Best Museums in Bray

"Following a large-scale refurbishment, the National Gallery has re-emerged as an impressive establishment that more than holds its own on the world’s stage. The National Portrait Gallery, with depictions of beloved Irish personalities like poet Seamus Heaney, author Maeve Binchy, and former president Mary Robinson, is part of the collection. And although the power players are all here—Caravaggio, Monet, Goya—there’s also a solid selection of works by Irish artists, including a Yeats room featuring pieces by painter Jack B. Yeats, brother of the poet."

"If you’re looking for free stuff to do in Dublin when the rain is baitin down, carve out some time to visit the National Gallery. In a nutshell, the National Gallery houses the national collection of Irish and European art. Dating back to the mid-19th Century, it’s packed to the brim with 2,500 paintings, approximately 10,000 other works in different media (including water-colours, drawings, prints, and sculptures), a Yeats museum and much more."

"Exploring the iconic refurbished exhibition galleries is such a fantastic experience for children of all ages. You can pick up a free art pack at the reception, tour the galleries and when your little ones imaginations are inspired to create their own masterpieces, pop over to the Maples Creative Corner and get creating!. The gallery runs FREE Family Workshops and family tours at weekends."

"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."

"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."

"Imaginosity is Ireland's only interactive children's museum for the under 9's. Imaginosity champions the 'hands-on, minds-on' philosophy that encourages all visitors to get involved and have fun while learning and creating positive and lasting memories. Imaginosity offers a wide variety of workshops and classes in arts and crafts, computers, music and theatre everyday in the Art Studio, in the Children's Theatre Space and in the Cyber Room."

"Our first stop on our journey to find the best activities for kids in Dublin is Imaginosity. Billed as Dublin Children's Museum, this a child-centred space where kids and their parents can engage in creative play. The exhibits are educationally designed to inspire learning through play, and it's a massive hit with kids up to about 10 years old."

"It is super interactive and educational and allows little minds (up to the age of nine) to engage in epic exhibits."

"Closing our list of the best museums in Dublin is the Zoological Museum. It is housed on the grounds of Trinity College and is home to over 25,000 specimens from around the globe."

"Located outside Dublin city in Dun Laoghaire, this museum aims to preserve and present the many aspects of marine life in Ireland."

"Magnificent Castletown House simply has no peer. It is Ireland’s most imposing Georgian estate, and a testament to the vast wealth enjoyed by the Anglo-Irish gentry during the 18th century. Hour-long guided tours begin at noon and 3pm, offering an insight into how the 1% made out in the 18th century; otherwise you can wander at will. Don't miss a stroll down to the river for grand views back to the house. Castletown is signposted from junction 6 on the M4."

"Free tours of the official residence of the Irish president, Aras an Uachtaráin, a handsome Palladian mansion whose design inspired the architect of the White House in Washington, DC, depart from the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre every Saturday and operate on a first-come-first-served basis. Occasionally, tours might not run due to state business, so always check the website beforehand. The Irish Museum of Modern Art houses a wide collection of contemporary Irish artists © Jonathan Smith / Lonely Planet"

"The awning outside this local eatery on Capel Street declares, “This is the café you have been looking for.” The plant-filled independent café focuses on simple, pure food and takes pride in making everything from scratch. Breakfast and brunch are served seven days a week, with brunch available until nearly 4 pm. Dig into the lightly scrambled Turkish eggs menemen, with herbs and feta, or treat yourself to the signature French toast with white chocolate and coconut mascarpone."

"Brother Hubbard is a recent addition to trendy Capel Street and they're setting the bar high. Coffee and tea is sourced from two of the best Dublin suppliers, 3FE and Wall and Keogh and their homemade drinks including orange and lemon barley water and rose, raspberry and apple are refreshing and different. The newly opened courtyard includes an entirely edible garden and they are currently nominated for 'best scone in Ireland'."

"Bright spaces, light wood furniture, solid-colored coffee mugs, and chic, industrial vibes characterize the handful of outposts of this Irish mini-chain. Joe's uses house and imported roasts for its espresso drinks, allowing coffee drinkers (both expert and novice) nerd out about each variety's tasting notes and origins. The menu tends to be limited—sandwiches, salads, and pastries."

"Located near our Dublin hotel, Joe’s Coffee caught our eye with its brick wall and urban vibe. Plus, we were intrigued by the cafe’s menu featuring alcohol-free Irish coffee, cold press juices and smoothies. How could we resist trying Joe’s Vietnamese Latte?"

"Located in Temple Bar, the Project Arts Centre has become a leader in contemporary artistic practice in Dublin and in Ireland. It also hosts local and international festivals like the Dublin Writers Festival, the Dublin Theatre Festival or the Dublin Fringe Festival."

"Tucked away in the historic cobbled streets of Temple Bar is Project Arts Centre, Dublin's best kept secret, a venue packed full of surprises."

"This Arts Centre in Dundrum has a range of events and programmes, but in particular they have a great programme for children. In July they also run performance summer camps."

"The last item on our list is undoubtedly one of the finest examples of modern architecture in the city. The Bord Gáis Energy Theatre was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind in 2010, and its contemporary, angular style ties in perfectly with its home in the ultra modern Grand Canal area. The design ties into its theatrical theme with a striking composition of a ‘red carpet’ with bright resin-glass paving extending from the theatre, covered with distinctive red glowing angled light sticks."

"Designed by Studio Libeskind in 2010, the Grand Canal Square formed an important milestone for the redevelopment of the Dublin Docklands area. The 2000-seat theater is based on the concept of stages: the stage of the theater, the stage of the piazza, the stage of the multiple lever lobby above the piazza."

"Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Kanakari used under CC BY-SA 3.0. Bord Gais Energy Theatre is a performing arts venue located in the Docklands. It is the city’s biggest fixed-seat theater and was designed by Polish-American architect Daniel Libeskind for the Dublin Docklands Development Authority."