A Bank of Ireland art sale has raised more than $2 million, but the money will not be used to fund the troubled bank, instead it will be donated to charity.

A Northern Ireland artist, Paul Henry's painting, “Clouds at Sunset”, achieved the highest price at $88,000 (€66,000). Louis Le Brocquy's paining of James Joyce reached $66,000 (€50,000).

The sale which was held in the Great Room at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin was attended by more than 500 people. At the last minute the location had to be changed from Adams sale rooms because of the large volume of people in attendance.

Th exhibition was viewed by more than 4,000 art lovers, over the four days prior to the auction.

All proceeds from the auction will be used to fund community arts organizations and charities throughout Ireland.