Are you attending a concert at Marley Park or do you just want to make the most of its recreational facilities? Here’s out little guide to all you need to know about the park, like how to get there and where to stay.
About Marlay Park
Marley Park is a public park located in the suburb of Rathfarnham, about 10km south of Dublin city centre. It has a fantastic location at the foothills of the Dublin mountains and comprises of 300 acres of parklands, woods, nature trails and duck ponds.
It’s a great place to take the family when the weather as nice as there’s plenty to do here. The recreational part of the park has a playground for children and a miniature railway. It also features a cricket pitch, tennis courts, a BMX cycle track, a 9-hole golf course and 14 football pitches. The park also has a little courtyard where you can browse the little craft shops and maybe buy some pottery, jewellery or glass.
The 18th century Marlay House is the focal point of the park. It is a beautiful Georgian house boasting 4.5 acres of wonderful gardens which feature period plants, shrubs, flowers, a kitchen garden and an orangery.
Marley Park was originally land owned by St. Mary’s Abbey until Henry VIII confiscated it during his reign. It was later acquired by a Mr. Thomas Taylor who built a house on the estate. In 1764 it was taken over by David La Touche who married Elizabeth Marlay and named the house after her. The house has many rooms including a large ballroom and the oldest part of the house is said to be over 300 years old!
In more modern times Marlay Park is recognised as a concert venue and can hold a capacity of up to 30,000 people. Famous bands who have performed here include Westlife, REM, Oasis, Coldplay, Snow Patrol, The Foo Fighters, The Who and Aerosmith. 2008 concerts have yet to be announced.
How to get to Marlay Park
By bus: You can get the number 16 bus from outside Burger King on Upper O’Connell Street directly to the park. This will take you to Grange Road (right beside Marlay Park) in about 50 minutes.
By car: If you’re driving from the city centre take the N81 to Terenure Cross. Then continue onto Rathfarnham Road (R114) and then onto the Grange Road (R115). With good driving conditions and little traffic this journey should only take about 15 minutes.
Where to stay
We don’t have any Dublin hotels within walking distance of Marlay Park, so our advice is to stay at one of our hotels on O’Connell Street and get the number 16 bus directly to the park.
Our hotels on O’Connell Street include Lynam’s Hotel, The Royal Dublin Hotel, Cassidy’s Hotel and The Gresham Hotel. Check out our handy guide to “Dublin hotels on O’Connell Street” for more.
If you would prefer B&B accommodation in the Rathfarnham area then check out Grangewood B&B, Dunmore B&B, Gilroy’s B&B or Belville House.
For any other advice on accommodation or where to stay, just drop us a line in the comment box below and we’ll get back to you!
