Avondale Forest Park and Beyond the Trees
Journey above the trees on an accessible walkway and ascend a towering structure for breathtaking Wicklow views. Explore history and nature.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Avondale Forest Park and Beyond the Trees
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey above the trees on an accessible walkway and ascend a towering structure for breathtaking Wicklow views. Explore history and nature.
"A favorite on our trip to Ireland! Amazing views from the top and a thrilling slide down."
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry by booking your treetop walk tickets in advance online.
🛝 Grab Slide Sheet Early
If you want to use the slide, get your sheet at the bottom before you start the walk up!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Treetop Walkway
Avondale Forest Park
A 1.3km accessible walk high above the forest floor, offering unique perspectives and stunning views.
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Viewing Tower
End of Treetop Walk
Ascend this 38-meter tower for breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the Wicklow landscape.
Giant Slide
From Viewing Tower
A fun, optional descent from the viewing tower, adding an element of thrill to your visit.
Avondale House
Avondale Forest Park
Explore the historic Georgian home where Irish forestry began and learn about its rich past.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Peak Times
Embrace the Slide!
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry by booking your treetop walk tickets in advance online.
🛝 Grab Slide Sheet Early
If you want to use the slide, get your sheet at the bottom before you start the walk up!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on trails and the treetop walkway. Good footwear is a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are picnic tables and a playground, making it a great spot for a family lunch.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets Online
Save money & guarantee entry by booking your treetop walk tickets in advance online.
🛝 Grab Slide Sheet Early
If you want to use the slide, get your sheet at the bottom before you start the walk up!
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking on trails and the treetop walkway. Good footwear is a must!
🧺 Pack a Picnic
There are picnic tables and a playground, making it a great spot for a family lunch.
📸 Capture the Views
The panoramic vistas from the tower are incredible – don't forget your camera!
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the unique and engaging experience of the treetop walk and viewing tower, highlighting the stunning panoramic views and the fun of the optional slide. The park's natural beauty and historical significance of Avondale House also receive positive mentions, making it a well-rounded attraction for families and nature lovers alike. Some find the parking fee a bit high, and the slide is an additional cost.
"Our visit to Beyond The Trees was a last minute decision but it turned out to be a favorite on our recent trip to Ireland! (We visited it after our trip to the old Avoca woolen mill) What a great experience! You enjoy the scenery as you walk among the treetops- (with an amazing vantage point at the top of the Spirial!) and then get a quick and thrilling ride down the slide at the end! We loved it!!"
Emily
"This place offers a superb experience for families and friends. Kids will also enjoy it. The top has very nice scenery, and there’s a sliding tunnel there. There is a entry ticket of €16 PP in addition they charge €2 per ride(optional), but if you’re planning to slide, you can collect the sliding sheet at the ground level while walking up. It’s a great experience for kids, and it looks very safe."
Nilatharan Nitharsan
"Very impressive park for all ages. Lots of walking trails in the woods with some extraordinary views! The tree stand is great as well! Kids would love it here. Highly recommended!"
Jean-Francois LeBlanc
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Avondale Forest Park is located in Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow. You can drive there, with ample parking available (note the fixed parking fee). Alternatively, the Railway Walk from Rathdrum train station offers a scenic route to the park.
Yes, there is parking available at the park. However, be aware that there is a fixed parking fee, which some visitors find a bit steep.
While driving is common, you can access the park via the Railway Walk from Rathdrum train station, making it partially accessible by public transport.
The address is Beyond the Trees, Forest Park, Avondale, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, A67 P303, Ireland.
Yes, the Railway Walk is a scenic trail that leads from Rathdrum train station through woodlands to Avondale House and Beyond the Trees experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices typically range from €13 to €16 per person, with slight variations if you book online in advance versus paying on the day.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, to ensure entry and potentially get a better price.
No, the slide down from the viewing tower is an optional extra and costs an additional €2 per ride. You can collect your sliding sheet at the ground level.
While specific discounts aren't always advertised, booking online in advance can sometimes offer a slightly lower price compared to on-the-day purchases.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Beyond the Trees Avondale website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The treetop walk is a 1.3km accessible pathway that winds through the forest canopy, offering unique views and educational points along the way. It's a truly immersive experience.
The 38-meter viewing tower provides spectacular 360-degree panoramic views of the Vale of Avoca, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Avonmore River.
Absolutely! It's considered a perfect family day out with the treetop walk, viewing tower, playground, and picnic areas. Kids often love the slide and the interactive elements. +1
Yes, the park offers various walking trails through the woods, the historic Avondale House, a playground, and picnic facilities.
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring the treetop walk, viewing tower, and grounds. You can extend your visit by enjoying the forest trails and picnic areas.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewing tower offers unparalleled panoramic shots of the Wicklow landscape. The treetop walk itself provides unique perspectives looking down into the forest canopy.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the treetop walk and in the viewing tower. Be mindful of other visitors and ensure your camera is secure.
Morning light can be beautiful for capturing the mist rising from the valleys, while late afternoon offers golden hour hues.
Drone usage policies can vary. It's advisable to check with the park management or their official website for any restrictions on drone photography before your visit.
The spiral design of the viewing tower offers interesting architectural shots, and the diverse flora and fauna along the forest trails provide ample subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the main attractions, the park offers a playground and plenty of picnic spots, making it easy to spend a whole day here. The walking trails are also great for little legs to explore, and the educational elements on the treetop walk can be surprisingly captivating for curious minds. Remember to book tickets in advance to avoid queues, especially during school holidays.
🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
The treetop walk itself provides a unique way to experience the forest canopy, offering a different perspective than traditional ground-level hiking. The viewing tower is also a must-visit for its sweeping vistas of the Wicklow landscape, a treat for any nature lover. Consider combining your visit with the nearby Railway Walk for an extended scenic journey.
📸 Photographers
The treetop walk offers a different photographic angle, allowing you to capture the intricate details of the forest canopy from above. Look for interesting light filtering through the leaves or the textures of the bark. The diverse flora and fauna throughout the park also provide ample subjects for nature photography.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Treetop Walk Experience
+2At the culmination of the walk is a magnificent viewing tower, standing 38 meters tall. This architectural marvel provides breathtaking 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding Vale of Avoca, the rolling Wicklow Mountains, and the meandering Avonmore River. It's a prime spot for photography and simply soaking in the stunning Irish landscape.
For those seeking a bit more excitement, the optional giant slide offers a thrilling descent from the viewing tower. It's a popular feature, especially with younger visitors, and adds an element of fun to the overall visit. Remember to collect your sliding sheet at the bottom before you begin your ascent if you plan to take the plunge!
Exploring Avondale Forest Park
The park is also home to Avondale House, the historic Georgian residence of Charles Stewart Parnell, a pivotal figure in Irish history. Stepping inside Avondale House allows you to journey back in time and learn about the origins of Irish forestry and the legacy of Parnell. This historical element adds another layer of depth to the visitor experience, blending natural beauty with significant cultural heritage.
For families, the park provides excellent amenities, including a playground and picnic tables, making it an ideal destination for a full day out. You can pack your own lunch and enjoy it amidst the serene surroundings, further enhancing the value and enjoyment of your visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit