"Marlay Park" Ballinteer by jjasmine

Marlay Park is situated 9 km south of Dublin City at the foothills of the Dublin Mountains, in the suburbs of Rathfarnham. It is owned and managed by Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council. The Park is approximately 83 hectares (206) acres in extent, and has all the attributes associated with Demesne landscapes, including 17th and 18th Century houses, landscaped park with lakes, extensive woodlands and large walled gardens. It sustains a diverse range of wildlife habitats, such as woodlands, grassland and watercourses. In addition, it provides a wide range of recreational pursuits including children’s’ playground, outdoor playing fields, tennis courts, golf course, cricket pitch, model railway. A craft industrial centre is located in the courtyard adjacent to the main house.

Pearse Museum

Former school run by Patrick Pearse, now a museum in beautiful grounds. Attractions include exhibitions, a nature study room with attractive displays on Irish flora and fauna and an audio-visual show titled "This Man Kept a School". Access for visitors with disabilities to ground floor and Nature Study Centre.

Rathfarnham Castle

The suburb of Rathfarnham nestles at the foot of the Dublin mountains. Situated on the southside of the city it derives its names from Rath i.e. fort of Farnham, an Celtic Chieftain. Its colourful history stretches back to pre 600 B.C. and the Celtic era.

Rathfarnham boasts many beautiful and historic buildings and the many churches form a major part of its heritage. The Church of Ireland, Whitechurch was consecrated in 1827, while the Church of the Annunciation was consecrated in 1878. The first school was opened in 1802 in Nutgrove Avenue. The very beautiful Loreto Abbey was erected in 1725. St. Enda's school in St. Enda's park is dedicated to its founder Patrick Pearse one of the signatories of the Proclamation of 1916.

Many of the traditional crafts have continued and a visit to the hand Cafts Centre in Marlay Park is a pleasure. There are also many successful industries in the area both national and international.

There are several large parks in the neighbourhood and all sporting and leisure activities are catered for.