Marlay Park

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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Things to do near Marlay Park

Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown offers a variety of activities, including sports, football, and art. Visitors can enjoy events and concerts throughout the year, making it a vibrant spot for entertainment. Exploring Dublin on foot is a delightful way to experience local culture, while the park itself hosts numerous events that appeal to both locals and tourists alike, ensuring a memorable visit to this picturesque location.

Shopping

For a delightful shopping experience near Marlay Park, visit Dundrum Town Centre, just 621m away, offering a vibrant mix of shops and entertainment. Blackrock Shopping Centre and Swan Shopping Centre are both 2.5km away, featuring family-friendly vibes and various retail options. If you're up for a drive, explore more distant centres for additional choices.

Recreation

Aviva Stadium, located 3.1km from Marlay Park, offers an energetic atmosphere perfect for sports enthusiasts. Vicar Street, also 3.1km away, is a vibrant venue for live music, providing a lively entertainment vibe. For a more relaxed experience, Rathfarnham Golf Club, just 1.2km away, features scenic outdoor golfing.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of Clara Lara Fun Park, featuring an exhilarating zipline and ropes course. For a serene escape, try your hand at fishing at Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre, or embark on the scenic Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, where breathtaking coastal vistas await your exploration.

Nightlife

Marlay Park offers vibrant nightlife with nearby Gaiety Theatre and Royal Dublin Society, both showcasing cultural performances just 4 to 3.1km away. For family-friendly fun, Panda Play Cafe provides an exciting arcade adventure atmosphere, perfect for a lively evening out with loved ones.

Find the best attractions near Marlay Park

Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown offers an array of attractions for every type of visitor, including urban parks, historic colleges, and cathedrals. Whether you seek cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a vibrant city atmosphere, you'll find it here. Don't miss the dog park, and if you're visiting in July, check out the concerts at Marlay Park for an exciting evening.

  • St. Stephen's Green: A beautifully landscaped urban park, St. Stephen's Green offers a tranquil escape amidst the bustling city. Enjoy scenic walks, vibrant flowerbeds, and serene ponds, making it perfect for family outings and leisurely picnics.
  • Dublin Castle: Steeped in history, Dublin Castle is a stunning blend of culture and romance. Explore its grand architecture and lush gardens, and take guided tours to uncover its fascinating past, from medieval times to modern-day Ireland.
  • Grafton Street: This lively street is a shopper's paradise, filled with an array of shops, cafés, and street performers. Experience the vibrant city atmosphere as you stroll along, soaking in the sights and sounds of Dublin.

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, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can also yield better rates, while last-minute deals on Expedia may offer additional savings. Tuesdays are the most affordable days to stay, so plan accordingly. Utilise Expedia’s tools to filter for budget options and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for further discounts. Don't forget to look for free activities in the park to enhance your experience without overspending.

  • 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. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals which could secure you a cheaper stay. Look out for the green banner below the price to spot the deals.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. To find the most affordable prices and offers, organise the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You may find it beneficial to save money by combining your hotel reservation at Marlay Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.