HERITAGE HOT SPOTS: What is it?Marlay Park is a historic demense of about 100 hectares at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains that became a public park in 1975.
Marlay House, the 18th-century Georgian house on the grounds, was originally owned by David La Touche, the first governor of the Bank of Ireland. It replaced an earlier house called the Grange. The gardens were named after the landscape architect Capability Brown. The demense had various private owners before being acquired by Dublin County Council. It is now managed by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council.
Why visit?
With its mature beech woodland, ponds and open spaces, Marlay Park offers visitors a chance to participate in a wide range of physical activities. These include walking and running, football, tennis, golf and BMX riding. In the summer a narrow-gauge railway takes children on a short circuit through the park. There is an excellent new playground at the southern end of the park, and the walled garden is now open all year round. Tours of Marlay House run during the summer months. The house is also available to hire for functions.
Why now?
The annual Christmas craft fair continues at Marlay House today and tomorrow from 10am to 5pm. With an emphasis on craftspeople, the fair attracts woodturners, jewellery designers, patchwork quilters, hat makers and knitwear designers. There will also be home produce for sale. A coffee shop will operate in Marlay House for the weekend and in the cafe next to the walled garden. Admission is €2.50 for adults; children get in free. marlaycraftfair.com.
How do I get there?
Marlay Park can be accessed by pedestrians (various gates) or by car either by the main gates on Grange Road, Rathfarnham or via the gates on College Road which runs parallel to the M50. It opens at 8am and closes at dusk; 01-4934059, dlrcoco. ie/parks/marlay.
