Marlay Park

Marlay Park is a 121 hectares (300 acres) suburban public park located in Rathfarnham in the administrative area of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, in County Dublin, Ireland. Lying about nine kilometres (5.5 miles) from Dublin city centre. The parkland comprises woodlands, ponds and walks. Recreational spaces include a nine hole par three golf course (reopened in 2010 after redesign and rebuild), tennis courts, six football pitches, five GAA pitches a cricket pitch, two children’s playgrounds and a miniature railway run by the Dublin Society of Model and Experimental Engineers. There is also a craft courtyard with home craft shops and coffee shops.

Dublin County Council acquired the land in 1972 and developed it as a regional park. Opened in 1975, it is now administered by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. Dublin Bus serves the park directly with the 16 bus, but the following buses are within walking distance: 14, 14A and 48A directly to the city centre. The 75 bus goes to Dún Laoghaire. Since 2000 Marlay Park has become a popular music venue with a capacity of 32,000, featuring both renowned national and international performers. The park's name is commonly misspelled as Marley, most notably in nearby housing developments (see below).