Bray has been named by Time Out magazine as one of the most underrated destinations in the world for the second time in a row.
The ever-popular seaside resort town is one of 24 locations included in the list, which this year focuses on "destination dupes": lesser known, but just as enriching, places to visit instead of cities like Bali, Paris, Barcelona and Santorini, which are all experiencing forms of overtourism.
Time Out is a leading travel and hospitality media group that highlights the best things to do in cities across the world. Founded in 1968 as a guide to London's buzziest enclaves, it has since grown to a global network of experts all sharing their insights into the places to visit.
The magazine published its list of the 14 most underrated travel destinations in the world today, which spans from tropical islands and crystal clear lakes to cities steeped in history.
Once known as the Brighton of Ireland, the publication notes, Bray clocked in at no. 24 and has long attracted visitors thanks to its spot on the railway line and proximity to the sea.
"After years of decline, its mile-long Victorian seafront now buzzes with cafés and restaurants", the editors say. "Stroll from the harbour along the esplanade to the 800-foot high Bray Head, worth the hour's climb for panoramic views from its rocky summit. Refuel at Butler & Barry on the beach, before a Guinness at ace local institution the Harbour Bar."
Bray sits alongside other stunning locations like Côn Đảo in Vietnam, Karpathos in Greece and Turku in Finland.
The top spot was nabbed by Filandia in Colombia, which the editors note is a "charming small town with multicoloured balconies and rolling green hills", notable for its vibrant architecture and innovative gastronomic scene.
Southern Tunisia scooped the no. 2 spot, suggested as an alternative to Morocco and celebrated for its surreal desert landscape and dunes that are perfect for exploring via camel or buggy.
São Sebastião in Brazil rounded out the top three, a stunning destination located three hours' drive from São Paolo, and dotted with "a string of ridiculously perfect sandy beaches stretching along 62 miles of warm Atlantic waters".
Read the full list here.
