famous horse Larkspur won the 1962 Epsom Derby. He died in August 1970 and in 1972 it was bought by Dublin County Council for £500,000. The park was officially opened by Taoiseach, Liam Cosgrave on 29 June 1975. A 1.82 hectare (4.5 acres) walled garden was built near the house around 1794, and consists of restored regency ornamental and kitchen gardens. The ornamental garden boasts an extensive display of period plants, ranging from herbaceous borders to shrub beds. The Head Gardener's house, orangery, arbour and water features combine to create a distinctive atmosphere. Located just over the wall, the kitchen garden houses a fine collection of regency fruit trees, vegetables and associated bothies. Daily tours of the gardens take place during the summer months and by appointment at other times. The former gardener's house offers refreshments year round. Marlay Craft Centre A number of small craft workshops are located in the 18th century stable yard adjacent to Marlay House including, weaving, glass cutting, bookbinding, furniture restoration, copper craft, pottery, jewellery and embroidery. One of these was originally the residence of Evie Hone whose stained-glass workshop was located in the library of Marlay House itself. Wicklow Way Marlay Park is the official starting point of the 132 km Wicklow Way a long-distance walking trail, that begins at the car park adjacent to Marlay House. The trail wanders through the park before tunnelling under the M50 motorway to begin its first ascent southwards towards the Dublin hills and the Wicklow Mountains to Clonegal, County Carlow. Marley Grange Several housing developments adjacent to Marlay Park contain roads named "Marley": Avenue, Drive, Walk, Close, Grove and Wood. Early ordnance survey maps also use the same spelling, as does at least one local road sign. Longitude Festival Since 2013, Marlay Park has been home to Longitude Festival, which takes place during July each year. When the festival first started in its early years the line up was mostly bands and singer songwriters such as Phoenix, Kodaline, and Sam Smith. As the festival evolved in later years it mostly consisted of hip hop artists such as Stormzy, Travis Scott, and Ski Mask the Slump God. In 2022, after a 3 year hiatus due to Covid, the festival returned with acts such as ASAP Rocky, Megan Thee Stallion, Tyler, the Creator and Jack Harlow Concerts During the Summer months the park holds many concerts and events, some