Arcadia Festival - Celebrating Bray Past and Present

Ice-creams in the warm sun-shine, fish and chips on the pier, periwinkles and cockles, fresh air and being beside the seaside - even when it was raining, amusements, showbands, dancing, arcades, the long stretch of the summer holidays between June and September. Few places in Ireland evoke such sweet memories of childhood summers as Bray. Bray is a place that has had many lives, small fishing village, an idyllic retreat for Victorian Dublin's middle classes, a one-time major holiday resort, home to James joyce, busy town and a cultural hotspot.

Arcadia Festival

How can I get involved?

Mermaid Arts Centre is organising several key events during the week both in the arts centre and around the town, for example a public picnic with free family entertainment on the grass area at the base of Bray Head, theatre shows, film screenings,

We are asking hotels, cafes, restaurants, hair salons, retail outlets, groups and all members of the Bray community to get involved by perhaps organising nostalgic window displays, special offers and menus, events big and small for this special celebration that will add to the nostalgic flair and highlight the beauty and versatility of Bray and help the town to return to its former glory as a gem on Ireland’s East Coast.

As an Arcadia Festival partner you will be acknowledged in our promotional materials. However, if you wish to bring more people in to your business, we suggest you host a free event or activity that we can promote for you in the programme of events. Any other ideas are welcome.

Want Further Information? Please contact Fionnuala Ryan at Mermaid Arts Centre.

E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.  Tel: 01 2724306