Dramatic treetop walk opens at Avondale Forest

The recently opened Beyond the Trees Avondale brings an exciting new dimension to the experience of exploring the gorgeous landscape of Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow.

The treetop walk begins in Avondale’s walled garden as the boardwalk makes its way out over the Avonmore River valley. As the land falls away, you are left with breath-taking views over the forest.

As the treetop walk does not climb or descend more than a few degrees, it is fully accessible. The undulating land beneath it reveals views of trees, including yew, larch, fir, oak, spruce and magnificent giant redwoods, from ground level right up to the forest canopy.

The treetop walk stretches for 1.3km with interpretive points along the way describing the flora and fauna and outlining the history of Avondale and its importance as the birthplace of Irish forestry.

At its highest point, the walkway is 23m above the forest floor. It ends at the foot of an impressive 38m-high timber viewing tower standing amid a grove of eucalyptus trees.

From the top of the viewing tower, accessed via a fully accessible spiral ramped boardwalk, you can enjoy stunning 360° panoramic views over Avondale Forest Park, the Vale of Avoca, the Wicklow Mountains and beyond.

Adventurous visitors have the option of making their way back down quickly via a giant spiral slide within the tower.

Sustainability is central to the Beyond the Trees experience and locally sourced Douglas fir and larch was used for the treetop walk and viewing tower.

One of many world-class attractions in Ireland’s Ancient East, Avondale also includes a walled garden, café, a children’s playground, a sensory garden and a pavilion which showcases the history and relevance of Irish forestry.

The forest park has a number of walking trails through its 500 acres of mature woodland, which is home to over 100 different types of trees from all over the world.

In the midst of the estate sits the impressive eighteenth-century Avondale House. A new guided tour of the manor will be launched in the autumn offering an insight into the lives of the Parnell family who owned the estate until 1904 and whose famous son, Charles Stewart Parnell, played an important role in Irish politics.

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