Prancing Around at Marlay Park
While the parks around Dublin City Centre are beautiful to behold, they don’t feel like an escape from the sprawling urban settlements that Dublin is perceived to be. Thankfully, there’s a park just on the outskirts of Dublin City that provides just that.
Marlay Park is a sprawling green space that’s truly a beauty like no other. While the parks in the city centre are enclosed by towering skyscrapers and buildings, Marlay Park is surrounded by beautiful grasslands and fields that remind you of the beauty of nature.
Marlay Park is also known for hosting concerts, and I’ve attended a few, including one featuring Bruno Mars and The Weekend.
Come with me to explore this expansive green plain.
What is Marlay Park Known For?
Marlay Park is one of Dublin’s largest parks. It features extensive areas of land dedicated to recreational activities, including golf courses, soccer pitches, and tennis courts. It’s also renowned as a large music venue for artists worldwide.
Best Time to Go to Marlay Park
The best time to visit Marlay Park is when it first opens, which varies depending on the month you are visiting. The air in the early morning is cool, and the breeze is cold enough that you’ll need to wear a layer or two to avoid shivering.
Things to Know about Marlay Park
Address: Marlay Park is located at Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D14 Y6X5, Ireland. It’s situated south of Dublin City Centre and close to other parks, including Ballawley Park, St. Enda’s Park, Pinewood Park, and Bushy Park.
Operating Hours: The operating hours of Marlay Park vary depending on the month of your visit. Here is a table showing the opening and closing times for the park each month.
| MARLAY PARK OPERATING HOURS | |
| January | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| February | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| March | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| April | 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM |
| May | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| June | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| July | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| August | 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM |
| September | 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM |
| October | 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
| November | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
| December | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM |
Parking: Parking is available at Marlay Park, located at Grange Road Car Park and College Road Car Park. However, these car parks aren’t free, and you will need to pay a small fee. When there is a concert, parking is booked online with your concert tickets.
Contact Information: You can easily contact the staff who handle Marlay Park through their mobile number at 01 205 4700 or through the email of the Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council at [email protected].
Pets: The park welcomes visitors to bring their pets, and a designated dog park area is also available for them. This area is the only part of the park where pets are allowed to be off-leash. Pets have to be leashed anywhere else in the park.
Accessibility at Marlay Park
Accessible Parking: There are accessible parking spaces available for those with disabilities at the same car parks I listed above. If attending a concert, you can pre-book these parking spots when you buy your tickets.
Wheelchair Accessible: Most of the park is wheelchair accessible, except for areas with steps. Aside from those, wheelchair users can freely explore the park on their own, with certain sections requiring only minimal assistance from others.
How to Get to Marlay Park
Car: You can access Marlay Park through Grange Road, which is the closest entrance to Grange Road Car Park. You can also access the park through another entrance at College Road, which is close to the College Road Car Park.
Dublin Bus: There are several bus routes that travel to Marlay Park, with some specifically dedicated to getting you to the park. Here are the specific routes and their corresponding stops to take when heading to Marlay Park.
| Dublin Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 16 | Marlay Park Stop | Monday to Saturday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 74 | Marlay Park Stop | Monday to Friday:5:30 AM – 11:30 PM Saturday:6:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sunday:7:30 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Route 116 | Marlay Park Stop | Monday to Friday:7:30 AM – 3:40 PM |
Shuttle Bus: The shuttle bus, specifically those operated by Go Ahead Ireland, can also be used to travel to Marlay Park. Below are the specific routes and their corresponding stops that will take you to Marlay Park.
| Shuttle Bus Route | Bus Stop | Operating Hours |
| Route 161 | Marlay Park Stop | Monday to Friday:6:45 AM – 6:15 PM |
| Route S8 | Marlay Park Stop | Monday to Sunday:5:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
LUAS Tram System: The LUAS is also a great way to head to Marlay Park. While there is no direct station to the park, you can ride the Shuttle Bus Route S8 from Dundrum Luas station, which is on the Green Line.
Taxi: Riding a taxi is a perfectly reasonable way to get to Marlay Park. While it is expensive, especially if you’re coming from Dublin City Centre, it will be a smooth ride. Most taxi drivers should know the best roads to take to get you to the park.
Amenities at Marlay Park
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Marlay Park offers a variety of amenities that should appeal to visitors. From those who enjoy idyllic, peaceful sceneries to those who want to get rough on the grass with sports, there’s something for everyone at Marlay Park.
Playground
One of the highlights of Marlay Park is its expansive playground, which was constructed in 2009. Suitable for toddlers and older children, the playground is frequented by families due to its variety of equipment.
