What to see
Marlay House, built in 1794 by David La Touche replaced an earlier 17th century house called the Grange. Of particular interest in the house are the stunning ballroom, the unusual oval music room, and the elegant decorative plasterwork. Marlay House has been restored for guided tours and the former stables have been converted into a crafts courtyard.
The rear of Marlay House looks out over the demesne (which includes)
Laurelmere (a victorian cottage), Lake and Boathouse with viewing platform. Marlay Park contains many of the landscape features associated with 18th and early 19th century Parks, incl. substantial boundary wall, gate lodges, ornate iron entrance gates and pillars, walled garden, bridges, ponds and waterfalls.
On entering through the head gardener’s house and tea rooms, the central position is taken by a Regency-style ornamental garden, featuring an extensive display of colourful period plants, ranging from herbaceous borders to shrub beds. The orangery (which is occasionally used for exhibitions), arbour and water fountain combine with the other features to create a distinctive atmosphere. Open all year round.
What to do
The park hosts weekly park runs and also marks the start point for the Wicklow Way, a long distance self-guided walking trail
Sporting facilities including; tennis courts, a cricket ground, 5 GAA pitches (local club grounds), 6 Soccer pitches, Full size soccer all weather pitch. A 9 hole, par-three golf course (reopened in 2010 after redesign and rebuild) which is currently closed.
Marlay has a designated dogs off leash area
