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| TOWN OF BRAY, COUNTY WICKLOW. -This old burgh, which may be called the gateway between the counties of Dublin and Wicklow, takes its name, according to Professor Joyce, M. R. I. A., from the Gaelic word Bri (bree) a hill, kindred to the Scotch word "brae," and so named from the lofty promontory, or "head," which rises over the sea in its neighborhood. In times long past, Bray witnessed many a fierce conflict between the O'Byrnes of Glenmalure and Glandalough and the English of the Pale, who sought vainly, for centuries, to dispossess them of their mountain fastnesses. These O'Byrnes, who were among the boldest of the Irish tribes, continued formidable to the English power down to the end of Elizabeth's reign, and some of their descendants, notably Garret and Miles Byrne-the latter afterward a colonel in the French army-were active leaders in the great rebellion of 1798. Bray is one of the most interesting Irish towns, whether considered from a scenic or hygienic standpoint. It is almost within view of Dublin, and rests upon the southern expanse of its splendid bay. Although of great antiquity, the town has achieved its greatest popularity within this century, and has scarcely a rival in Ireland as a sea-bathing resort. The villas of the rich and fashionable of the Irish capital and the surrounding country crown the hills which form its background. Its population is now estimated at 8,000 souls. |
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