Marlay Demense, Grange Road, Rathfarnham, Co. Dublin

Mr. David La Touche purchased the Estate in 1764. La Touche extended the original house and renamed it ‘Marlay’ having married Elizabeth Marlay daughter of the right Rev. George Marlay, Bishop of Dromore. The Estate today comprises of some 200 acres of parkland including Marlay Park and Gardens.

The 4.5 acre Walled Gardens which were provided under the Great Gardens of Ireland Restoration Programme are designed and planted in an authentic Regency style. The ornamental section boasts an extensive display of period plants, ranging from herbaceous borders to shrub beds.

The kitchen garden houses a fine collection of regency fruit trees, vegetables and associated bothies. At the centre of the gardens is the orangery which together with the Head Gardener’s House, arbour and water features combine to create a distinctive atmosphere.

Situated	West of Rathfarnham and Dundrum Villages, off the Grange Road, Rathfarnham. Alternative access off the Southern Cross Motorway (M50) at Kingston interchange, direction Rathfarnham.
Open	Marlay House: Daily in summer months. For details check noticeboards or website. Walled Gardens: Open all year. Monday to Friday 10.00-17.00. Sat/Sunday 11.00-17.00. Closed Mondays in winter. Large tours by arrangement.
Admission	Adult €3.00, Children & OAPs €2.00, Family €6.50
Facilities	Craft centre, coffee shop and toilets. 200 acres of Parkland incorporating sports pitches, adventure playground, model railway (Saturday afternoons), woodland nature trails and lakeside walks.
Contact	Dun Laoghaire/Rathdrum County Council, County Hall, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co. Dublin. Tel: +353 1 2047261 (County Hall) Tel: +353 1 4937372 (Marlay House) Email: parks@dlrcoco.ie Web Site: www.dlrcoco.ie