Braytalkingheads

What do we choose to remember? As another piece of Bray's past disappears with the demolition of the old Presentation School and Hall, we reflect on the memories that shape our town. A twenty-something from Kilmacanogue recalls her teenage adventures in Bray, we take a fascinating look back at life through the 1926 Census, soak up more summer moments on the Prom, and 80-year-old Jimmy Byrne shares...

We remember Bray's vanished local shops and hear about a new pop-up shop seeking your opinions and ideas about what you'd like for the town. Locals and visitors share their plans for the summer season. We discuss the fires on Bray Head, and we bid farewell to a beloved Bray Golf Club barman as he calls last orders. Extra content on our Soundcloud platform: https://on.soundcloud.com/0SthK0rEa3DO7TR...

Voices of Bray: Locals speak out as the Victorian seafront shelters fall into disrepair and hear about their origin, and what’s to become of them. We lift the mood with the soaring sounds of the Aurora Choir, and shine a light on the inspiring Women’s Sheds movement in Bray. Extra content on our Soundcloud platform: https://soundcloud.com/you/sets Aurora Choir extended interview content and vocal...

ACTION! In this cinema special, we look back at the golden age of film-going in Bray -remembering the plush Royal Cinema, which once seated 1,200 film-goers. Today, we ask: can cinema survive in Bray? Will the town ever see the return of a dedicated big screen - the promised Stella-style cinema experience? And did you know about the Monday night movie screenings at the Mermaid? We take to the stre...

We uncover the rich history of Bray’s Town Hall and remember one of the town’s brightest stars - Gladys Sheehan, who appeared in more than 100 films. We head backstage with Square One Theatre Group as they mark an incredible 50 years of local drama, capturing the excitement of rehearsals and the spirit of performance. Brian Holland goes from pub life to running a coffee kiosk. And, we revisit a ha...

In this episode of Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town, we meet the hardworking volunteers of Bray Tidy Towns and hear how their hands-on cleaning and care help keep the town looking its very best. Recent storms left tonnes of sand in the harbour, and when the council brought in a digger to clear it, Bray’s resident swans had to find a new perch leading to concern (from Brayites) and...

In this episode, Bray parents share why they’re deeply concerned about teenagers and mobile phones. We also revisit classic Bray nicknames and remember Jim Brophy - 'the man on the corner' - who wrote a love poem to Bray. Link to voxpops featured on the show including some extended bonus versions on.soundcloud.com/RMdzYRGnH058sRQWEb Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat...

We soak up the festive buzz on the streets of Bray, from the mad notions of the '12 Pubs of Christmas' to fond memories of presents past. Has Christmas lost its magic to commercialism? And we reveal the curious Christmas boast Bray has - two of something Dun Laoghaire has none of....? Stress-free seasonal cheer, local voices, and a festive banter all the way. Link to voxpops featured on the show i...

We meet Bray vet John Wilson and filmmaker Éamon de Buitléar as they recall the days when cattle were delivered straight onto Main Street. We uncover the rich story of the Royal Hotel and we hear a vital warning from history as Noeleen McManus of Save Bray vividly remembers the devastating floods of 1965 and 1986 that swept through Little Bray. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kins...

Roller-disco mania sweeps Bray, David Edge changes the town forever with the building of Bray Bridge, and we remember the talent and legacy of Fran O’Toole. We also salute Bray’s incredible First Responders - the locals saving locals - plus a few unexpected visitors… spiders on the loose! Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, h...

In Episode 12 of Bray Talking Heads, Coffee prices hit a new high! The Blind Fiddler from Kerry who played on the Cliff Walk for 40 years. Remembering the splendour of The Bray Head Hotel and the FIVE dance halls of Bray, and the night the Big O played in Bray. Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray,...

In Episode 11 of Bray Talking Heads, Generation Z weighs in on what's great about Bray and what's missing, while the late Colbert Martin takes us back to the 1930s - when families left the slums of Little Bray for new beginnings in Wolfe Tone Square. We revisit the fiery Sunday night debates that once packed the International Hotel and uncover why house prices in 1950s Bray took a surprising dive....