Walking and Cycle Paths
There are wide stretches of land available for visitors to walk on within the park. These paths extend throughout the park and provide a safe passage for pedestrians. It’s also encouraged to either jog or bike on these paths as they are wide and safe for everyone.
Farmers’ Market
A weekly Farmers’ Market is available at Marlay Park on Saturdays and Sundays. These showcase local produce from the surrounding areas around Marlay Park and also have a few different local small businesses that might pique your interest.
Concert Venue
The park is quite well known for its music venue, specifically the large green fields of the park that are transformed into a massive concert ground whenever a concert is held there. This venue is spacious, and it accommodates all mobility needs.
Chamber Music Venue
The Walled Garden is where smaller music events are held. In a small enclosed space beside Marlay House, you’ll find a space big enough for small gatherings and concerts that want to provide a more intimate feel to their guests.
Miniature Railway
A miniature railway system operates at Marlay Park on Saturday afternoons. This railway is limited to the centre of the park and is an attraction more suitable for children, although parents can easily accompany their little ones.
Gaelic Football Pitch
There are 5 different Gaelic Football pitches at Marlay Park. These are decent-sized football pitches that can accommodate several teams, sometimes simultaneously. These aren’t all-weather options, so they may not be suitable during poor weather conditions.
Tennis Court
The tennis courts are located in the southwestern section of the park, which is open to the public for use. These courts are used by locals and, at certain times of the year, by coaches to train individuals interested in learning about the sport.
Cricket Ground
There is a cricket ground located in the central part of the park. This cricket ground is only accessible to those who participate in local cricket activities organised by a local cricket club, but you can still watch the games whenever possible.
Where to Eat When Heading to Marlay Park
After strolling through Marlay Park, I’m sure that you’ve found that you’ve built up quite the appetite. You’re in luck, as there are restaurants and cafes that are both inside and outside the park for you to enjoy.
Boland’s Coffee Shop
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Address: Marlay Park House, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 495 2221
Price Range: €1 – €10
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Boland’s Coffee Shop is a small cafe located at the northern entrance of the Park. They offer a variety of meals and feature both indoor and outdoor seating. Heading to Boland’s is for those who find themselves parking at the northern car park.
What I’d recommend here is their blueberry scone. It’s moist and fluffy, pairing well with coffee. They also have other options, such as pizza and pasta, if you fancy those instead.
The Wicklow Way Cafe
Website: https://www.facebook.com/wicklowwaycafe
Address: Marlay Park House, Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 493 7807
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday:
- 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
The Wicklow Way Cafe is situated in the southern part of the park, overlooking most of the golf course. They have a wonderful elevated seating area here, and it offers a lovely view. This place is perfect for those who park their cars in the southern car park.
While it sounds indulgent, their Smoked Cheese Bites are a fun treat after a nice walk. You could also try their pasta dish, which changes daily for a fun surprise.
Eden House Gastro Bar
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Website: https://www.edenhouse.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/edenhousegastrobar
Address: 16 Grange Rd, Haroldsgrange, Dublin, D16 WP70, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 493 1492
Price Range: €10 – €30
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Monday:
- 10:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday:
- 10:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM
There’s nothing like a good Gastro Bar after a nice stroll, and Eden House delivers quite a delectable meal. As a beautifully restored Georgian manor, you can enjoy a great experience at a reasonable price.
What I’d recommend on their menu is their Bronze Crown of Turkey. You rarely see turkey served in Ireland, and this is such a delightful dish that you should try it, even if you dislike poultry.
The Merry Ploughboy Gastro Pub
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Website: https://www.mpbpub.com/index.html
Address: Edmondstown Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin 16, D16 HK02, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 493 1495
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday:
- 12:30 PM – 11:30 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:30 PM – 12:30 AM
- Sunday:
- 12:30 PM – 11:00 PM
There is no place more comforting near Marlay Park than The Merry Ploughboy Gastro Pub. The exterior of the pub is decorated with many flowers, and you’ll fall in love with the traditional Irish Music that is sung all day at this lovely pub.
I can’t help but gush about their traditional fish ‘n’ chips, as the fish is flaky and cooked and seasoned to perfection. The chips themselves are a nice size and are simply filling and satisfying while still being the dish that we’ve all grown up on.
