Marlay Park’s Heritage: A Self-Guided Tour of Dublin’s Playground
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Marlay Park
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.
Marlay Craft Courtyard
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.
Options
Marlay Park’s Heritage: A Self-Guided Tour of Dublin’s Playground
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
Smartphone and headphones
Personal expenses for attractions not included during the tour
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Follow the fairy doors!
T8340UOsarahh,Jun 17, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A lovely walk through a park l've frequented over the years but never known much about until this tour. With an insight into the history of the park alongside fun facts of past and present, this is a great way to look at Marlay with fresh eyes. Highly recommend for a sunny day (if you're lucky) - and don't miss the fairy doors!
A wonderful afternoon on our doorstep
awkwardanna,Jun 14, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed this guided tour of Marlay Park, a place that's been on my doorstep for many years. I learned so much of the history of the park and the monuments within it. I would highly recommend this to any visitors of the park and to any locals who would like to learn about the history. Thank you so much to the people behind this great audio tour for a really enjoyable and very affordable afternoon.
Lovely way to spend an afternoon
anntA1191IG,Jun 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Was great to learn some history of the park I didn’t know before. Very easy to follow and very pleasant music to accompany my walk.
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Operated by VoiceMap Audio Tours