Ireland's Oldest Railway: Dublin Bay By Train

Ireland’s eastern coastline has an enchanting blend of maritime history, dramatic scenery, and rich cultural heritage. On this train journey, you’ll travel along Ireland’s oldest railway line from Dublin’s city center to the charming seaside town of Bray. Along the way, you’ll experience breathtaking views of Dublin Bay and the Irish Sea while hearing the fascinating stories behind this historic route.

The tour starts at Dublin Pearse Station. You’ll board the DART (Dublin Area Rapid Transit) and travel south along the same route that was established as Ireland’s first public railway. As you leave the city behind, you’ll pass historic landmarks like Bolands Mills, where rebels fought during the Easter Rising, and the impressive Aviva Stadium before the urban landscape gives way to spectacular coastal views.

You’ll also discover how Dublin Bay earned its reputation as one of the world’s most treacherous waters, leading to the construction of Dun Laoghaire’s harbour. The tour ends at Bray Station, where you can explore this charming seaside town in County Wicklow, known as the ”Garden of Ireland.”

On this 60-minute journey, you’ll have a chance to:

• Travel on Ireland’s oldest railway line, first opened in 1834 as the Dublin and Kingstown Railway
• See the Poolbeg Chimneys, an iconic Dublin landmark visible across the bay
• Spot historic Martello Towers, built to defend against Napoleonic invasion in the early 1800s
• Hear about the fascinating experimental Dalkey Atmospheric Railway and the technology that once powered trains on part of this route
• Discover how King George IV’s visit transformed Dun Laoghaire into “Kingstown” for a century
• Catch a glimpse of Wales across the Irish Sea on a clear day
• Listen to tales of tragic shipwrecks and ghostly maritime folklore from the treacherous Irish Sea
• Marvel at Bray Head, a popular hiking destination offering spectacular coastal views

This scenic train journey offers a perfect blend of stunning coastal views and fascinating history, all while traveling the historic rails that helped shape modern Ireland.