Luas light railway system standard gauge 750 V overhead d.c. supply, two main lines. 2001-2011 Green Line and Red tram Lines

Luas unit 3005 at Connolly station - The Luas or light rail tram system departing from the avant-garde cover in Connelly Station. An excellent way to cross the city and reach the outskirts, but only a few lines available.

Luas unit 3019 in the colourful SKY livery, entering Connolly Street station

Luas train crossing the River Liffey near Heuston Station to connect with Connolly station.

 

The O'Connell Street Bridge

The huge 1882 monument and statue to Daniel O'Connell 'The Liberator', after whom this street is named. After leading a 5 year campaign of mass rallies and protests the Catholic Emancipation Act is passed in 1828-1829 giving a limited number of Catholics the right to vote and he was the first Catholic to be elected as the Mayor of Dublin in 1831 but was later jailed for calling for the repeal of The Act of Union.

The very striking outline of the Spire of Dublin, viewed at dusk from the DART train.

The very striking outline of the steel Spire on O'Connell Street, viewed at dusk from the DART train.


Section 7. Heading south from Dublin on the DART train

The river Liffey from the DART train from Bray on our evening return.

The river Liffey from the DART train from Bray on our evening return.

South of the River Liffey
 


14. Tara Street

Tara Street station opened in1891 and reached across the Loopline viaduct

 

A DART train crosses the River Liffey to enter Tara Street Station heading south for Bray and Greystones.

Commuter train from Drogheda entering Tara Street Station, The Custom House beyond. 18th century neoclassical style.

2 x 3-carriage units 22304 (22 304) and 22302 (22 302) at Tara Street station with a train for Drogheda

Commuter train 29115 and 29415 at Tara Street station with a train for Rosslare Europort

Steve: 060 Between Connolly and Pearse

 


15. Pearse - Patrick Pearse. one of the leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising, executed May 1916

Steve: 027 Pearse station with a Pearse to Drogheda train (Class 071 diesel locomotive 086, built GM 1978-1980, max speed 90 mph)

Archive photo Class 071 diesel locomotive 075 with a ballast train at Limerick Junction, these diesels worked the express passenger trains out of Dublin.

Flats built in the shell of an old gasometer (The Gasometer Apartments)!

Pearse station (Dublin Pearse) opened in 1834, re-gauged in 1857 from 'standard gauge' !!! 1891 rebuilt as through station


16. Grand Canal Dock

Grand Canal Dock station opened in 2001.

The Grand canal is the southernmost of two major canals surviving Dublin to connect with the east and River Shannon

Passing over the streets of south Dublin (train photo).


17. Lansdowne Road

Lansdowne Road opened in 1870 and serves the Aviva stadium of 2009


Section 8. Continuing south on the DART train as the coastal scenery comes into view

18. Sandymount station opened in 1835, DART connected in 1984


19. Sydney Parade

Looking across Dublin Bay from the DART to the power station on Dublin's South Wall from just after Sidney Parade Station

Sydney Parade station opened in 1835, DART connected 1984.
 


20. Booterstown

Opened in 1835,  DART connected to 1984

The view across Dublin Bay from just before Booterstown Station

The hills and mountains of Wicklow from the DART near Bray.

DART view of the hills and mountains of Wicklow from the DART near Bray as the scenery just gets better and better as you head south down the coast.


21. Blackrock

Opened in 1834, DART connected 1984

Tide in! DART view back towards Dublin Port and the chimney stacks of the power station and a ferry in the background from near Blackrock.


22. Seapoint opened in 1862

23. Salthill and Monkstown opened in 1837

both DART connected in 1984
 


South of Dún Laoghaire
 


24. Dún Laoghaire

Dún Laoghaire station opened in 1837 as Kingstown Harbour, DART connected in 1984

DART view of the yachts in Dún Laoghaire Harbour. Dun Laoghaire was the 2nd main ferry port for Dublin City.

After ~200years passenger services ceased in 201


25. Sandycove and Glasthule

Sandycove and Glasthule opened in 1855 as Sandycove and Kingstown station, DART 1984.

26. Glenageary opened in 1867


27. Dalkey station opened in 1854

Looking south down the coast to Bray Head (train photo).

Heading south towards Killiney.


28. Killiney

Original station built in 1858, current station built in 1882, DART connected 1983

Steve: 016 at Killiney - Rosslare to Dublin passenger train (Class diesel) 071

 

Archive photo from Steve Rabone: 017 at Killiney - Dublin to Rosslare passenger train, note the coastal erosion on the right.
 

Back to Killiney Station to get the train back to Sutton.

The north end of Killiney Bay (train photo), you can just make out a Martello tower near the sea.

Looking south across the lovely beach and Bay of Killiney (train photos).

