Best Nature and Parks (RV, National, Dog, etc) in Bray

"The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre – located within the sprawling grasslands of one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks – offers an enjoyable exhibition on the history of the surrounding park and an introduction to the many types of wildlife that call this area home. The visitor centre adjoins the park’s walled gardens and has a universal-access playground and café. Dublin Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is also situated within Phoenix Park."

"As Europe’s largest enclosed city park, it’s hard to define what a walk of the Phoenix Park should entail. One that encompasses all the major sights would be great but we are talking about walks here, not a road trip. So we will propose a 7 km looped walk, one that begins with a Luas ride on the red line to Heuston Station and a walk up Parkgate Street to the entrance."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"Once a marshy common grazing area, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the Dublin’s most popular green spaces and a nice place to take a short break from sightseeing. It includes trees, a lake, a playground, a number of labeled plants (including some in Braille), fountains, statues, and memorials. This city center park is located just across from the Little Dublin Museum."

"Instead carry on through Grafton Street, Dublin's posh shopping area, and up to Saint Stephen's Green. Either grab a bite on the way and enjoy it al fresco, or head straight on to The National Museum in Kildare Street."

"Just on the other side of the Liffey from Phoenix Park, in Kilmainham, the Irish War Memorial Gardens are a beautiful quiet spot for a first look or your wedding portraits. Just like with St Stephen’s Green and Iveagh Gardens, you’ll need to get permission from the OPW. In return you’ll get one of the most beautiful backdrop of wisteria, roses or ivy – depending on what season you find yourself there!"

"Located in Islandbridge, Dublin, the National War Memorial Gardens is a beautiful but somber memorial. The property is dedicated to the nearly 50,000 Irish soldiers who sacrificed their lives during The Great War from 1914-1918. The First World War had such an earth shattering impact throughout Europe that various countries sought a suitable way to pay homage to those who lost their lives."

"These gardens are one of the most famous memorial gardens in Europe. They are dedicated to the memory of 49,400 Irish soldiers who died in the 1914-1918 war. The names of all the soldiers are contained in the granite bookrooms in the Gardens."

"In a prime location opposite Bull Island, an idiosyncratic beach in north Dublin, St Anne’s was the former home of the – yes, the – Guinness family in the 19th century. Spread over some 240 acres, it’s now crammed with fascinating public follies. You’ll find a classical Chinese garden (a gift from China when Dublin twinned with Beijing in 2011), a Herculanean Temple and clock tower, and a physic garden with a range of medicinal herbs."

"Nestled between the suburbs of Raheny and Clontarf is Saint Anne’s Park, owned and managed by the Dublin City Council. Beautiful attractions include a serene walk at the Chestnut park, and onwards you will find architectural follies—buildings that serve as great decors for the park. Including a Water Temple of Pompei found in the banks of the artificial duck pond, a Herculanean temple that overlooks Naniken River, and many more."

"St Anne’s park is undoubtedly one of Dublin’s most historical parks. Located between Raheny and Clontarf this was once the opulent home of the family which had the biggest impact on Dublin city. The Guinness family built St Anne’s House here in 1837, a mansion in the Italianate-style."

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need. Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"A stunning mansion in the Elizabethan Revival style, Killruddery has been home to the Brabazon family (earls of Meath) since 1618 and has one of the oldest gardens in Ireland. The house is impressive, but the prizewinner here is the magnificent orangery, built in 1852 and chock-full of statuary and plant life. If you like fancy glasshouses, this is the one for you. It's 6km north of Greystones just off the R761 coast road."

"Covering an area of 78 acres, Farmleigh is a huge estate that was developed as an accommodation for visiting dignitaries and for the recreation of the general public. A visit to this estate will remind you of the Edwardian period and aura. There is a kind of eclecticism that defines this estate as it combines a variety of architectural designs and decors."

"A historic house holding important collections, an art gallery, a working farm, and the official Irish State guest house, Farmleigh House and Estate is open seven days a week, all year round."

"This restored soldiers barracks is today a state-of-the-art exhibition space and venue that pays tribute to its colourful history and Ireland’s heritage."

"A no-frills option for vegetarians in Dublin, Govinda’s is run by the Hare Krishna movement and has two city-centre locations – one on Aungier Street and the other on Abbey Street. The restaurant’s small menu offers a mix of Indian and Western dishes that are prepared with organic produce grown on its farm. One of the most popular options on the menu is the Govinda’s Special, a selection of vegetable dishes with basmati rice and salad."

"Govinda’s give customers an entirely veggie and plan-based experience with a host of unique flavours to their name. They offer chickpea curries, mouth-watering samosas, tofu satay and much more. If you’ve still got room there’s trays of vegan cakes to add the cherry to your hearty meal."

"Tasty, cheap, hearty, and fully vegan, what more could you ask for?. Govinda’s is on our list of the best vegan restaurants for a reason. Well, many reasons actually, but mainly because it serves truly flavourful food in a humble environment, and we just love that."

"Flip, a vegan and vegetarian burger bar from the owners of Blazing Salads, is one of Dublin’s vegan hot spots. Their burgers, which include black bean and quinoa, millet and sweet potato, and a sweetcorn and feta fritter, are handmade using organic grains, pulses, vegetables and seeds. Don’t mind if we do!"

"For any vegetarian or vegan living in Dublin, Cornucopia doesn’t need an explanation. With Cornucopia having been around for 30 years, they have developed the reputation as the place to go to, when it comes to vegetarian eating. Maybe less known than their heavenly lunches and dinners are their delectable cakes and desserts."

"One of my all time favourite memories as a child was visiting the Gaiety Theatre with my grandmother. She use to take us once a year and I absolutely loved it. Things haven’t changed too much at The Gaiety but it remains a prominent influence on Irish arts and theatre."

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."