Overview
Avondale House, built in 1777, is a Georgian manor that once belonged to the Hayes and Parnell families. It is best known as the birthplace of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846‑1891), the charismatic leader of the Home Rule movement. The house sits in the heart of Avondale Forest Park – a 500‑hectare woodland that has been transformed into the Beyond the Trees destination, featuring a treetop walkway, a 38‑metre viewing tower, a slide, a walled garden, a café and a range of marked forest trails.
History
The estate was originally created by Samuel Hayes, a barrister and early forester who planted thousands of trees in the late 18th century. After Hayes died childless in 1795, the property passed to his cousin Sir John Parnell and then to William Parnell‑Hayes, whose son Charles Stewart Parnell was born in the house in 1846. Parnell inherited the estate in 1859 and, despite financial difficulties, expanded the saw‑mill and quarry operations that would later fund his political campaigns for land reform.
Following Parnell’s death in 1891 the estate changed hands, fell into disrepair and was eventually bought by the Irish government in 1904. It served as a forestry school and the surrounding woodlands were replanted with exotic conifers, giant redwoods from California and Sitka spruce from British Columbia. The ruins of Parnell’s old saw‑mill and his well remain on the grounds.
A major restoration programme announced by Fáilte Ireland in 2019 culminated in the opening of Beyond the Trees Avondale by President Michael D. Higgins in July 2022. The refurbished house reopened to the public in 2023, offering guided tours that weave together the Parnell legacy, the history of Irish forestry and the natural beauty of the park.
What to See & Do
- Guided house tour – Small‑group tours (maximum 12 participants) take you through the drawing‑room, library, the American Room dedicated to Admiral Charles Stewart (Parnell’s American grandfather) and the first‑floor balcony where Parnell rehearsed speeches. Original plasterwork and period furniture remain in place.
- Treetop Walk – A fully accessible 1.4 km timber walkway winds through the canopy, offering interpretive stations about the Great Tree Experiment of 1905, the giant redwoods, and the wildlife that now inhabits the forest.
- Viewing Tower – At 38 m high, the tower provides 360° panoramas of the Wicklow Mountains, the Avonmore River valley and the Vale of Avoca.
- Spiral Slide – An optional 90 m slide descends from the tower, delivering a thrilling finish for the adventurous.
- Walled Garden & Seed Café – The garden’s south‑facing brick wall creates a micro‑climate for seasonal wildflowers. The Seed Café serves locally sourced soups, salads and sandwiches, with an outdoor terrace overlooking the garden.
- Forest Trails – Seven way‑marked routes cater to all abilities, from the gentle 800 m Below the Trees Loop (ideal for families and buggies) to the 5 km River Walk with river‑side vistas. The Railway Walk follows the old line from Rathdrum railway station, passing under a historic viaduct.
- Heritage features – Explore the ruins of Parnell’s saw‑mill, the historic Parnell’s well, and the experimental planting plots that still inform Irish forestry practice.
Practical Information
Opening hours (subject to seasonal daylight changes):
| Season | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (May‑Sept) | Daily | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Winter (Oct‑Apr) | Daily | 10:00 – 17:00 (may close earlier in darkness) |
Admission fees (guided house tour and/or treetop experience):
| Ticket type | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 15.00 |
| Child (4‑17) | 12.00 |
| Concession | 13.00 |
| Family (1 Adult + 3 Children) | 25.00 |
| Family (2 Adults + 3 Children) | 40.00 |
| Car park | 5.00 per vehicle |
| Optional slide | 2.00 |
Tickets can be purchased on‑site at the visitor centre (subject to availability) or pre‑booked online via the official site. The guided house tour runs on a fixed schedule; advance booking is recommended, especially in peak summer months.
Getting there – Avondale is about 1 hour south of Dublin via the N11, then the R752 to Rathdrum and the L2149 to the estate (approximately 2 km from the village). Rathdrum railway station is a short walk from the park, and regular bus services connect the village to Dublin and Wicklow town.
Parking & facilities – A car park with electric‑vehicle charging points is available on site (fee €5 per car). Restrooms, a gift shop and the Seed Café are located in the visitor centre. The treetop walk, viewing tower and house are all wheelchair‑ and buggy‑accessible; the Multi‑access Loop trail is specifically designed for wheelchair users.
Contact & online resources
- Website: https://www.beyondthetreesavondale.com/
- Phone: +353 69 77686 (International) / 0404 46111 (local)
- Booking portal: https://booking.beyondthetreesavondale.com/Home
- Trail maps and detailed opening‑hour updates: https://www.beyondthetreesavondale.com/plan-your-visit/opening-hours/
Visitor notes – The maximum group size for the house tour is twelve, creating an intimate experience. Children aged eight and over may join the guided tour; younger children must be accompanied by an adult. The slide is optional and requires adult supervision for children under six.
Avondale House and its surrounding forest offer a rare blend of Irish political history, pioneering forestry, and immersive nature experiences – a must‑see for history buffs, families and anyone seeking a scenic day out in County Wicklow.