Free 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."

"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"

"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."

"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."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Many of the best castles near Dublin have a stony gray appearance because they date back to medieval times. Grand Rathfarnham Castle is different because it dates back to Elizabethan times. The building is the earliest example of a fortified house in Ireland and was constructed around the time of the Norman invasion."

"It was built for Archbishop Adam Loftus, a Yorkshire man who came to Ireland as Lord Deputy. He would eventually become Lord Chancellor of Ireland and was heavily- involved in the opening of Trinity College. The castle is now open as The Office of Public Works."

"From the outside, Whitefriar Street Church is plain and relatively unassuming. But step inside and you’ll find a whole host of religious shrines, including one containing the remains of St Valentine. And what romantic wouldn’t want to stand at the feet of the patron saint of love himself?"

"Not far from St. Patrick’s Church, Whitefriar Street Church is located. The church was founded in 1279, dispossessed during the Reformation and re-established in 1825. Since 1974, it has been under the care of the Order of Carmelites."

"Set within rugged woodland and untamed fields in a well-to-do part of south of Dublin, Killiney Hill Park is wilder than other parks in Dublin. For seasoned walkers, the incline provides a fine challenge. But if climbing to the top is easily accomplished, take in even better views of the Irish Sea, Dublin and Wicklow in the distance by scaling the stony steps of the Pyramid of Dublin."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"Mannings Bakery on Thomas Street – near the Guinness Storehouse – is a family-owned independent bakery that has been in operation for over 60 years. They produce handmade sweet and savoury baked goods every day, available from their stores in Tallaght, Blanchardstown and the city centre. As well as in-store offerings, Mannings does custom-order and standard cakes, like fresh Irish buttercream sponges, sugar-craft and novelty items, wedding cakes, and cakes for special occasions."

"Price: €0.95Look: 2.5/5Texture: 3.5/5Taste: 3/5Value: 4/5Total: 13/20. Verdict: The old Dublin bakery makes a simple and honest croissant. There is nothing pretentious about it, it doesn’t look perfect."

"You can get the doughnuts (and any other delicious baked good you can think of) at their Thomas Street, Blanchardstown and Tallaght bakeries. And it’s all gluten free as well."

"Situated in the Dublin Docklands, Il Valentino is an innovative bakery that feels distinctly different. With a commitment to making the healthiest, most authentic baked goods possible, they use only Italian extra virgin olive oil and preservative-free flours to make their spelt, country malt-grain, stoneground loaves and other breads. They also have ‘theme weekends’ for their customers, focusing on fresh, seasonal ingredients – October is ‘apple comforts’ month, while November is all about chocolate and chestnuts."

"Not only do they do amazing coffee, which we talk about in this article here, Square One also prepare a mean brunch. They do all the classic brunch recipes while also adding a few more original plates, such as blueberry, lemon, and ricotta pancakes and grilled peach French toast. The café is light and spacious and is currently doing takeaway brunch and outdoor dining to continue serving during COVID restrictions."

"Supermac's are like the Irish McDonald's but ten times better. They take time and care and have loads of restaurants all over Ireland."