Introduction
Day 20 was a pure travel day as we left England behind and began the final chapter of our trip in Ireland. We turned in our car, flew to Dublin, picked up a new rental, and settled into our AirBnB just south of the city in Bray.
Day 20: England to Ireland
Today we had to turn in our car and catch a flight to Dublin, pick up a new car, and drive to our AirBnB just south in Bray. Not much to report on the logistics, but the evening more than made up for it.
We had an exceptional dinner of delicious sizzling beef with noodles at The Coach Inn. Afterwards we stopped by The Harbour Bar and The Boomerang to check out the local nightlife before calling it a night.
Only a couple of days left… ☹️
Helpful Tips for This Travel Day
• Build extra time into your schedule when returning a rental car and catching a flight.
• Bray is a convenient and relaxed base just south of Dublin.
• The Coach Inn is worth seeking out for a good dinner after a long travel day.
• The Harbour Bar and nearby spots offer a nice introduction to local Irish nightlife.
• Keep your evening plans flexible after a full day of airports and driving.
Fun Facts
Bray
• Bray is one of Ireland’s oldest seaside resorts and sits right on the border between County Dublin and County Wicklow.
• It has long been a popular escape for Dubliners thanks to its beach, promenade, and easy rail connection to the city.
• The town has literary ties — James Joyce spent time here and referenced the area in his writing.
Irish Nightlife
• Traditional Irish pubs often serve as the heart of local social life, offering everything from quiet pints to live music.
• Many coastal towns like Bray have a mix of historic pubs and more modern spots that give a good feel for everyday Irish evenings.
Final Thoughts
It was a straightforward but necessary travel day. Arriving in Bray and ending the evening with great food and a bit of local atmosphere felt like a solid start to our short time in Ireland. We’re already feeling the end of the trip approaching.
Next Up:
Our first full day in Ireland, including the ancient Neolithic site of Newgrange and a beautiful evening stroll in Bray.
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