About Play
Play is how children and young people grow, learn and connect. Whether it’s climbing, running, imagining or creating, play supports physical health while building confidence, friendships and creativity.
It’s more than just fun, play is a fundamental right. Through play, children explore the world, develop important life skills and express who they are.
At Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown County Council, we are creating a county where play is part of everyday life safe, accessible and welcoming for all. Guided by our Play Policy 2023–2028, we work directly with children and young people to design spaces that reflect their ideas, cultures and imaginations.
Play Policy 2023–2028
Play for All – From the mountains to the sea, it’s there for you & me!
Our Play Policy supports the development of a more playful county by bringing opportunities for play into parks, schools and communities in inclusive and meaningful ways.
The Policy Focuses On:
- Expanding and improving play opportunities across the county
- Child-led design shaped by real voices and experiences
- Creating stronger communities through shared and accessible spaces
- Following best practice, national strategies and emerging learnings
Our Vision
A county where play is visible, valued and open to everyone — where every child feels free to play, explore and belong.
Flagship Playgrounds
Explore some of our standout playgrounds across Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown.
Playgrounds | Age Range | Key Features | Facilities & Amenities | Location |
Blackrock Park – Main Playground
| 2–12 years | Inclusive roundabout, mixed swings, cradle swing, slides, climbing features | Seating areas, nearby walking paths, open green spaces | Blackrock Park |
Blackrock Park – Booterstown Playground
| 2–12 years | Mixed swings, basket swings, xylophone, climbing play elements | Parkland setting, seating, pathways | Booterstown, Blackrock Park
|
Killiney Hill Park
| 4–12 years | Horse and cart play feature, mixed swing, hammock, climbing activities | Scenic woodland setting, walking trails, seating | Killiney Hill Park |
Marlay Park Playground
| 2–12 years | Swings, slides, climbing frames, balance play equipment | Café nearby, toilets, parking, open parkland | Marlay Park |
People's Park
| 2–12 years | Wingman house, talk tubes, cradle swing, flat basket swing, wheelchair-accessible swing | Café nearby, public toilets, seating, coastal location | People’s Park, Dún Laoghaire |
Cabinteely Park Playground
| 2–12 years | Slides, swings, climbing structures, adventure play equipment | Café nearby, walking trails, seating, parking | Cabinteely Park |
Shanganagh Park Playground | 2–12 years | Hammock, cradle and basket swings, musical play zone including Papilio Bells, Babel Drum, Bell Lyre, Colossus Chimes, Cajon and Hand Chimes | Open parkland, seating, pathways | Shanganagh Park |
Kilbogget Park Playground
| 2–12 years | Mixed swing, frog and duck springers, basket rotator, wheelchair-accessible swing, climbing play | Sports facilities nearby, seating, pathways | Kilbogget Park |
Playground Age Ranges
Playground structures and recreational equipment are designed with specific age ranges and developmental abilities in mind. Users should ensure that children engage only with equipment appropriate for their age group and follow all guidance displayed on DLR Playground Information signage.
Supervising adults are responsible for assessing and monitoring the safe and proper use of all play areas.
Playground Inspection & Maintenance
Playground inspection and maintenance works are carried out weekly to ensure health and safety regulations are met in accordance with the standards of the Register of Play Inspectors International (RPII).
Playground GIS Map
A county-wide GIS map of playground locations and facilities is currently in development and will be available soon.
Our Goal
To create a playful and inclusive Dún Laoghaire–Rathdown where every child and young person has the space, freedom and opportunity to play, explore and belong.
Report a Playground Fault
To report damaged play equipment, surface issues, hazardous waste or general maintenance concerns, please contact: info@DLRCOCO.IE
Please include:
- Playground name and location
- Description of the issue
- Photographs where possible
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