Top 10 Free Things To Do and Attractions in Bray

"Take some time out of your day in Dublin to discover the Dublin Castle, and you’ll find yourself falling for the unique combination of fortified architecture and culture. Steeped in history that includes both Viking and medieval times, the Dublin Castle was the seat of English power until 1922. Today, the space itself is constantly put to use as an immersive teaching tool, to inform locals and visitors alike about the region’s history and continued importance."

"Dating back to the early 13th century, when Vikings established their headquarters here, this medieval structure stands as a relic of British rule over Ireland. Today the well-preserved estate offers a glimpse into the way previous generations lived and hosts exhibits on art, fashion, and other Irish history artifacts. Tickets for guided tours are recommended, especially if you're eager to see the interior apartments and historic quarters."

"Dublin Castle is not quite a castle as you might be expecting, although there has been a castle on this site since around 1166. In fact, the only real “castle” looking part of Dublin Castle is the Record Tower, which dates from 1228."

"The Phoenix Park Visitor Centre – located within the sprawling grasslands of one of Europe’s biggest walled city parks – offers an enjoyable exhibition on the history of the surrounding park and an introduction to the many types of wildlife that call this area home. The visitor centre adjoins the park’s walled gardens and has a universal-access playground and café. Dublin Zoo, one of the city’s most popular attractions, is also situated within Phoenix Park."

"As Europe’s largest enclosed city park, it’s hard to define what a walk of the Phoenix Park should entail. One that encompasses all the major sights would be great but we are talking about walks here, not a road trip. So we will propose a 7 km looped walk, one that begins with a Luas ride on the red line to Heuston Station and a walk up Parkgate Street to the entrance."

"Trinity College Dublin is also just a 10 minute walk from Maldron Pearse Street, and is a central attraction in Dublin – an architectural and cultural highlight of the city. Guided tours of the college campus are offered, showing you the history of the building and the institution and incorporating the science gallery, the zoological museum and the infamous Book of Kells – a beautifully hand written book written on vellum, dating back to roughly 800AD."

"Stop Three: Trinity College, Long Room Library and The Book of Kells Of all the Dublin attractions, visiting Trinty College and The Book of Kells was tops on my wishlist!. There is an optional paid guided tour of Trinity College, which I decided to do. The college is very prestigious and it is difficult for aspiring students to attain acceptance."

"As part of your visit, you will also have access to the Book of Kells – the world’s most famous medieval manuscript. This is a 9th century decorated copy of the four gospels, and is generally regarded as Ireland’s greatest cultural treasure."

"Source: Photo by user Andreas F. Borchert used under CC BY-SA 4.0. Worship at this dated Irish cathedral in Dublin dates back to medieval times, and is still open today for public services!. Welcome to Christ Church Cathedral, where for almost 1000 years, believers have found a common sanctuary beneath lofty ceilings."

"Christ Church Cathedral (founded c.1028) is the spiritual heart of the city, and one of the top visitor attractions in Dublin. Step inside and you can enjoy the cathedral’s beautiful interior and fascinating medieval crypt."

"After visiting Christ Church Cathedral, you may be forgiven for thinking that it can’t get any better in terms of gorgeous churches in Dublin. A short walk from here will lead you to Dublin’s other ‘iconic’ church, St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Many would argue that St. Patrick’s Cathedral is the church to visit if you are considering what to do in Dublin in one day."

"St. Patrick’s Cathedral was founded in the 12th century and is Ireland’s largest church, situated in the heart of Dublin City. There is plenty of history here; Jonathan Swift (author of “Gulliver’s Travels”) who was the dean of the Cathedral from 1713-1745 is buried here. The cathedral regularly hosts choral concerts and is worth experiencing."

"This stunning cathedral welcomes over 500,000 visitors a year. Some come to worship god while others visit as tourists. There is a free app available as well as guided tours."

"Visit the original and oldest Whiskey distillery in Dublin - The Jameson Distillery. Home of the world famous Jameson Whiskey, the distillery is one of Dublin's top tourist attractions, and has twice been voted the world's leading whiskey tour."

"Millennium Bridge is a pedestrian bridge of Dublin that spans the River Liffey joining Eustace Street in Temple Bar to the north quays. Built in 2000 as a dedication at the turn of the millennium, this bridge is has portal frame structure made up of a slender steel truss and resting on reinforced concrete haunches. Designed by Howley Harrington Architects wit...Read more"

"Wicklow's most visited attraction is this magnificent 64-sq-km estate, whose main entrance is 500m south of Enniskerry town. At the heart of it is an elegant Palladian mansion, but the real draw is the formal gardens and the stunning views that accompany them. Most of the house is not open to the public, but there's a fine cafe and several gift and homewares shops to be enjoyed, while the grounds are home to two golf courses and the best hotel in Wicklow."

"If you are looking for the main Roman Catholic church in Dublin, you might want to visit St. Mary’s Church which is the episcopal seat of the Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin. Also if you enjoy church crypts, you might to visit St. Michan’s parish church, an Anglican church with an interesting crypt that is open on most days for public tours."

"St. Mary’s serves as the pro-cathedral of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Dublin. It is built between 1815 and 1825 on the site of a 12th-century Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary. The cathedral has a close association with significant moments in the political and religious history of Ireland."

"Affectionately nicknamed ‘Pro’, St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral was established between 1815 and 1825 on the ruins of the Cistercian Abbey of St. Mary."

"Last but not least, Brookwood deserves a spot on this list for it's incredible meat - don't come here ordering a salad. This New York style restaurant serves up some exceptional dishes. Ideal for a big group of friends who want to indulge in great wine and a big roast at the weekend for a reasonable price."

"One of the best steakhouses in Dublin, Brookwood is a haven for meat-lovers seeking out dinner in the city centre. It's here that you'll find a menu of gastro and grilled goodies, made using the finest in Irish produce and paired with an expertly curated selection of wines."

"Brookwood is a standout restaurant along Baggot Street in Dublin. This is the perfect culinary destination for top-class food and cocktails. The menu features the finest Vintage Reserve Irish dry-aged beef all sourced from the same butcher."

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."

"There has been plenty of hype surrounding the American burger chain and rightly so. Five Guys do greasy burgers like no other – only bad aspect is their only restaurant is in Dundrum."

"This atmospheric Indonesian restaurant is one of my favourite places for a romantic dinner. Make sure to ask for a table upstairs in their ‘Bali room’, adorned with Balinese decorations, where guests sit comfortably around low tables. The chameleon specialises in rijst-tafel (rice-table), where staff light hot plates on your table and several small dishes are brought to you at the same time."

"what’s more romantic than getting dressed up and strolling around dublin’s temple bar?. run by husband and wife team carol and kevin, chameleon restaurant serves up contemporary indonesian cuisine with warm irish hospitality. guests can fully trust the staff recommendations in this restaurant – they know their stuff!"

"Depending on how you’d like your night to go, Drop Dead Twice should definitely be a part of it. The concept is unlike anything I have ever experienced before!. After making a reservation for you and your least picky friends, bring your booze haul to DDT just off Francis Street."