Bray makes Time Out’s most underrated travel destinations in the world list

Rory Fleming

Who doesn’t love a trip to the seaside?

The town of Bray, County Wicklow, has been named one of the world’s 14 most under-appreciated travel destinations by Time Out magazine.

The global travel experts compiled the list of destinations with the aim of highlighting places “that are legitimate hidden gems, off-the-tourist-trail, or offer great (or quiet) alternatives to popular spots”.

Bray, which came in at 13th place on the list, was described as “the Brighton of Ireland” by the travel blogging site, which also went on to add that the seafront town has undergone somewhat of a glow-up in recent times.

“After years of decline, its mile-long Victorian seafront now buzzes with cafés and restaurants.”

Bray’s seafront has undergone a process of regeneration.

The iconic hike up Bray Head was the main attraction for visitors to check out, according to Time Out. They say that the steep trek up its challenging terrain was “worth the hour’s climb for panoramic views from its rocky summit”.

Local businesses such as Butler & Barry and the Harbour Bar were also singled out as must-visits for those wishing to refuel post-hike or in need of some liquid courage prior to the 800ft climb.

The selection process for the list was undertaken by Time Out’s global network of travel writers and editors, who then compiled the list which spans all across the globe from Australia to Zimbabwe.

Mongolia has been named the world’s most underrated destination.

The world’s number one most under-appreciated travel destination was Mongolia, with the Asian country nestled between China and Russia revered for its stunning mountainous landscape.

Other highly ranked cities to visit included the UNESCO heritage site of Cuenca in central Ecuador and also the Bosnian town of Srebrenik, which was named Europe’s most under-appreciated tourist destination for its medieval fortress and vibrant cultural and food scene.

Speaking on the list, Time Out’s deputy travel editor, Grace Beard, said 2023 is “the year to travel somewhere you’ve never been before – or maybe have never even heard of”.

Hopefully, for the local businesses of Bray, people take heed of the travel expert’s advice and give the Wicklow town the chance to impress.

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