Off the DART train for a view of Killiney Bay and the lovely beach from the station footbridge.

the splendid church of St Alphonsus and Columba built of local granite.

A climb up to the splendid church of St Alphonsus Columba built of local granite. At this point I met 'Maureen', a wonderful local lady, full of knowledge and enthusiasm, who gave me a quick run down on the history of Killiney. The church is built of local granite and shows no signs of weathering!

The restored Martello Tower on the old coach road that passed through old Killiney Village.

The restored Martello Tower on the old coach road that passed up through old Killiney Village.

The Martello Towers were built in the 1790's by the British to help thwart a Napoleonic invasion from France.

The Martello Towers were built in the 1790's-1800s by the British to help thwart a Napoleonic invasion from France.

This Martello Tower was the site of the main battery of cannons that could fire across the bay to protect Dublin port.

The prehistoric tomb of Ballybrack Dolmen.  The prehistoric tomb of Ballybrack Dolmen. Just west of Killiney beach

The prehistoric megalithic portal tomb of Ballybrack Dolmen (~2500 BCE). It is the 'genuine article', based on archaeological evidence, despite being located on the edge of a housing estate with ensuing graffiti. Built of very hard wearing local granite, it shows little sign of weathering, even after thousands of years from the Neolithic period of Irish history!

Cill Inìon Léinin 6th century monastic site.

Cill Inìon Léinin 6th century monastic site. The name Killiney is derived from this early Christian community.

The ruins of the early 6th century Cill Inion Leinin Christian community above Killiney Bay

The ruins of the 6th century Cill Inion Leinin early Christian community above Killiney Bay.


29. Shankill - current station 1977, DART 1983


30. Bray

Bray Daly station of 1854, DART 1984

Bray's shingle beach stretching out towards Bray Head.

Steve: 029 Bray station with a DART on a Bray to Howth service

 

The DART train for Dublin leaving Bray Station.

The DART train from Dublin entering Bray Station.

The DART train from Dublin entering Bray Station.

The run from Howth in the north of County Dublin, to Bray and Greystones south of Dublin in County Wicklow, is really enjoyable scenic run

While waiting for the train from Bray to Greystones, I quickly snapped the series of  chronological 'historical' murals on the south direction platform, most entertaining but some are sadly in need of restoration work, it would be a pity if they were not maintained, other stations should copy the idea?

This distinctive element of Bray Daly Station is a series of paintings on platform 2. starting with a painting of the opening ceremony in 1852, the series runs along the length of the platform, documenting both Irish history and Irish railway history up to the present day. Various carriages, locomotives, and characters can be seen in the pictures, including Oscar Wilde, British soldiers in 1916, James Joyce in the 1940s, a hippy couple in the 1960s, and the introduction of the DART service in 1984!

In 2008 the original artist began a mosaic replacement programme due to the deteriorating condition of the original murals.

1880  1890

1880 and 1890

1900  1916 - many Irishmen fought in the 1st world war but some were fighting in the Easter Rising

1900 and 1916

1920  1930

1920 and 1930

1940  1950

1940 and 1950

1960 - an outpouring of musical styles and dress!  1970 - just dig those flairs!

1960 and 1970

1980  1980

1980

 1984 - Ireland is a lot better than the book and the DART arrives!  ? - happy days if you can afford a house!

1984 and ?

 The spectacular Bray Air Display Show 2018 08b

Walk from Bray to Greystones, usually vice versa

Part of the wonderful coastal walk from Greystones back to Bray

See section

Views of the line between Bray and Greystones

railway cutting near Bray, single track for the difficult sections.

The railway from Bray to Greystones was planned and executed between 1847 and 1856 providing some serious engineering difficulties! Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed an initial single track line from Bray Head to Wicklow. However, the most celebrated railway engineer associated with this line and most of Irelands railways William Dargan who helped organise the financing and designing of over 600 miles of Irish rail routes. Many of the tunnels are replacements of 19th century timber bridges.

Archive photo from Steve Rabone: 061 Special train Dublin to Rosslare on the cliffs between Bray and Greystones

 


31. Greystones - the most southern coastal station on the DART line

Greystones station opened in 1855, DART finally connected in 1995 or 2000?

Greystones is popular coastal seaside resort in County Wicklow and seen a huge increase in population from the 1970s onward.

A great scenic coastal path (medieval in origin) links it to Bray - great cliff walk and splendid views of the DART line!

Archive photo from Steve Rabone: 063 Greystones looking towards Wexford and Rosslare with No. 461 about to take on water in the siding. The line wasn’t electrified to Greystones until 1995.

Steam locomotive 461, Class K2 mogul 2-6-0, built by Beyer Peacock, Manchester, 1922, for the Dublin and South Eastern Railway, retired in 1965, functioned as a mixed traffic loco.

