Follow us on social ➜Fb.X.Insta.YT.

Arts and Culture

Arts and Culture is thriving in the town of Bray. We have produced so many talented artists, musicians, writers and actors throughout the years. Bray really does its bit to promote the enjoyment, involvement and appreciation of all things creative with the numerous festivals and events that are held here throughout the year, also in the art galleries, music venues and our famous arts centre, The Mermaid.

Arts Centres

The Mermaid Arts Centre

The Mermaid Arts Centre is a leading center of Arts in Ireland, presenting an ambitious programme of events including innovative dance, spellbinding theatre, cutting edge music and art house cinema. They put on an array of diverse and exciting performances throughout the year and showcase local groups and performers. They also hold workshops for children and adults alike to encourage the local community to get in touch with their crafty side. The second floor of the building is giving over to an art gallery that a platform for different artists to exhibit their creations.  www.mermaidartscentre.ie

Signal Arts Centre

Signal Arts Centre was set up in 1990 and is an exhibition space for local artist and community groups. They also have a range of facilities including a dark room, work space, arts studio and ceramics room. They host different events and community projects and are involved with festivals and other events happening in the town including Culture Night. www.signalartscentre.ie/

Prelude Arts

Prelude Arts is a creative space and cafe and a great place to relax and create. They provide space for artist and crafts people to exhibit and sell their work. They also rent out the space to musicians for gigs or for music, art or craft classes. Prelude Arts strive to encourage and nurture peoples creative side in a relaxing, chilled out atmosphere. They also served coffee and treats!

Music 

Bray has an amazing music scene! There are so many local musicians who play regularly at the many hot spots in the town and some of our local talent have even been making a quite a big name for themselves further a field such as Fionn Regan, Wyvern Lingo and Big September.

Many of the pubs around bar have live music on every weekend. The Harbour Bar in particular has become one of the top gig venues in Bray, with great local and other big names hitting the stage in the lounge every Thursday to Sunday, and traditional music most nights in the bar. The Circle Sessions every Tuesday in the conservatory particular focus on arts, with a night of spoken word, poetry, storytelling and musical performances.

Bray is also well equipped for any would be musician with Everest Music, our local one stop shop for all your music equipment needs! For bands who need a place to practice Bray has you covered with the Solus Sound Studios, a convenient and affordable rehearsal space all kitted so you can just plug in and play!

Arts and Festivals

There are numerous festivals and events that are dedicated to Arts and Culture on throughout the year.

The Bray Jazz Festival is quickly becoming of the one of the best small Jazz festivals in Europe. It is held every year over the May bank holiday weekend with performers coming from all around the world.

Killruddery Film Festival is an annual silent Film Festival which takes place in Killruddery House in September and celebrates classic and silent cinema. The festival champions ‘the sound of silence’ in the Modern Age and hopes to inspire audiences with unforgettable silent film screenings with live musical accompaniments.

Culture Night takes place each September across Ireland, welcoming people of all ages to get a taste of culture for one night with numerous free events being held across the country.

Bray Arts is held the first Monday of every month in the upstairs function room in The Martello Hotel. It is an arts night show casing local artists for all different disciplines including music, writers, poets and painters. Doors open 8pm.