Just a drive from Bray will bring you to some of the most wonderful historic houses in Ireland. From Killruddery, right on Bray's doorstep to Powerscourt House and Avondale, the home of Parnell.
Step Back in Time at Killruddery House
Killruddery House has been the home of the Brabazon family since 1618 and three generations of the family live in the house today. Killruddery sits just a few minutes from Bray town centre and is a cultural gem of North Wicklow.
If you're planning an outing, Killruddery is the perfect spot, with acres of wonderful woodland and gardens to explore. The 800-acre estate features 17th century gardens along with ponds, orchards and a walled garden. Booking a joint ticket for the house and gardens is a good idea, but you can visit them separately. Killruddery House itself is well worth a visit, as it represents some landmark eras in Irish history.
Killruddery promises "access the main formal rooms of Killruddery on our illuminating guided house tour that reflects on the architectural transformations over the centuries" and the interiors are indeed stunning. A perfect place for a day out and only a few minutes from Bray. For booking information and tour times visit the Killruddery website.
Visit Powerscourt House and Gardens
Bray has so much to offer and its surrounds are a wealth of cultural and architectural gems. One such gem is Powerscourt House and Gardens. It's only 15 minutes from Bray town centre and is stunning at any time of year. It's a great spot not only for the house and the garden tours, but for the design shops within the house. From food to crafts and clothes and jewellery, there are small shops to browse, all inside the Powerscourt roof. You can also lunch on the terrace, which when the weather permits, is a lovely place for a coffee and a catch up.
Named as one of National Geographic's top three gardens in the world, Powerscourt is a stunning space. Garden tickets are well worth buying and the 47 acres brings you from carefully manicured terraces to woodland walks and more. For information on Powerscourt House and Gardens, visit their website.
Experience History at Avondale House
Known as the birthplace and home of Charles Stuart Parnell, Avondale House and its gardens are set over 800 acres in County Wicklow. Take about a 40-minute drive from Bray and you'll experience one of the most stunning forest parks, which surrounds the house. Entry to the gardens and seed café is free and you can buy tickets for guided tours of the house here. The house tour itself brings you through the life and times of one Ireland's most famous figures and it gives a glimpse into a 19th century country estate. This is a tour you will remember.
Visitors to Avondale can also experience the amazing tree top walk, viewing deck and giant slide of Beyond the Trees. Booking is advised as it can get very busy. You can buy tickets online here for and you won't be disappointed with the wonderful views. For more information on tickets and directions, visit the Avondale House website.
Just a few wonderful historic houses and gardens to visit, within easy reach of Bray.