New Play Spaces

 The newly opened inclusive play spaces across the county feature a wide range of accessible and inclusive play elements designed to encourage adventure, fun, social connection and engagement with nature. 

All locations were identified in the dlr Play Policy 2023–2028 as areas with limited access to play. The Policy sets out goals and actions to enhance inclusive, accessible play opportunities for children and young people across the county. 

Designed with the community 

The play spaces were developed following extensive public consultation with local schools, youth groups, community organisations and residents. Feedback from these consultations directly shaped the final designs, and full reports are available on Citizen Space. 

Kilcross Play Space

Kilcross Play space reflects our commitment to providing inclusive, safe, and adventurous play spaces for people of all ages to enjoy freely and safely. The Kilcross Play Space project, located next to Fitzsimons Wood, a proposed Natural Heritage site, was designed in collaboration with the local community. 

Councillor Jim O’Leary, Cathaoirleach, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County emphasised the importance of community consultation for the success of the Kilcross Play Space project. “There was extensive stakeholder mapping and engagement activities that took place throughout the planning process, ensuring that the play space reflects the vision of the local community”. 

The dlr Play Policy focuses on three strategic priorities: delivering play spaces and places, enjoying play and recreation, and working collaboratively with the community and local schools. Through these strategies, we aim to create welcoming, safe, and inclusive play spaces that cater to individuals of all ages and abilities.  The Kilcross Play Space project serves as a prime example of the implementation of these strategies, with a design that is led by children's input and feedback. This approach ensures that the play space is both engaging and suitable for all individuals. 

Finsbury Playground

The newly upgraded play space at Finsbury Park, Dundrum, was officially opened in March 2025, featuring a variety of inclusive and accessible play elements designed to foster adventure, creativity, and social connection for the whole community. The play space, which was developed in consultation with local community members and youth groups, has several innovative features. These include a play train with a slide, an ability trampoline, a hammock swing, a scooter track, a kickout area for soccer practice, and a social hub with seating and bike/scooter parking. 

Speaking at the official opening, Cllr. Jim O'Leary, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. said:  

“The new play space in Finsbury Park is a welcoming place for family and friends and now makes the park a special place for gathering. It was delivered through consultation with the local community and youth groups and was prioritised in the dlr Play Policy due to the high child population age range in the area. We hope that local children will enjoy this new inclusive, accessible and adventurous play space for many years to come.” 

Meadowbrook Ludford Play Space 

Located at the corner of Ludford Drive and Acorn Road, an area already home to a MUGA, paddle courts, astro pitches and the dlr Leisure swimming pool, the new play space includes both junior and main play areas. 

Junior Area features: 

• Accessible sand play area with sand house and crane 
• Embankment slide, tunnel and rope climber 
• Sensory play panels 
• Living willow dome 
• Balance beams, sitting poles and swings 

Main Area features: 

• Bespoke “mill unit” inspired by the historic Pembroke Estate mill race and the nearby Wyckham Stream 
• Accessible trampoline and orbit 
• 5‑way swing set and hammock 
• Willow tunnel, spinner and communication board 

The wildlife theme reflects the natural heritage of the former Pembroke Estate. 

Clonkeen Park Inclusive Play Space 

The much‑anticipated Clonkeen Park Play Space is located beside the BMX track near Meadowvale Tennis Courts. It transforms what was previously a seasonal green space into a year‑round, intergenerational play destination. The design is themed around natural play, local wildlife and adventure. An agility trail requested by children during consultation has also been installed near Meadowvale Pitches.  

The space also provides accessible picnic tables, benches, and parking for bikes, scooters and cargo bikes. 

The play space features locally sourced tree logs and boulders, a wildflower meadow using seed collected from Marlay Park, and a biodiversity zone. Over 50 native and non‑native trees will be planted this spring to support wildlife and climate resilience.