Mordern, Free, Best Art Museums in Bray

"The Chester Beatty Library is a popular reading hub across the globe and was rendered not only the best museum in Ireland, but also the whole of Europe. The library was also the only one to win the 'European Museum of the Year' award. Right behind the Dublin castle is this beautiful building which houses the Chester Beatty Library that features lovely exhibits, illuminated manuscripts, religiou...Read more"

"These include the Irish government state apartments, which are used for official state engagements, as well as the Garda (Irish police) Museum and the Chester Beatty Library museum. All of these can be visited. Visiting the main Castle, which includes the State Apartments, requires a ticket, and you can either do a self-guided tour or a guided tour. The former is free for holders of the Dublin Pass."

"Located in the imposing Royal Hospital Kilmainham, which was built during British rule in 1684, IMMA holds the national collection of contemporary art inside a reminder of the country’s colonial history. The permanent collection features 3,500 artworks by Irish and international artists such as Louise Bourgeois, Mary Swanzy and Wolfgang Tillmans, and the museum regularly hosts themed exhibitions. With the exception of some temporary exhibitions, entry is free."

"If you're looking for something more contemporary, IMMA is an absolute must-visit. Located in Dublin 8, IMMA is home to the National Collection of modern and contemporary art, showcasing over 3,500 works of arts from both Irish and international artists. Focusing on artwork from the 1940s and onwards, the collection is regularly updated so it's always worth revisiting this spot if you haven't explored it in a while."

"The Hugh Lane Gallery is one of Dublin's other great, free attractions that features the collectors collection which he bequeathed to the State along with over 2000 works of contemporary and modern art. The main attraction is the painter Francis Bacon's studio which was relocated in its entirety from London and gives an incredible insight into the cluttered, haphazard nature of the artist's method. The building itself, located on North Parnell Square is beautiful and airy - the perfect place to peruse slowly."

"Dublin City Gallery, the Hugh Lane houses an impressive collection of modern and contemporary art. My favourite exhibit is the faithful recreation of the Irish artist, Francis Bacon’s very messy art studio. After Bacon passed away the entire contents of his London art studio, including the doors, walls, floors, objects and even dust was relocated to Hugh Lane."

"Once the world’s largest military barracks, this splendid early neoclassical grey-stone building on the Liffey’s northern banks was completed in 1704 according to the design of Thomas Burgh (he of Trinity College's Old Library). It is now home to the Decorative Arts & History collection of the National Museum of Ireland, with a range of superb permanent exhibits ranging from a history of the Easter Rising to the work of iconic Irish designer Eileen Gray (1878–1976)."

"Collins Barracks have a collection encompassing millennials of mesmerising objects, from jewellery and coins, through clothing and furniture, to weapons and vessels. Given that there are four floors of artifacts to see and depending on your child’s age, you may like to reference the guidebooks or floor plans. This will help you to manage the tour and potentially make it more focused on specific items for younger children."

"The Olivier Cornet Gallery on Denmark Street represents some incredible contemporary Irish and international artists, who's works include painting, sculpture, ceramics, fine art prints, photography and installations. They're always running incredible exhibitions too, so have a look at their site to see which artists they're showcasing at the moment."

"The Gerard Byrne Studio, Art Gallery is home to a display of Gerard's paintings and is aimed at art enthusiasts and collectors."

"This Martello tower houses the museum of Dublin's most iconic literary figure, James Joyce|© Jason Knott / Alamy Stock Photo. Every June, Dubliners come together to celebrate possibly the most famous novel set in the city: James Joyce’s Ulysses. However, fans of the Irish writer who miss the festivities of Bloomsday can still visit the James Joyce Museum in Sandycove throughout the year for free."

"Dublinia is one of Dublin’s top visitor attractions with four exciting exhibitions including Viking Dublin, Medieval Dublin, and History Hunters. This is a perfect attraction for all the family where the kids can meet the Vikings face to face, or learn how archaeology works in Dublinia’s fun and engaging exhibitions. Discover Viking history at Dublinia!"

"It’s sometimes easy to forget how old Dublin is, but the city’s tech companies, hipster cafes and chic, modern restaurants are all sharing space in a medieval city. Dublinia is an entertaining, fascinating reminder of what the city once was. This attraction is separated into Viking Dublin and Medieval Dublin."

"Meet the Vikings face to face and learn about life during the Medieval period in Dublin. Dublinia is a great learning experience for kids of all ages. They have an exciting activity sheet for family, and especially for the young Vikings and History Hunters!"

"Ireland's most important cultural institution was established in 1877 as the primary repository of the nation’s archaeological treasures. These include the most famous of Ireland's crafted artefacts, the Ardagh Chalice and the Tara Brooch, dating from the 12th and 8th centuries respectively. They are part of the Treasury, itself part of Europe's finest collection of Bronze and Iron Age gold artefacts, and the most complete assemblage of medieval Celtic metalwork in the world."

"The National Museum of Ireland – Archaeology houses everything from gold to Viking artefacts|© Chon Kit Leong / Alamy Stock Photo"

"Along the southern part of the Dart trainline, Blackrock Park is a small but perfectly formed park boasting striking views of the Irish Sea. The star of the show is the pond with its Peace Fountain, created to mark the International Year of Peace in 1986. You may well spot swans and ducks in the area, too."

"Named after the river that bisects the park, Tolka Valley Park is a northside oasis complete with walking trails, a playground and a lake frequented by swans, kingfishers, herons and ducks. There’s one bridge over the river, and that’s the best spot to catch your breath (and take in the views of the river on either side). Tolka Valley Park’s 346 acres begin in Blanchardstown and extend northwards into wilder meadows, wetlands and woodland."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"Once a marshy common grazing area, St. Stephen’s Green is one of the Dublin’s most popular green spaces and a nice place to take a short break from sightseeing. It includes trees, a lake, a playground, a number of labeled plants (including some in Braille), fountains, statues, and memorials. This city center park is located just across from the Little Dublin Museum."

"Instead carry on through Grafton Street, Dublin's posh shopping area, and up to Saint Stephen's Green. Either grab a bite on the way and enjoy it al fresco, or head straight on to The National Museum in Kildare Street."

"Originally built as a tobacco store with vaults beneath to store wine, the Chq Building is steeped in local history and, traditionally, locals knew it as the …"

"Conveniently located a short distance from the capital city in Stillorgan, Co Dublin, Stillorgan Village offers everything one could desire in a shopping experience, from department stores and boutiques to food stores."