Overview
Nestled in the heart of Bray’s Civic Centre, the Mermaid Arts Centre is a purpose‑built cultural engine that draws together artists, audiences and the wider community. With a 242‑seat auditorium, a spacious 165 m² gallery and the welcoming Betelnut Café/bar, the venue offers a full‑day experience: you can sip a coffee while perusing an exhibition, then settle into a seat for a concert, theatre piece or film screening. Its programming is deliberately eclectic, ranging from classical Indian sarod recitals to contemporary Irish theatre, visual‑arts exhibitions and community‑led workshops. The centre’s mission – “creating connection” – is evident in every corner, as it strives to spark curiosity, delight and debate while fostering wellbeing across County Wicklow.
History & Background
Mermaid Arts Centre was founded in 2002 as a charitable arts organisation, registered with the Charities Regulator. Backed by The Arts Council, Wicklow County Council and Bray Town Council, the project transformed the former Civic Offices on Main Street into a state‑of‑the‑art cultural venue. Since opening, Mermaid has become a recognised hub for both national and international artists, hosting touring productions such as The Hans Zimmer Experience and Miasra by Colin Murphy, while also nurturing local talent through resident workshops and the popular Little Folk family concerts.
Facilities
- Auditorium – 242 seats, flexible stage, digital cinema projector with full surround‑sound, and lighting rig suitable for theatre, dance, music and film.
- Gallery – 165 m² of natural‑light space, rotating eight to ten exhibitions per year, and available for small‑scale corporate events.
- Studio & Rehearsal Rooms – Dedicated spaces for artists to create, rehearse and run community projects.
- Betelnut Café – Serves breakfast, lunch and light bites, with locally sourced treats; ideal for a pre‑show coffee or post‑show discussion.
- Accessibility – Level access to the main floor, wheelchair‑friendly seating, accessible toilets and a hearing‑loop system for the hearing‑impaired.
Upcoming Events (2026)
- The Quiet Men – 8 May, Friday (theatre)
- Chien Buggle – Classical Guitar Recital – 28 May, Thursday
- Cruinniú na nÓg 2026 – 6 June, Saturday (family arts festival)
- Raise Your Spear – 6 June, Saturday (dance/performance)
- Adventures on Old MacDonald’s Farm – 24 May, Sunday (children’s show)
- Marty Supreme – Cert: 15A – 11 May, Monday (youth theatre)
Tickets are sold through the centre’s online portal; many events are part of the regular season that runs from autumn to spring. For the latest programme, download the April‑June 2026 brochure from the website (when available).
Workshops & Community Projects
Mermaid’s commitment to participation shines through its diverse workshop programme. Children can join the Little Folk music sessions, while adults might explore pottery, digital media or collaborative mural projects. Regular initiatives include the Fridayfest Climate Café – a drop‑in drawing session that doubles as a platform for environmental discussion – and the Take Part series, which invites local creators to present their work on stage. The centre also runs masterclasses, youth art programmes and outreach visits to schools across the county.
Supporting the Centre
As a registered charity, Mermaid relies on community support. Options include:
- Sponsoring a Seat – fund a specific auditorium seat and receive a personalised thank‑you.
- Become a Friend – annual membership with priority booking and discounts.
- Gift Vouchers – available online for friends and family.
- Volunteer & Donate – opportunities to help with events, workshops or front‑of‑house duties.
Leadership & Recent Developments
In August 2024 the artistic director and CEO, Julie Kelleher, announced her departure after steering the venue through the pandemic and a period of rapid growth. During her four‑year tenure audiences returned to pre‑pandemic levels, the Transform artist‑support scheme was launched, and the centre celebrated its 21st anniversary. A new artistic director is being recruited to build on this momentum.
In June 2025 Mermaid partnered with Críoch Catering, re‑branding the on‑site eatery as Críoch Café while retaining the beloved Betelnut brand for coffee service. The refreshed café offers an expanded menu of locally sourced dishes and vegan options.
Visitor Numbers & Impact
According to Fáilte Ireland, Mermaid Arts Centre serves a catch‑area of roughly 115 000 residents, acting as the primary venue for professional arts in the region. Its programmes attract both local families and visitors from Dublin and beyond, contributing significantly to Bray’s cultural tourism.
Ticketing & Box Office
The box office operates Monday‑Saturday 11:00‑16:00 and can be reached at +353 127 24030. Tickets for performances, film screenings and workshops are sold online via the centre’s website and in‑person at the box office. Many popular shows sell out quickly, so early booking is advised.
Getting There – Public Transport
- DART: Bray Daly Station is a 5‑minute walk from the centre; exit the station onto Main Street and turn left.
- Bus: Dublin Bus routes 84, 84a, 84b and local services stop on Main Street within a short walk.
- Taxi / Ride‑hailing: Available from the town centre; typical fare to the venue is €7‑€10.
Parking – Details & Fees
- Evening & weekend shows: Free underground parking behind the Civic Offices (access via the right‑hand road after turning off Main Street). This car park is closed to daytime visitors on weekdays.
- Weekday daytime: Pay‑and‑display surface car park immediately to the left of the entrance; regular clamping is enforced.
- Additional options: Municipal car parks on Killarney Road, Parnell Road, Connolly Square, Novara Avenue, Herbert Road and the Q‑Park at the Primary Healthcare Centre. Q‑Park rates are approximately €2.80 per hour, €5.60 for two hours and up to €12 for a full day.
Practical Information
Getting there – Mermaid Arts Centre sits on Main Street, just off Bray’s Civic Centre and adjacent to the Bank of Ireland. It is a 5‑minute walk from Bray Daly Station and well‑served by local bus routes (e.g., 84, 84a, 84b).
Parking –
- Evening and weekend shows: free underground parking behind the Civic Offices (access via the road on the right after turning off Main Street). This car park is not open to daytime visitors on weekdays.
- Weekday daytime: pay‑and‑display surface car park immediately to the left of the entrance; regular clamping is enforced.
- Additional municipal car parks are available on Killarney Road, Parnell Road, Connolly Square, Novara Avenue, Herbert Road and the Q‑Park at the Primary Healthcare Centre.
Opening hours – Public areas (gallery, café, lobby) are open Monday‑Saturday 10:00‑18:00; the auditorium and gallery are accessible during event times. The venue is closed on Sundays.
Admission – Entry to the building, gallery and café is free. Individual performances, film screenings and workshops have their own ticketed prices, which can be booked via the official website.
Accessibility – Wheelchair‑friendly seating, accessible toilets and a hearing‑loop system are provided. Visitors requiring additional assistance are encouraged to contact the centre ahead of their visit.
Nearby attractions – After a performance, explore the Bray Promenade, the historic Bray Head Coastal Walk, or the lively town centre with its shops, pubs and the annual Bray Jazz Festival. The Brandy Hole smuggler’s cove on Bray Head is also a short walk away. Other nearby points of interest include Bray Bowl, the Marine Life Aquarium, Bray Adventures and the tranquil Bray Canal.
Contact – Phone: +353 127 24030 • Email: admin@mermaidartscentre.ie • Social media channels (Facebook, Instagram) provide updates on new shows, giveaways and community initiatives.