Marlay Park in Dublin – Dublin’s most popular location is the prestigious Marley Park, which attracts tourists with its diverse appeal. 

This location is perfect for sunbathing on the grass or for a leisurely stroll around the Marley Park circuit. There are convenient parking facilities and a nearby Wicklow Way Cafe serves refreshing drinks to start the journey.

A detailed guide to Marley Park’s rich history and variety of activities just waiting to be discovered is provided below. These are key points to get the most out of your visit to Marley Park in Dublin.

1. Address

Marley Park is located in the sprawling grounds of Rathfarnham, ten kilometers south of Dublin city centre. Plus, it’s conveniently located — just a 10-minute drive to Tikon and a 15-minute trip to Croog Woods and Tibraden.

2. Schedule of operations

Marley Park operating hours follow the following schedule, subject to seasonal changes:

• November to January: 9 am to 5 pm
• February-March : 9 am to 6 pm.
• April : 9 am to 9 pm.
• May to August : 9am to 10pm
• September : 8 am to 9 pm
• October : 9 am to 6 pm.

4. Starting point of the Wicklow Way

Serving as the starting point of the Long Wicklow Way, Marley Park begins this 129-kilometre journey through the southern suburbs of Dublin, across the Wicklow Mountains and ends in the village of Clongal in County Carlow.

Historical background of Marley Park

Marley demesne, established in the eighteenth century, is where Marley Park began. Thomas Taylor built the first building, The Grange, on the 12-hectare plot. Later, in 1764, David La Touche, the first Governor of the Bank of Ireland, bought the estate.

His wife Elizabeth was descended from Bishop George Marley, which is why La Touche named the property Marley House in her honour. The property expanded over the years under various owners, including the famous horseman Philip Love, whose Mount Larkspur won the 1962 Epsom Derby.

When Love died in 1972, the estate was left to Dublin County Council, which accelerated the process of turning Marley Park into a regional park, which opened its doors in 1975. It hosts various events these days, including concerts and longitudinal festivals.

Activities and attractions at Marley Park 

Marley Park’s many recreational options make it a popular day trip destination from Dublin. The following outlines the various attractions, which range from the Marley demesne and formal walled gardens to the Marley Park circuit and beyond:

1. Marley Park Circuit

If the Wicklow Way Walk isn’t your thing, there’s always the Marley Park Circuit. This 4-km loop starts at the College Road parking lot and gains a nominal elevation of 88-metres.

Walking through lush forests and circling a river, this walk offers close-up views of wildlife and birds. In addition, this peaceful trip is complemented by the wide view of the surrounding mountains.

2. Demesne of Marley

Marley Park, once designed as a demesne or estate, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1700s. After being purchased by David La Touche in 1764, the estate was enlarged resulting in the construction of a large suburban park.

3. Decorative wall garden

The old building was decorated in 1794 with a large walled garden that included both decorative plants and a functional kitchen garden. These recently renovated gardens have lots of historic plants and colorful herbaceous borders.

4. Marley House

Marley House today is an impressive country estate with a Georgian facade. Many of its fine interior details have been preserved, including notable Michael Stapleton plasterwork.

David La Touche built Marley House in the latter half of the eighteenth century. In 1864, Robert Tedcastle, a Dublin coal merchant and shipowner, bought it. In honor of the estate, he named one of his ships “Marley”. Tragically, 15 people died when the ship sank off the coast of Howth in 1902.

Tedcastle and his family lived there until 1925, when the property was bought by Robert Keaton Love for £8,325. He remained there until his death in 1939, at which time his son Philip inherited the estate.

Philip Love was Ireland’s top tomato grower at the time. Breeding racehorses was one of his interests; In 1962, his horse Larkspur took the Epsom Derby championship. Philip’s land became this beautiful public park when he passed away and left it to Dublin County Council.

Attractions around Marley Park

Marley Park’s location close to several sites makes it a perfect starting point for further exploration. Listed below are several nearby landmarks and restaurants that are easily accessible from Marley Park:

1. Teaknock, ten minutes away by car

Just 3 km southeast of Marley Park, Teaknock provides access to the famous Fairy Castle Loop, known for its expansive views and breathtaking views.

2. Other parks (ten to fifteen minutes by car)

There are several suburban parks in the south of Dublin, such as Bushy Park and Tymon Park, each with their own unique beauty and recreational features.

3. Airfield Estate (ten minutes by car).

The large estate, which includes a working farm and old house, is called the Airfield Estate, and is located between Marley Park and Dublin’s city centre. Various activities are available for visitors to enjoy such as guided tours of Airfield House and exploring its organic gardens.