Marlay Park’s Heritage: A Self-Guided Tour of Dublin’s Playground

About This Tour

Dublin’s beautiful Marlay Park is more than just a beloved green space. It’s where history, nature, and art meet. On this walking tour, you’ll discover the fascinating evolution of this aristocratic estate – from medieval farmland to public park – which spans over 500 years of Irish history.

The tour begins at the Wicklow Way starting point, where you’ll hear some of the fascinating stories hidden within this 120-hectare urban oasis at the Dublin Mountains’ foothills. You’ll walk the historic grounds once owned by Barnaby Fitzpatrick, hearing the intriguing tale of how he went from Irish king to English baron in the 1500s when this land was first confiscated from Cistercian monks.

You’ll wander through ancient woodlands and past curious art installations, and see beautifully restored walled gardens. Here, you’ll meet the colourful residents of the aviary, including peacocks that wander freely throughout the gardens, before ending the tour at the impressive Georgian Marlay House.

What’s Included

• Lifetime access to this tour in English before your booking date and after it
• Offline access to audio, maps, and geodata
• App for Android and iOS
• Flexibility to explore at your own pace with a self-guided GPS tour
• Directions to the starting point so that when you’re in the right place, the tour will start

What’s Not Included

• Smartphone and headphones
• Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour

Itinerary

1. You’ll explore Marlay Park, a sprawling public park known for its woodland trails, craft courtyard, and weekend farmers’ market. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour. (pass by)
2. You’ll pass through the Marlay Craft Courtyard, home to a variety of artisan workshops and studios housed in restored 18th-century stables. Please note that any costs related to visiting the area are not covered in this tour. (pass by)
3. You’ll pass by Marlay House, a stately Georgian mansion dating back to the 18th century, nestled within the park’s historic grounds. Please note that entry to the house is not included in this tour. (pass by)

Meeting point: This tour starts at Marlay Park, Grange Road Car Park. Before arrival, please install the mobile app and use the code provided on your confirmation ticket. Detailed starting point instructions are available after downloading.

Good to Know

• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

This is a private tour. Available in: en, en.