Top Rated Parks to Visit in Dún Laoghaire

"The buses will take you past the major sights and, depending on which tour you choose (grab some leaflets the evening before or do some research on the internet), even far-flung attractions like the Guinness Brewery, Kilmainham Gaol, and Phoenix Park will be seen. The main thing to remember here: get a good seat on top, enjoy the view, listen to the commentary, and snap away... but do not get off the bus. This is your city tour."

"Dominated by the 200ft tall Wellington Monument, the Phoenix Park is an enormous space and one of the largest enclosed public parks in any capital city in Europe (the Wellington Monument is also the largest obelisk in Europe!). But enough about obelisks. Lying around 2-4 km west of Dublin city centre, the Phoenix Park is easy to reach and is a fine place for a windswept ramble."

"The historical urban park is found 2 to 4 km west of the city center, and also known as the largest enclosed park in Dublin. It boasts myriads of features and tourist attractions, including the Papal Cross, which was erected as the backdrop for the outdoor mass of the late Pope John Paul II on September 29, 1979. Grazing deer can be found near the green area."

"As you watch the assorted groups of friends, lovers and individuals splaying themselves across the nine elegantly landscaped hectares of Dublin's most popular green lung, St Stephen's Green, consider that those same hectares once formed a common for public whippings, burnings and hangings. These days, the harshest treatment you'll get is the warden chucking you off the grass for playing football or Frisbee."

"St Stephen’s Green is located about 10 minute walk (with children) from Maldron Hotel Pearse Street. Adults will be charmed by the stunning Victorian park in the city centre whilst kids will love the playground and duckpond. Look out for free outdoor lunchtime concerts in the summertime."

"St. Anne’s is the second-largest park in Dublin, sitting at 240 acres, and was formerly an estate owned by the Guinness family. On top of walking paths, rose gardens and ponds, the park boasts some great sporting facilities in the form of tennis courts and football pitches."

"Saint Anne’s Park is located on the Northside of Dublin and is one of the most beautiful parks in the county. The park is home to old ruins, Chinese Suzhou Gardens, Rose Gardens and some magical artwork. On the outskirts of the park lies Ireland’s very own tree of life."

"This market, located in the 247-acre park in Rathfarnham, is well worth browsing through when you're spending the day at Marlay Park. And there are some fantastic vendors at this market. Try the delicious food at Taste of Morocco, get some beautiful hand-made crafts from Handmade For U, find your next read at the Village Bookshop, or enjoy some rolled ice-cream in the sun."

"Set deep within South Dublin, sprawling Marlay Park encompasses wild woodland, indistinct paths, a manicured walled garden and even a golf course. There’s always plenty going on here, like the farmers’ market every weekend and, in summer, an extensive programme of outdoor concerts. Try to locate the ‘fairy tree’ – and good luck (this park stretches out over 300 acres)."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"Overlooking the villages of Dalkey and Killiney is a small public park, the Killiney Hill Park. Visitors can enjoy a variety of teas from their famous tea rooms, playgrounds for children and adult alike, and long green walking paths and woodland trails. Families and friends can enjoy their picnics here in the park as they enjoy the view of Dublin Bay and the Wicklow Mountain."

"Ok, but this one’s pretty cool and it’s perched on top of a hill!. It also used to have a railway station (albeit one that closed over 150 years ago, but still). Located along the southern boundary of Dublin Bay, the main reason you’d head to Killiney Hill Park is for the gorgeous sweeping views from the viewpoint just south of the obelisk."

"A little park with a wonderful view of Dalkey and Killiney villages. It’s a steep walk up the hill, but it’s well worth it. Once you’re up, it’s one of Dublin’s most tranquil spots to relax in."

"Although the People’s Park in Dún Laoghaire is one of the smaller Dublin parks, it punches well above its weight!. An immaculately landscaped oasis of calm just moments from the harbour, the two-hectare park is well worth a visit, especially if you’re down here at the weekend when local vendors show off their colourful collections of arts, crafts and local produce. Opened in 1890 and designed in the formal Victorian style, check out the wrought iron railings, stone walls, large gates and bandstand typical of the time period."

"The beautiful grass and colourful flowerbeds are overlooked by the majestic St. Patrick’s Cathedral. It’s a great day out for all, and even sits by the River Liffey."

"Nestled away behind Dublin Castle and secluded amongst the city buildings lay these magnificently designed gardens. They are designed with Celtic Symbolism having snake paving work slitter around the circular gardens. In Viking and medieval times this area was under water and called Dubh Linn (Black Pool) because it was where the river Liffey and Poddle met, the Poddle now runs underground and the Liffey banks were receded to where it is presently."

"Located behind the famous Dublin Castle is the sprawling and serene view of the Dubh Linn Gardens. You can take a short stroll, chill, lay down on the grass, and enjoy the tranquility that this park offers. Or maybe, if it piques your interest, you can admire the mega-sized Celtic knot pattern found within the park, or ask what it means to the locals enjoying their stay in Dublin."

"experience, incorporating a visitor centre, interactive exhibition areas and walled botanical garden. The Avoca Cafe is super kid friendly with lots of space, great food and high chairs. The outdoor terrace is a beautiful vantage point to enjoy the gardens…just watch out for the Peacocks which like to show off to our visitors from time to time!"

