Marlay and The Secret Garden

Travel Thursday Series

This was a story of sweet discovery. It was one Sunday afternoon in April 2014 when we learned about this little secret garden. R and I have been to Marlay once last summer but we never had a clue that this vast beautiful park with a stunning view of the Dublin Mountains held a little secret---The Regency Walled Garden. 

Well of course, it isn't really a secret. Had we only taken the time to visit the park's website we would have been well informed. But we couldn't be bothered so it's discovery was a sweet surprise. 

After our Ticknock walk, the call of a warm beverage led us to Marlay Demesne. A mere 10-minute drive down the mountain, we all agreed that it would be a lovely pitstop to cap off the day. The thick clouds and the strong winds changed their course when we were still on the mountaintop paving way for a gloriously sunny afternoon. No wonder all of South Dublin (the posh area I heard) seemed to converge there at the time---parking was full, the huge well-manicured lawn was dotted with visitors, the only cafe bore a long queue. 

Once we secured parking, we immediately freed up our bladders then proceeded to the cafe. While R queued for our orders, I wandered around the back noticing some people were coming in and out of the backdoor. After a few steps, I couldn't believe what I saw----a beautiful walled garden in full bloom. My sheer joy was like Marry Lennox's when she unlocked the secret garden. It was relatively small compared to the Botanic Gardens but it was so charming and so dainty in its own right. Since it was spring time, the flower beds displayed vibrant colours that only the temperature of spring could produce. A vintage fountain and orangery were set in the middle enhancing the garden's already charming state.

These are the first sights of the walled garden:

View from the other side:

Wouldn't you love to sit and talk a while in this?

In the adjacent kitchen garden, we found this charming plant archway. Aaaaah, anyone who's doing a prenup in Spring, have your photo taken in this exact sweet spot: (please ignore the crazy girl)

This is the cafe backdoor from which the garden will be so easily missed if you're not curious enough:

Now the view of the park:

Florals all over:

Now here's us carpe-dieming the day:

Weeks after that sweet discovery, I have journeyed back to Marlay more than once and sat in the park while I devoured a book or a hot chocolate.  The park is that beautiful. The garden so charming I had to take more photos of the pretty little things inside it. And I guessed, I just had to go back simply because I found a happy place. :)

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Best way to get here: By car or Bus No.16
Best season: Spring or Summer
Best activity: Picnic, read, dog-walk, play football, exercise, buy from the weekend market, or just lie on your picnic blanket and dream.
Other option: Go to Ticknock and walk and have a blast with the stunning view of Dublin City.