Marlay Park’s Heritage: A Stroll through Dublin’s Playground

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. On this Dublin walking tour, you’ll also have a chance to: • Examine fascinating art installations, including *Dreaming About the Celestial Mountain*, a concrete face that emerges from the hillside, with spectacular views of Dublin • Discover how the wealthy La Touche banking family transformed the landscape with ornamental lakes and walking paths designed to mimic landscape paintings • Explore the Craft Courtyard, once home to champion racehorses, now filled with artisans, jewellers, and bakers • Learn about the park’s connection to major historical events like the 1916 Easter Rising, the armed insurrection against British rule that changed Ireland’s path to independence • Spot the distinctive “ha-ha“ ditch, an ingenious landscape feature designed to keep livestock away while preserving views • Visit the regency walled gardens with their ornamental pool and carefully restored Georgian foliage By the end of this 75-minute tour with a local who grew up exploring these grounds, you’ll understand why generations of visitors have treasured this green sanctuary.

Price: £5.99 from VoiceMap