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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Point A Liberties
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Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin

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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
Charming 6-Bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views

Charming 6-Bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views

Dublin 18
Charming 6-Bed Escape- Balconies & Panoramic Views
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
St. Aiden's Guesthouse

St. Aiden's Guesthouse

3.5 out of 5
32 Brighton Road, Rathgar, Dublin
St. Aiden's Guesthouse
Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel

Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel

5 out of 5
Stillorgan Road, Blackrock, Dublin, Dublin
Radisson Blu St. Helen's Hotel
Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

Talbot Hotel Stillorgan

4 out of 5
Stillorgan Road, Dublin, Dublin
Talbot Hotel Stillorgan
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 activities for visitors, including sports and football. You can explore scenic walking trails, enjoy concerts and gigs held in the park, and visit nearby art galleries. Additionally, don't miss out on the local festivals that showcase Ireland's vibrant culture. Marlay Park is a perfect destination for a blend of outdoor fun and artistic experiences.

Shopping

In Marlay Park, you can enjoy shopping at Dundrum Town Centre, just 1 mile away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and dining. Nearby, Blackrock Shopping Centre and Swan Shopping Centre, both 4 miles away, also provide great shopping experiences with a lively atmosphere.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 5 miles from Marlay Park. For music lovers, Vicar Street, also 5 miles away, provides a vibrant concert experience. Meanwhile, Grange Golf Club, just 0.8 miles away, invites you to enjoy outdoor sports amidst scenic views.

Adventure

Experience thrills at Clara Lara Fun Park with its exciting zipline and ropes course located 5 miles from Marlay Park. For stunning coastal scenery, hike the Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, 12 miles away. Don't miss the family-friendly fun at Funtasia Waterpark, 30 miles distant.

Nightlife

Enjoy a night at the Gaiety Theatre for a cultural experience filled with romance and entertainment, just 5 miles from Marlay Park. For some adventure, visit the Panda Play Cafe, 4 miles away, where you can embrace your inner child in an arcade atmosphere. Don’t miss the Royal Dublin Society for more theatrical fun, also 4 miles from the park.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Marlay Park

If you're visiting Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers. This iconic urban park offers a blend of natural beauty and historic sites, including nearby colleges and castles. Don't miss the top attractions within Marlay Park, which provide a perfect backdrop for a memorable Dublin experience.

  • St. Stephen's Green: This beautiful urban park offers a serene escape in the heart of Dublin. With its lush gardens, tranquil ponds, and vibrant flowerbeds, it's perfect for a family picnic or a leisurely stroll while soaking in the city vibes.
  • Grafton Street: A bustling thoroughfare, Grafton Street is known for its lively atmosphere. Enjoy street performances, explore unique shops, and indulge in delicious food from local vendors—it's a true taste of Dublin's vibrant city life.
  • Dublin Castle: Steeped in history and culture, Dublin Castle is a stunning example of architecture. Take a guided tour to explore its romantic gardens and learn about its significant role in Ireland's past.

Best time to go to Marlay Park

The best time to visit Marlay Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Marlay Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Marlay Park falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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 CloudyAverageAverage
September55.9°F (13.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly High
October52.3°F (11.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November46.8°F (8.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
December43.5°F (6.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Marlay Park

To save money on your visit to Marlay Park, plan your trip between December and February, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check last-minute deals on Expedia for discounts. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia’s search tools to filter by price and eco-friendly options, and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and cash rewards for future stays.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Marlay Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to May to June and September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: The cheapest time to book a hotel around Marlay Park is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Marlay Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Marlay Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to customize your travel preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase hotels that are sustainable and eco-friendly. To find the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservation at Marlay Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • 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.

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