Part (2) Exploring Greystones

Section 9. Exploring Greystones - currently end of the DART line

Greystones Station where we started the cliff walk to Bray.

The coastal view from Greystones station.

What Greystones Harbour looked like with Bray Head in the background - this lovely little harbour has now been completely rebuilt - unfortunately!?

rebuilt now!

The newly built walls of Greystones Harbour

 

 

The new concrete pillar entrance to Greystones Harbour

 

The small beach at Greystones

 

 

 

 

Another longer beach at Greystones, canoeist and sunbathers!

 

The old anchor and fishing off the rocks at Greystones

 

Summerville's coffee shop and restaurant

Country Cooking at Greystones!

The Beach House cafe, Greystones

Fresh fish and shellfish on the menu

Spendlove, Greystones, as it says

'pop in after your walk' for coffee and homebaking

The Harbour Cafe Delicatessen, Deli, Breakfast,

lunch, and Fish & chips Shop, Greystones

 

Bochelli Cafe in Greystones

Ala Carte Menu

The Insomnia Coffee Company, Greystones

Insomnia summer signature drinks

The Butler's Pantry, Greystones

for tasty food to your home

The Burnaby for 'wine and tasty food'

A lounge bar restaurant in Greystones


Section 10. Part (3) The coastal walk from Greystones back to Bray

There has been a coastal walkway between Bray and Greystones since medieval times. The cliff walk as it exists today dates from the 1840s. Both towns developed when the railway came between 1854 to 1856 enabling people to travel to them easily from Dublin's stations. The Bray - Greystones cliff walk is one of the best short walks in Ireland.

 

The sea and cliffs off Bray Head viewed from Greystones.

The sea and cliffs off Bray Head viewed from Greystones.

 

The beach rooks of Greystones.

The beach rooks of Greystones.

 

The cliff path from Greystones heading for Bray Head.

The cliff path from Greystones heading for Bray Head.

 

Erosion and no time to move the fence and path back!
Erosion and no time to move the fence and path back!

Erosion and no time to move the fence and path back!

 

The railway from Bray to Greystones was planned and executed between 1847 and 1856 providing some serious engineering difficulties! Isambard Kingdom Brunel designed an initial single track line from Bray Head to Wicklow. However, the most celebrated railway engineer associated with this line and most of Irelands railways William Dargan who helped organise the financing and designing of over 600 miles of Irish rail routes. Many of the tunnels are replacements of 19th century timber bridges.

 

 

 

 

 

Looking down on the Dublin-Wexford line from the Bray - Greystones cliff walk.

 

Lord Meath's Lodge, which was once a toll booth for the coastal path.

 

The railway on the cliffs at Bray Head, and an abandoned tunnel on the right!

 

 

Look out for the shag and cormorant seabirds on the rocks.

Look out for the shag and cormorant seabirds on the rocks.

 

Looking north towards Bray on the cliff walk from Greystones.

 

railway cutting near Bray

Section 11. Exploring Bray

The pebble and sandy beach at Bray.

 

Swans, geese and canoeists in Bray Harbour.

Swans, geese and canoeists in Bray Harbour.

 

The canoeists heading out to join the swans  in Bray Harbour.

 

Bray's shingle beach stretching out towards Bray Head.

 

Katies alcoholic medicine at Katie Gallaghers bar restaurant in Bray!
On this occasion we refreshed at Malloys Coffee Shop and Bakehouse.
Inside Malloys Coffee Shop and Bakehouse.

Katies alcoholic medicine at Katie Gallaghers Bar restaurant in Bray!

But, on this occasion we refreshed at Malloys Coffee Shop and Bakehouse in Bray

Inside Malloys Coffee Shop and Bakehouse.

 

 

Gino's Italian Coffee, low fat Gelato, Bray seafront

Love the scooter seats!

Barracuda Steak and Seafood Restaurant

Next to the National Sealife Centre, Bray

The Boathouse Coffee Dock

on the seafront at Bray

STOP for Teddy's Icecream at Candy Corner

near the seafront at Bray

The Star Diner and Star Leisure Centre

near the seafront at Bray

The Cropton Bray Head Inn, lounge bar, entertainment

and 'functions' just above the pebble beach at Bray

 

The DART train for Dublin leaving Bray Station.

The DART train for Dublin leaving Bray Station.

While waiting for the train from Bray to Greystones, I quickly snapped the series of

chronological 'historical' murals

on the south direction platform, most entertaining but some are sadly in need of restoration work, it would be a pity if they were not maintained, other stations should copy the idea.

