dlr opens new Destination Play Space at Fernhill Park and Gardens

The newly developed destination play space at Fernhill Park and Gardens was officially opened this week by Cllr. Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council. This play facility provides a child-centred, inclusive and adventurous play experience in a stunning woodland setting, designed for children and families of all ages and abilities.

The play space has a distinctive woodland quarry theme, reflecting the surrounding landscape and heritage of Fernhill. It has been carefully designed as a destination play space suitable for a Regional Park, offering opportunities for children to explore, create and socialise in an engaging and inclusive environment. 

The location was identified in the dlr Play Policy 2023–2028 as an area with limited access to play. The Policy sets out clear goals and actions to enhance inclusive and accessible play opportunities for children and young people across the county.

Designed with the community

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council acquired Fernhill House and Gardens in 2014 and has since been developing the 34-hectare site as a Regional Public Park. The concept for the play space was initiated through consultation with local schools, supported by Creative Ireland, with community feedback directly shaping the final design.

A sustainable vision

The development of Fernhill is guided by the Fernhill Park and Gardens Masterplan and underpinned by the principles of the Park and Gardens Sustainable Development Strategy. This approach emphasises working with the natural topography, protecting and enhancing habitats, minimising waste, and prioritising sustainable travel such as walking and cycling.

Main Play Area features:

• Ribbon of agility play trail including trail tower, balance beams, jumping discs, stepping posts, balancing ropes, tunnels and climbing elements
• 9-metre-high Hideaway Tower with two slides
• Variety of swings, including accessible, standard and basket swings
• Quarry-themed play features
• Trampoline
• Spinner

Toddler Play Area features:

• Large accessible toddler play unit with slide and quarry play elements
• Toddler swings
• Toddler climbing trail
• Playhouse
• “Wobbly calf” rocker

A destination for all

Set within the wider Fernhill Park and Gardens, the play space complements the park’s walking trails, scenic views and biodiversity-rich landscape, creating a vibrant, family-friendly destination in the south of the county.

This new facility represents a significant investment in recreation and wellbeing, ensuring that children and families have access to high-quality, inclusive play in a natural setting.