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.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Adventure & outdoor

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Classes & workshops

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Popular places to visit


Top Marlay Park Hotel Deals

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
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

Marlin Hotel Stephens Green

4 out of 5
11 Bow Ln E, Dublin
Marlin Hotel Stephens Green
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
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
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

Clayton Hotel Burlington Road

4 out of 5
Burlington Road, Upper Leeson Street, Dublin 4, Dublin, Dublin
Clayton Hotel Burlington Road
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 offers a delightful range of activities for visitors, including a public park ideal for leisurely strolls and picnics. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the nearby Marlay Golf Course, while art lovers can appreciate the various installations throughout the park. Additionally, the park serves as a music venue, hosting outdoor concerts that enhance the vibrant atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for relaxation and entertainment.

Shopping

The nearest shopping destinations include Dundrum Town Centre, just 1.6km away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly shops. Village Green Shopping Centre and Blackrock Shopping Centre, both 6.4km away, feature a variety of businesses and local vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore further afield for more options.

Recreation

At Marlay Park, enjoy wellness activities at nearby venues like Aviva Stadium, where the energetic sports atmosphere invigorates. Alternatively, Vicar Street offers vibrant musical experiences, while RDS Main Arena hosts thrilling sports events, perfect for those seeking an engaging retreat.

Adventure

Clara Lara Fun Park, a thrilling zipline and ropes course located 8.0km from Marlay Park, offers exhilarating outdoor adventure vibes. Tinnahinch Fly Fishing Centre, situated 11.3km away, provides a tranquil outdoor experience. For stunning scenery, embark on the 19.3km Bray to Greystones Cliff Walk, filled with breathtaking coastal views.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at the Gaiety Theatre, just 8.0km from Marlay Park, offering a mix of culture and romance. Alternatively, enjoy the thrill at Panda Play Cafe, 6.4km away, where adventure awaits. The Royal Dublin Society, also 6.4km distant, presents captivating performances for all the family.

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

Find the best attractions near Marlay Park

Marlay Park in County Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown offers a delightful blend of urban parks, historic colleges, and castles, catering to culture enthusiasts, families, and city explorers alike. Visitors can immerse themselves in the park's scenic beauty while also exploring nearby attractions that enrich the experience of this charming locale. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Marlay Park has something for everyone to enjoy.

  • St. Stephen's Green: This beautiful urban park offers a serene escape with its lush gardens, tranquil lakes, and vibrant flowerbeds. Perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts, it provides a lovely atmosphere amidst the bustling city vibes of Dublin, just 8.0km from Marlay Park.
  • Grafton Street: A lively pedestrian thoroughfare, Grafton Street is renowned for its eclectic mix of shops, street performers, and cafés. Experience the energetic city vibes and enjoy some retail therapy or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere, located 8.0km from Marlay Park.
  • Dublin Castle: Steeped in history, Dublin Castle is a stunning architectural gem that showcases the rich culture and romance of Ireland. Explore its grand halls and beautiful gardens, offering an enchanting glimpse into the past, just 8.0km from Marlay Park.

Best time to go to Marlay Park

The best time to visit Marlay Park is dependent 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.

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 trip to Marlay Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Booking your hotel about a month in advance can help secure the best rates, with Tuesdays being the cheapest days to stay. Use Expedia’s search tool to find budget-friendly options and consider bundling your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the park and utilise public transport, which is generally affordable, to navigate the area 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: 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.
  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, preferred location, and additional preferences. You can arrange your search results by price, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you can refine your selections by hotel type; for instance, by selecting the Eco-certified filter, you will be presented with sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Marlay Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.