 

 Dublin Scenes and Notes Index   *  The spectacular Bray Air Display Show 2018

See also the NEW Picture sequence based on the Bray to Greystones coastal walk


Extra notes on the DART train ride from Malahide or Howth south to Greystones

The DART journey from Malahide or Howth → Dublin City Centre → Greystones is one of the most scenic coastal rail journeys in Europe, combining sea views, maritime history, Georgian harbours, Victorian resorts, and dramatic cliffs.
Below is a fully structured, period‑by‑period, station‑by‑station guide, integrating scenery from the train, places of interest, and historical context, grounded in the most authoritative sources available.


1. Overview of the DART Line

The DART runs 53 km along Dublin Bay, from Howth and Malahide in the north to Greystones in the south, and is widely recognised as one of Europe’s most scenic commuter rail routes.
It is electric, frequent (every 10–20 minutes), and known for its coastal views.


2. Starting in the North: Malahide or Howth

A. Malahide → Howth Junction

What you see from the train

  • Broad estuary views over the Malahide Estuary
  • Sand dunes and wetlands near Portmarnock
  • Occasional views of Lambay Island offshore

Places of interest

  • Malahide Castle & demesne (medieval castle in parkland)
  • Malahide Marina and coastal village ambience
  • Portmarnock Velvet Strand (famous long beach)

Historical note

Malahide Castle dates back to the 12th century; the estuary has been a key fishing and trading zone for centuries.


B. Howth → Howth Junction

(If starting from Howth instead of Malahide)

What you see

  • Harbour scenes immediately on departure
  • Fishing boats, piers, and views across to Ireland’s Eye
  • Cliffs rising behind the village

Places of interest

  • Howth Cliff Walk, Baily Lighthouse, Ireland’s Eye, and the working harbour are major attractions.

Historical note

Howth is a medieval fishing port; the peninsula has been a defensive and navigational landmark for over a thousand years.


3. Howth Junction → Dublin City Centre

This section is more suburban, but still historically rich.

What you see

  • Passing through North Dublin suburbs
  • Glimpses of Dublin Port cranes and docklands
  • Approaching the Liffey, the skyline of central Dublin appears

Key stations

  • Connolly (major interchange)
  • Tara Street (beside the Docklands)
  • Pearse (oldest operational railway station in the world still in use)

Places of interest

  • Dublin Docklands: a modern district with museums, breweries, and waterfront walks.

4. Dublin City Centre → Dún Laoghaire

This is where the scenery becomes spectacular.

What you see

  • The train hugs the shoreline
  • Views across Dublin Bay to Howth
  • The Poolbeg chimneys and South Wall lighthouse
  • Seaside terraces and Victorian villas

Key stop: Blackrock

A lively suburb with markets and cafés.

Key stop: Dún Laoghaire

A major 19th‑century harbour town with:

  • East and West Piers
  • James Joyce Tower (Martello tower museum)
  • The Forty Foot swimming spot

Historical note

Dún Laoghaire was built as Kingstown in the 1820s as a major packet port linking Ireland and Britain.


5. Dún Laoghaire → Dalkey → Killiney

One of the most beautiful stretches of railway in Ireland.

Dalkey

A medieval village with a castle, literary history, and steep granite hills.
Known as the “Dublin Riviera”.

Killiney

What you see

As the train approaches Killiney from the north, you get some of the most stunning views on the entire line:

  • The sweep of Killiney Bay
  • Bray Head in the distance
  • Villas on the hillside

Historical note

Killiney Bay was compared to the Bay of Naples in the 19th century; wealthy Dubliners built villas here to enjoy the views.


6. Killiney → Bray

The line now runs directly above the sea.

What you see

  • Waves breaking below the cliffs
  • Long views south to Wicklow
  • The Victorian seafront of Bray coming into view

Bray

A classic Victorian resort with:

  • Long promenade
  • Bray Head walking trails
  • Cafés, pubs, and sea swimming

7. Bray → Greystones (Final Section)

This is the famous cliff‑hugging section, one of the most dramatic railway alignments in Ireland.

What you see

  • Sheer cliffs dropping to the Irish Sea
  • Tunnels cut through the rock
  • Seabirds, fishing boats, and panoramic views
  • The Wicklow Mountains rising inland

Greystones

A charming seaside town with:

  • Harbour marina
  • Cafés and restaurants
  • Start of the Bray–Greystones Cliff Walk, one of Ireland’s best coastal trails

Historical note

The cliff section was an engineering challenge in the 19th century, requiring tunnels and sea walls; it remains one of Ireland’s most photographed rail segments.


8. Suggested Full Journey Experience

If starting in the north:

  1. Begin at Howth (cliffs, harbour) or Malahide (castle, estuary).
  2. Ride into Dublin City Centre (Docklands, Liffey views).
  3. Continue south to Dún Laoghaire (harbour walk).
  4. Stay on for the Dalkey–Killiney panoramas.
  5. Enjoy the Bray seafront.
  6. Finish in Greystones and walk part of the cliff path.

Section 12. Some UK railway 'connections'!


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