BEYOND THE TREES

AVONDALE

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Beyond the Trees Avondale offers a rare opportunity to transcend the forest floor and experience nature from the perspective of a bird in flight. Located within the historic Avondale Forest Park, this attraction is a seamless blend of modern architectural ingenuity and wild, organic beauty.

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The Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower

This is the highlight and something unique in Ireland. A 1.4km wooden walkway that rises gradually (max 6% gradient) through the tree line. It culminates in a spectacular 38-meter Viewing Tower, an architectural marvel made from locally sourced Douglas fir and larch. From the top, you are treated to 360-degree panoramic views over the Avonmore River valley and the Vale of Avoca. For a descent as memorable as the climb, the tower features Ireland’s longest slide. This 90-meter stainless steel spiral allows visitors to "whoosh" from the canopy back to earth in seconds—a thrilling contrast to the slow, meditative ascent. (Or, like me, you can just walk back down at a more leisurely pace!)

The Great Tree Experimiment

The surrounding forest is not merely a collection of trees but a living laboratory. In the early 1900s, this land was used to test which global tree species would thrive in Irish soil. As a result, you will walk among towering Giant Redwoods (Sequoias), exotic Monkey Puzzles, and a fragrant grove of Eucalyptus trees.

Avondale House

Anchoring the estate is the Georgian manor that was the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell, one of Ireland’s most significant political leaders. The "At Home with the Parnells" tour offers a fascinating glimpse into 19th-century Irish life. In my opinion, the house itself is a little underwhelming from the outside when compared to the treetop walk and the acres of forests, parkland that surround it.

Walking Routes

The River Walk (White Route) – For the Adventurous

Distance/Difficulty: ~5km (Loop) | Strenuous

Highlights: This is the most dramatic trail. It plunges deep into the valley floor to follow the rushing Avonmore River. You will pass beneath impressive railway arches and climb steep sections that get your heart racing. The payoff is Lovers' Leap, a viewing point offering a rugged, romantic vista over the river valley deep below.

The Exotic Tree Trail (Red Route) – For Nature Lovers

Distance/Difficulty: ~2km (Loop) | Easy

Highlights: This trail acts as a "greatest hits" of the arboretum. It weaves through the most impressive non-native species, including the massive Western Red Cedars and the curious Monkey Puzzle trees. Interpretive signage along the way helps you identify the different barks and leaves.

The Centenary Trail – For History Buffs

Distance/Difficulty: ~2.5km (Loop) | Easy

Highlights: Celebrating 100 years of Irish forestry, this route leads you to The Cairn, a stone monument assembled by the first foresters. It offers one of the finest views looking back up the Great Ride towards the house.

The Railway Walk

Distance/Difficulty: ~2km (Linear) | Moderate

Highlights: A practical and scenic link that connects Rathdrum Train Station directly to the estate. It passes under a historic stone railway viaduct, evocative of the era when Charles Stewart Parnell himself would have travelled this route.

Dining and Facilities

The Seed Café near the visitor centre uses locally sourced Wicklow ingredients and overlooks the beautiful Walled Garden. It’s a perfect spot for a post-walk lunch and there’s a great kids’ playground there. There are toilets in the car park as well as the visitor centre.