When Man United came to Bray, nudists went to Naylor's Cove and Liz Anne's heartfelt goodbye. This week we head back to the 1950s when Bray Wanderers took on the mighty Manchester United. We hear from the last surviving member of that Bray team! We also dive into the swimming glory days at Naylor’s Cove, where nudists once braved the outdoor pools, and we recall the curious segregation on Bray bea...

In the golden era of the 1950s, Manchester United’s legendary "Busby Babes" dazzled football fans with their youth, talent, and fearless style of play—until tragedy struck in the Munich Air Disaster of 1958, cutting short the lives and careers of many of these gifted young men. But five years before that fateful day, the future icons of English football took to the field in a much humbler setting:...

This week, we uncover the story of Bray’s long-lost Turkish Baths – a fleeting glimpse of opulence on Quinsborough Road. Fast forward to today, where saunas dot the seafront, and Bray still knows how to keep things warm. Plus, we join the unveiling of a new commemorative seat with a view for Bagatelle, the band that has a strong association with Bray! Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Le...

What makes for a long, happy retirement? We hit the streets of Bray to gather tips and reflections from those living it. Leah shares a chilling story of hearing a banshee - and of the friendly ghost she may be sharing her home with! We also stop by the Signal Arts Centre, a vital hub for creativity and community in Bray and Wicklow, offering space and support to emerging artists. And we share the...

We remember a much-loved Bray character who sold newspapers seven days a week in all weathers. Do you recall what he used to shout outside the Royal Cinema and the Holy Redeemer Church? We take a stroll through the People’s Park, a green haven gifted to the town, and hear from Brian White about its rich history, along with voices from the community on why it remains such a special place. Could res...

This episode of Bray Talking Heads is full of nostalgia! We dive into the archives with a charming playback of old interviews recorded by BLB’s Uncle Bob, featuring children from the Holy Communion class at Ravenswell School. Can you recognise any of those young voices? Remember when Bray had several TV rental shops? Back when a television cost nearly a month's wages, renting was the norm. Malcolm...

Ivanna’s Story: From War to Welcome In this moving extended interview, Ivanna shares her journey of fleeing war-torn Ukraine and the emotional toll of leaving home behind. She reflects on her first impressions of Bray - from the peaceful streets to the wonder of seeing a robin for the first time. With heartfelt gratitude, she speaks about the warm welcome and compassion she received from the peopl...

When was the iconic cross on Bray Head built - and who was behind it? Local historian Brian White has the answers. At the Bray Rowing Club, sea spray has taken its toll. With the concrete roof collapsing, the club now faces a tough decision: rebuild or relocate. Meanwhile, their prized racing boats sit exposed to the elements. Leah visits the club to hear more from John Curran and Tony Dutton. And...

Join us as Anne Mooney shares fond memories of her dad Pat, who once ran the beloved putting green and deckchair rentals on Bray seafront. We rewind to the golden days of BLB Community Radio in the late '70s and '80s, unearthing old ads from local shops that have since disappeared but are far from forgotten. Plus, we take to the Main Street to ask—where would you bring a first date in Bray? It’s n...

Welcome to Bray Talking Heads! In our first episode we find out about the origins of the mile-long prom, we head to the Cliff Walk to meet the Friends of the Cliff Walk about their campaign to get it reopened, fast; and we ask newcomers to the town 'what's best about Bray?' Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pat Hannon. A podcast celebrating the stories, history and peop...

Welcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town. A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Head...

Welcome to Bray Talking Heads – Stories from a Seaside Town A podcast celebrating the stories, history, and people of Bray, past and present. Whether you're a lifelong Brayite or just discovering this special town, join us for conversations that connect, inspire, and bring our community to life - wherever you are in the world. Hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella, and Pat Hannon, Bray Talking Heads...

Brian White provides the definitive answer on the number of bandstands. Pat Vance shares his experience as the last remaining cobbler in Bray. What’s shopping like on Main Street? What was it like growing up above a family-run store? Leah talks to Kevin Murphy about his father Jack Murphy’s corner shop, famous for its delicious ham. 'Bray Talking Heads is hosted by Mark Quinn, Leah Kinsella and Pa...