Marlay Park Tours

Marlay Park
Photo by Michael Breen
Photo by Michael Breen


Situated just a few miles to the south of Dublin city centre, Marlay Park is a vast 300 acre public park filled with serene woodlands, water features and some excellent walking trails. There are also some dedicated recreational spaces in the form of a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts, football and cricket pitches, and even a miniature railway.

For anyone wanting to escape the city for a spot of relaxation and recreation, this is the place to come. With craft shops and a café, there’s something here for the whole family to enjoy.

The park was developed in the 1970s after Dublin County Council acquired the land. With great bus services from the city serving the park, it’s become a popular attraction for both residents and tourists throughout the year. In the summer months, it also transforms into a top festival venue, with a capacity of over 30,000, hosting the likes of Sting, Van Morrison and R.E.M. in recent years.

The park centres around Marlay House, built by Thomas Taylor and known locally as The Grange. The house is a fine example of Georgian architecture and a great focal point for the surrounding park space. Next to the house is an ornamental Regency kitchen garden, with daily tours available during the summer months.

Marlay Park is also the starting point for the 132-kilometre Wicklow Way walking trail, which winds its way from here towards the Dublin Hills and Wicklow Mountains.

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Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
The K Club

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Best Lodging Options Near Marlay Park

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

Clayton Hotel Leopardstown

4 out of 5
Central Park, Leopards Town, Dublin, Dublin
Clayton Hotel Leopardstown
No 9 Rathgar

No 9 Rathgar

3.5 out of 5
9 Zion Road, Rathgar, Dublin
No 9 Rathgar
Premier Suites Dublin Sandyford

Premier Suites Dublin Sandyford

4 out of 5
The Forum, Ballymoss Road, Sandyford Industrial Estate, Dublin, Dublin
Premier Suites Dublin Sandyford
Charming 6-bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views

Charming 6-bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views

3.5 out of 5
Kilgobbin
Charming 6-bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views
Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

4 out of 5
Stillorgan Road, Dublin, Dublin
Talbot Hotel Stillorgan
St. Aiden's Guesthouse

St. Aiden's Guesthouse

3.5 out of 5
32 Brighton Road, Rathgar, Dublin
St. Aiden's Guesthouse
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin

4 out of 5
26 - 33 Arran Street East, Dublin
Ruby Molly Hotel Dublin
Abbey Court

Abbey Court

2.5 out of 5
7 Glendown court, Off Templeville, Dublin, County South Dublin
Abbey Court
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Marlay Park

Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown offers a variety of outdoor activities, including sports, football, and running. Visitors can explore the park's beauty by checking out the Marlay Park book or discovering its hidden gems. Additionally, keep an eye out for upcoming gigs and concerts at Marlay Park, as they regularly host exciting events that showcase Dublin's vibrant music scene.

Food and drinks

For a unique experience, visit the Guinness Storehouse for a taste of Ireland's iconic stout, or enjoy a whiskey tour at Jameson Distillery Bow St. For further exploration, Pearse Lyons Whiskey Distillery offers delightful tastings. Don't miss the nearby Dundrum Shopping Centre for more dining options.

Shopping

Marlay Park offers a charming shopping experience. Dundrum Town Centre, just 1 mile away, features a variety of shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, check out Brown Thomas Flagship Store at 5 miles and Liffey Valley Shopping Centre at 8 miles for more diverse selections.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, located 5 miles from Marlay Park, offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts. Rathfarnham Golf Club, 2 miles away, provides a scenic outdoor setting for golf lovers. For family fun, Rainforest Adventure Golf, also 2 miles distant, combines adventure and sports in a playful environment.

Adventure

Clara Lara Fun Park, located 5 miles from Marlay Park, offers thrilling zipline and ropes course experiences amidst an adventurous outdoor atmosphere. For stunning scenery and hiking, explore the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk and the Wicklow Way, situated 12 miles and 18 miles away, respectively.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Marlay Park! Catch a show at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre for a romantic evening, try your luck at the Fitzwilliam Casino & Card Club for some exciting city vibes, or have a family adventure at Fort Lucan Outdoor Adventureland!

Find the best attractions near Marlay Park

Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown offers a wonderful mix of urban parks, historical sites, and charming streets, perfect for cultural exploration and outdoor family experiences. Nearby attractions include the iconic Guinness Storehouse and the historic Kilmainham Gaol, making it an ideal spot for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure in Dublin.

  • Trinity College: A historic university renowned for its stunning architecture and the famous Book of Kells, Trinity College offers a glimpse into Ireland's rich literary heritage. Wander through its picturesque campus and soak in the cultural vibes that inspire creativity.
  • Dublin Castle: Steeped in history, Dublin Castle features beautiful gardens and impressive architecture, making it a perfect spot for a romantic stroll. Explore the castle's intriguing past and enjoy the cultural atmosphere surrounding this iconic site.
  • St. Stephen's Green: This urban park is a family-friendly oasis in the city, featuring lush greenery, walking paths, and vibrant flowerbeds. Perfect for outdoor activities, it offers a relaxing escape amidst the hustle and bustle of Dublin.

Best time to go to Marlay Park

The best time to visit Marlay Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January41.9°F (5.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly Low
March43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May51.4°F (10.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
June56.3°F (13.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
July59.2°F (15.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
August58.6°F (14.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Marlay Park

To save money during your visit to Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, take advantage of the park's free entry and explore other nearby free attractions like Trinity College and St. Stephen's Green. Plan your trip during the off-peak months of January, February, or November for lower accommodation rates. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can secure better prices, and consider using Expedia for last-minute deals or package offers that combine flights and hotel stays. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and help you earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Marlay Park are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around Marlay Park about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can arrange your results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the "Eco-certified" filter will show you sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by booking an Expedia package that combines your Marlay Park hotel, flights, and activities all together.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.