"If you or your family are planning on a cycling and orienteering trip, look no further, because the green places of Corkagh Park will suit your need. Children will surely enjoy the Pet Farm—with animals ranging from eagles, parakeets, pygmy goats, geese, sheep, zebra finches, and horses can be found. Or, enjoy the magical fairy wood attraction!"

"Corkagh park sits in south Dublin, with the River Camac, and features Ireland’s only purpose built cycle track. Elsewhere, the park has lakes perfect for fishing, flowerbeds to wonder among, and is overflowing with places to sit to enjoy a great book. What more could you ask for?"

"At the northern end of Parnell Square is a small, peaceful park, dedicated to the men and women who have died in pursuit of Irish freedom. The Garden of Remembrance marks the spot where several leaders of the 1916 Easter Rising were held overnight before being taken to Kilmainham Gaol, and was also where the Irish Volunteers movement was formed in 1913. The central water feature is in the form off a sunken crucifix with the mighty Children of Lir statue at one end."

"This market, located in the 247-acre park in Rathfarnham, is well worth browsing through when you're spending the day at Marlay Park. And there are some fantastic vendors at this market. Try the delicious food at Taste of Morocco, get some beautiful hand-made crafts from Handmade For U, find your next read at the Village Bookshop, or enjoy some rolled ice-cream in the sun."

"Set deep within South Dublin, sprawling Marlay Park encompasses wild woodland, indistinct paths, a manicured walled garden and even a golf course. There’s always plenty going on here, like the farmers’ market every weekend and, in summer, an extensive programme of outdoor concerts. Try to locate the ‘fairy tree’ – and good luck (this park stretches out over 300 acres)."

"Another awesome place to go for a walk in Dublin is Marley Park. It is the perfect place to go for some peace and quiet. The park stretches for 86 acres and is home to ponds, forestry and trails."

"Rathfarnham Castle is the earliest known example of a fortified house in Ireland. Originally built around 1583, the castle has been owned largely by the Loftus family, and now serves as the Office of Public Works. Guided tours of the castle are still available, and afterwards, you can relax at the Stuart and Chambers tearooms or check out an exhibition, which is currently Tread Softly, a work of celebrated Irish artist Michelle Rogers."

"Many of the best castles near Dublin have a stony gray appearance because they date back to medieval times. Grand Rathfarnham Castle is different because it dates back to Elizabethan times. The building is the earliest example of a fortified house in Ireland and was constructed around the time of the Norman invasion."

"Rathfarnham Castle dates back to the Elizabethan Era (1558 to 1603) and is the earliest fortified house in Ireland used as protection by the English from Irish clans. The Castle is open every day during the summer season and is open throughout the winter except for Mondays and Tuesdays."

"Price: €2.50Look: 4/5Texture: 3.5/5Taste: 5/5Value: 3.5/5Total: 16/20. Verdict: This French franchise sells what looks like a high-end croissant, almost too perfect and regular. The crust is extremely flaky and crispy, so much so that it makes it slightly tough to break down, but the flavours are fantastic - it’s a real moreish number."

"Another contender in the best hot chocolates in Dublin goes to Laduree, who make an elegant hot chocolate in addition to their rainbow of exquisite Macarons."

"Their team of talented staff can make even the most complicated order. They are popular for theme cakes in particular, as they can create a variety of characters and styles."

"The Famine Sculpture are heart touching statues that depict a tough time faced by the people of Dublin. They say more about the famine years Ireland suffered through in the past. The haunting statues of desperate people is actually a pity to take a look at, however, a visit here is quite worth the while."

"While you’ll have to plan your tour around when the Dail and Seanad are not in session, it’s well worth taking a trip over to Leinster House, one of Dublin’s most historic buildings, before departing from Merrion Square. While it’s the current seat of the Oireachtas, the Irish national parliament, the building with its two facades was originally built as the Dublin city residence of the Duke of Leinster in 1745 and is reputed to be modelled on the White House in Washington, DC. Tours of Leinster House have to be pre-arranged in advance and usually at their busiest in the afternoon so try to book one in the morning for a chance at a smaller group if you would like more opportunities to ask your burning history questions."

"Originally designed by Richard Castle, and built in 1745, Leinster House has been the seat of the Irish Parliament since 1922. Built in a Georgian style, the building has undergone regular renovations since Victorian times, with a notable extension built in the 1960s to house parliamentarian offices. The design, following the plan of a Palladian country house with a double height hall and picture gallery, influenced the White House in Washington DC, in particular with a projecting bow on the north side."

"This building once served as the home of James Fitzgerald, the Duke of Leinster and Earl of Kildare. Today, it serves as the home of Ireland’s parliament. Public tours of the building are available when the Dáil and Seanad are not in session."

"Located in the opulent surroundings of Dublin's Mansion House on Dawson Street, Fire has been built in what was originally the Lord Mayor's supper room and is now a magnificent space with stained glass windows and vaulted ceilings. The food is all locally sourced and cooked to a high standard with a good mix of meat, vegetarian options and seafood - the jumbo prawn starter is the house speciality. There is also a special steak menu with a variety of cuts of ages, marinated beef that are sure to make a meat-lover's mouth water."

"Fire steakhouse and bar is right beside the city’s Mansion House and about five minute’s walking from the Fitzwilliam. It’s a really beautiful room – high ceilings, bright with big windows – with good food prepared without fuss. Our guests like it a lot as do those on TripAdvisor and other reviewers."