Beyond The Trees | Avondale

Journey beyond the trees at Avondale House and Forest Park, where a truly immersive forest experience awaits. Begin with a leisurely stroll along the 1.4km treetop walkway, fully accessible and thoughtfully designed to guide you gently up through the canopy and back down to the forest floor.

As the ground falls away, you’ll rise above the trees and into the fresh Wicklow air, surrounded by towering Yew, Oak, Larch, Fir, Spruce and even Giant Redwood. Children can enjoy play areas along the route, while interpretive points share stories of the forest’s wildlife, flora and rich history.

Discover the origins of Irish forestry at Avondale, the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, and learn how Coillte is preserving this special place for generations to come.

Avondale House

A visit to Avondale House is a step into a family home once alive with conversation, laughter and remarkable achievements. One resident was a passionate champion of trees, another became one of Ireland’s most influential historical figures. Today, the rooms are brought to life for visitors, their stories once again filling these elegant spaces.

In 1770, Samuel Hayes, a young barrister and keen naturalist, inherited the Wicklow estate he named Avondale. Ahead of his time, Hayes wrote Ireland’s first book on trees and recognised the urgent need for afforestation as native forests disappeared. He planted vast woodlands, laid out a forest park and built a Georgian-style home designed by James Wyatt in 1777. When Hayes died in 1795, the estate passed to his cousin, Sir John Parnell, with instructions that it should always go to a younger son. It was later inherited by John Henry Parnell, father of Charles Stewart Parnell.

Treetop Walk

Walkway 

The Treetop Walk winds out over the Avonmore River valley, offering sweeping views from Lovers’ Lookout. Surrounded by forest, the gentle gradient reveals every layer of the woodland, from the forest floor to the canopy, with sections reaching 23 metres high.

Along the route, the Arboretum showcases some of Ireland’s finest trees, including specimens planted over 300 years ago and during Avondale’s forestry experiments in the early 1900s. Play areas for the young and young at heart invite new perspectives on the forest, while two platforms feature interactive games exploring the birds, animals and their habitats.

Stories of the Parnell family and Avondale Estate are shared at information stations, offering glimpses into the estate’s past. The walkway descends to a short underground tunnel, where you’ll learn about the rich life beneath the forest floor before emerging at the spectacular Viewing Tower — the start of your next adventure.

Viewing Tower

Rising 38 metres above the forest, the Viewing Tower stands among a grove of eucalyptus trees at the edge of Avondale’s historic Great Ride. Built from Irish timber, much of it sourced in Avondale itself, the structure showcases glulam beams — engineered wood as strong as steel — in a striking spiral design. Accessed via the Treetop Walk, the gently ramped boardwalk never exceeds a 6-degree gradient, making it fully accessible for wheelchairs and prams. Resting points on each level offer time to take in the views, spot local wildlife and perhaps hear the call of the resident Great Spotted Woodpecker.

Slide:  Everything you need to know about Ireland’s longest slide

The slide is an optional extra at the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, costing €2 per go, payable at the entrance. While it’s a thrilling ride, it’s not the main attraction — visitors are encouraged to savour the walkway, take in the scenery, explore the activity stations and enjoy panoramic views over the Wicklow Mountains and Vale of Avoca from the top of the tower before deciding to slide. Children under six must be accompanied by an adult, and queues can exceed two hours at busy times. Weather conditions such as rain or humidity may close the slide for safety reasons. It cannot be booked in advance, so arriving early or visiting midweek is advised. Remember to collect your mat on the second level before making your way to the top for a memorable ride down Ireland’s longest slide.

Avondale Forest Park

With over 500 acres of woodland, Avondale Forest Park is perfect for family adventures. Discover towering trees from around the world, explore scenic walking and cycling trails, and let the kids run free in nature. Known as the birthplace of Irish forestry, the park’s rich history includes the Great Tree Experiment and the childhood home of Charles Stewart Parnell. From picnics on the lawns to forest walks with the dog, it’s a place to explore, learn and play together.