Bombay Pantry – Rathfarnham
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Website: https://bombaypantry.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576057260321#
Address: Retail Centre, Unit 2a Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin, D16 XC61, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 493 2222
Price Range: €10 – €20
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday:
- 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM
- Friday to Saturday:
- 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Bombay Pantry serves some awesome Indian meals that you can enjoy anywhere you want. While this is a takeaway place, you can easily eat their food either at the park or if you’re on your way home from your visit to Marlay Park.
While it isn’t traditional in the slightest, I’d love it if you try their lamb sliders. Its lamb has just the right amount of fat, which melts into the buns and gives them a distinct flavour profile that will truly blow your socks off.
Where to Stay When Heading to Marlay Park
While there aren’t many decent accommodations near Marlay Park, you can’t go wrong with staying in Dublin City Centre. Here are some of the closest accommodations to the public transport that should get you to Marlay Park.
Hilton Garden Inn
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Website: https://www.hilton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hgidublin
Address: Custom House Quay, North Wall, Dublin 1, D01 V9X5, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 854 1500
Price Range: Starts at €157
The Hilton Garden Inn needs no introduction, especially to those who love to travel across the world. In fact, Hilton Hotels are renowned for their exceptional staff and for providing comfortable and reliable accommodations.
I chose this hotel because of its numerous beneficial amenities, like the Honey Fitz Restaurant & Bar and the self-service snack shop. These are great perks, especially for those who are part of the Hilton Honours Program, as it allows you to earn redeemable points.
Buswells Hotel
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Website: https://www.buswells.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuswellsHotelDublin
Address: 23-27, Molesworth St, Dublin 2, D02 CT80, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 614 6500
Price Range: Starts at €306
Buswells Hotel has been in Dublin since 1882 and has served as a long-standing Georgian hotel ever since. Known for their traditionally styled rooms, they bring a sense of Irish comfort that you rarely find in other modern hotels.
It’s also often called the “Third House of the Oireachtas” because it’s right beside the Irish Parliament, and politicians used to dash here for quick chats or meetings.
Marlin Hotel
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Website: https://www.marlin.com/dublin/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarlinHotelDublin/
Address: 11 Bow Lane E, St Stephen’s Green, Dublin, D02 AY81, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 522 2000
Price Range: Starts at €144
The Marlin Hotel is a contemporary hotel that offers convenience, as it’s located right next to St. Stephen’s Green, so you’re just steps away from shopping.
Honestly, this hotel is like the ultimate hangout spot. It’s super modern, with 300 stylish rooms and cosy corners to work or relax, such as a café on the ground floor. It also has these giant floor-to-ceiling windows and funky art everywhere.
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel
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Website: https://www.radissonhotels.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RadissonHotels/
Address: Golden Lane, Dublin 8, D08 VRR7, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 898 2900
Price Range: Starts at €181
Radisson Blu Royal Hotel sounds like an expensive option, but it’s often more affordable than you might expect and offers reliable accommodation. They’re a vibrantly modern hotel that stands out compared to the rest.
While it isn’t located near any of the Luas stops, it is just a short walk to any of them, especially the one at St. Stephen’s Green, so you should consider them if you want to save on a few euros.
The Harcourt Hotel
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Website: https://www.harcourthotel.ie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theharcourthotel
Address: 60 Harcourt St, Saint Kevin’s, Dublin 2, D02 P902, Ireland
Contact Details: +353 1 478 3677
Price Range: Starts at €133
The Harcourt Hotel was once a row of Georgian brick townhouses, but it is now a fabulous hotel that sports that classic hotel experience without all the fuss and frills that other hotels would like to sell to you.
Fun fact: This place was once where the famous writer George Bernard Shaw actually lived back in the 1870s, so you’re practically sleeping in a piece of literary history.
Tips When Visiting Marlay Park
While it might be tempting to head to Marlay Park without a plan, I’d highly suggest that you reconsider. I have a few tips that might make your visit even more enjoyable.
| Mingle with the LocalsThe best part about Marlay Park is that many from all walks of life congregate at the park to have a good time. Whether you’re a new local or a passing tourist, mingling with other people will offer the best experience at Marlay Park. Dress for the Weather It can get quite chilly at Marlay Park, especially during the latter half of the year. With that, it’s best to wear a few extra layers or lose a few layers when visiting during the winter or summer, respectively. Wear SunscreenEven during the winter, the sun won’t stop being a danger if you’re exposed to it for long enough. Always bring and wear sunscreen to keep yourself from getting a nasty sunburn. Utilise Public TransportWhile it might be tempting to simply get an Uber or a taxi to Marlay Park, I’d suggest familiarising yourself with public transport. That’s the most reliable and cheapest way to explore Dublin City. |