Avondale Forest Park is a hidden gem located in the heart of Wicklow, Ireland. What is unique about this park is that it provides you with a fully accessible treetop walk and viewing tower to enjoy the fresh air and the unique and breathtaking panoramic perspective of the scenic forest and its surroundings.
A fun fact about its walking experience is that there is an option to descend to the bottom of the tower on a giant spiral slide adding to its fun and adventurous atmosphere, and we just paid €2.00 additional charge for that. It is truly captivating for people of all ages.
This beautiful park also offers you a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the area’s natural beauty. It is a scenic place to have quality time and a perfect family day for picnics, especially during the summer months.
Whether you’re a resident or a visitor to Wicklow, Avondale Forest Park is a must-see destination. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the park and all it has to offer.
In 2023, My friend Devanshi discovered this hidden gem in Wicklow and wanted all of us to explore this place. To be honest, I was lazing around over the weekend and didn’t wish to move an inch out of my cosy setup but my friends were adamant and managed to somehow convince me.
Well, I do not regret it at all. Visiting this true gem left a great impression on me. It provided me with a unique and beautiful walking experience. The walking trails are suitable for various activities, such as picnicking in the captivating gardens and wandering through the stunning forest.
It is also a wonderful place at night when the whole place lights up, providing you with a dreamy and unforgettable experience.
Your Guide To Visit Avondale Forest Park
How to reach Avondale Forest Park?
Avondale Forest Park by its name confirms that is in the middle of the dense forest, so it’s always better to rent a car or go by private vehicle. You will enjoy the drive till there.
Location
It is actually located in Avondale, Forest Park, Avondale, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, A67 P303, Ireland.
Parking
Due to the forest area, it has a large parking area and the parking here is unpaid. Mostly it is not that crowded so parking is not a bother.
Entrance Fee
To be up-to-date about the prices and tickets you can check this website.
The Avondale Visiting Tower
Avondale Visiting Tower is one of the top attractions in Avondale Forest Park. It is known for its amazing architectural work which allows you to have a great 360-degree panoramic view of the forest.
The walk towards the Avondale visiting tower is 1.2 km, and if you think it is hectic, don’t be scared. On the contrary, you will love the walk as it is so soothing and surrounded by greenery all the way. You can also take kids along with you as they will literally love the flora and fauna around the place.
You can literally view all around Avondale because it is at a good height. The Avondale Visiting Tower is constructed 38 meters tall and consists of 12 storeys. The tower is constructed in a helix structure so you don’t have to worry about climbing stairs. You can just have a good walk to the top of the tower.
I personally enjoyed climbing it, and trust me the surrounding was amazing. You can listen to the birds chirping and the winds crossing the trees. It’s such a beyond-the-words experience and delight to anyone who wants a break from a really hectic schedule.
Once you are on top you will get an amazing view of the whole forest. The place on which the tower is built is at a particular height so you could see everything from above. You can feel the wind passing by. I literally wanted to stay there forever because it felt like doing some kind of meditation.
While visiting this place one thing you have to keep in mind is the weather. Avoid going on a rainy day as it can ruin your experience of walking around nature. Visit on a sunny day so you can see the best of Avondale Forest park.
In case you are lucky and it’s not raining you can also enjoy the slide down from the tower which is approx 90m. It is a very fun experience and it is not at all dangerous. So if you are a little adventurous person do try it.
Other things to explore in Avondale Forest Park
Avondale Forest Park is a great option for a family picnic or some group hangout. There are many things to do, and trust me, if you have kids then they’re gonna love this place.
Hiking down the trails: The park offers a variety of hiking trails, including a 2km walk around the lake and a 4 Km walk around the forest.
Picnicking: There are picnic tables and benches all around the park, Making it a great spot for a family picnic.
Visitor Centre: The park has a visitor centre where you can get information about the park and its history. It also has a small exhibition on the history of the park.
Playground: There is a children’s playground for kids which includes slides and swings.
Wildlife watching: Avondale Forest Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, woodpeckers, and badgers.
Conclusion
Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow is an absolutely beautiful and serene location, offering a wide range of activities for you to enjoy. It’s a unique and important attraction that has been transformed into a must-visit destination, perfect for a peaceful and memorable day out.
I hope this information will be useful for you before you travel there. If you plan to visit Avondale Forest Park, I would happily hear about your experience.
Since Avondale Forest Park is located in Wicklow, here is another useful resource for you to explore the variety of things you can do in Wicklow.
