Braywatch

White sands, coconut palms, glittering water - all components of the perfect beach. These romantic notions are probably why the nomination of Brayruit's shore as Dublin's best has met, let's just say, some antagonistic responses. But the naysayers can it a "tough sell" all they want, Bray beach is the biz and here’s why.

Served by the DART and Dublin bus, it’s a hassle-free hop from city centre but it’s also far away enough to make it seem like a proper day out. The beach itself is just under a mile long and is probably the only shore on our list that is suitable for people who don't like sand. It's stony and grey but let’s face it, the appeal of Bray beach has always been more in the kitsch ‘Brighton of Ireland’ end of things. And although the Snake Slide and Waltzers of summer’s past are now long gone, there’s still amusements and diversions to be had.

Starting at the Bray Head end if you make it past the vicious (vicious!) gorse bushes on the way up, you can join the concrete cross on top for what are pretty spectacular views on a clear day. On the way back down, haunt Star Amusements arcade for some air hockey, dance machine and hoop shooting. Or if you’re into proper gambling, the very dark and maze-like room at the back accommodates with endless rows of fruit and slot machines. As a teenage 'House of Dead 2' conqueror I can say with authority that the day can slip away quite quickly in there.

If do you manage to make it back outside before dark, you’re probably going to be hungry by then. Some lovely civilised sit-down cafes and restaurants have sprouted along the promenade, but a day at the seaside should mean fish & chips out of a vinegar-soaked brown bag. Seaside Fast Food operate out of a small window but their fresh cut chips are the best on the beach, you might have to queue on a sunny day but they’re worth the wait. The well-kept grass along the promenade is a good spot to take them. If you’re looking for ice cream or pints afterwards, there’s loads of choice. We favour a pistachio cone from Gelateria and a pint outside The Harbour Bar, but stay away from the aggro swans if you want to escape injury free on the last DART.