Beyond the Trees Avondale
Description
Beyond the Trees Avondale is a world-class outdoor visitor attraction in Rathdrum, County Wicklow, ranking as one of the best things to do with kids in Rathdrum. Operating as an interactive tree top walk and nature park, it gives families an immersive adventure elevated high into the canopy of Avondale Forest.
Prices start from £0.00 for infants under 3 years old, while individual standard admission tickets start from around £12.50 depending on booking type and currency conversion. With accessible timber boardwalks, dedicated adventure play areas, and family ticket bundles, it offers fantastic value for an outdoor day out.
If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this forest venue blends natural heritage with thrilling outdoor exploration. Children can walk above the trees, slide down a massive 38-metre spiral slide, explore an inclusive wooden playground, and learn about Irish wildlife along interactive learning stations. It makes for an unforgettable family outing in County Wicklow.
Features
- Paid
- Host birthday parties: No
Features
What are the key features for families?
- Interactive Exhibits: Tactile forestry panels, hidden tunnel passages, and canopy viewing telescopes engage children as they walk along the timber ramp.
- Educational Day Out: Families discover local biodiversity, forest conservation history, bird species, and the story of Avondale House.
- Sensory Play and Nature: Rustling pine canopies, wooden climbing structures, bird calls, and panoramic views stimulate young senses.
- Outdoor Exploration: Over 1.4 kilometres of barrier-free boardwalk lead visitors safely from the forest floor to the soaring viewing tower.
What are the main highlights kids will love?
- 38-Metre Spiral Viewing Tower: Walking up the gentle, step-free circular ramp to take in 360-degree views of the Vale of Avoca.
- The Giant Spiral Slide: Sliding down the enormous 38-metre tunnel slide built right into the heart of the timber tower.
- Treetop Walkway: Strolling along the elevated 1.4 km timber path suspended up to 23 metres above the forest floor.
- Inclusive Adventure Playground: Playing on custom-built wooden climbing frames, swings, bridges, and sensory play units.
- Avondale House & Walled Garden: Exploring the historic estate grounds, sensory gardens, and seed-planting pathways surrounding the visitor centre.
Specific Named Objects and Sub-Exhibits Within the Collection
- The 38-Metre Timber Viewing Tower Structure
- The Spiral Giant Tunnel Slide Mechanism
- The Treetop Walk Boardwalk Suspension Bridge Section
- Canopy Wildlife Discovery Stations & Interactive Panels
- Avondale House Historic Estate Rooms
- The Walled Garden Sensory Play & Plant Trail
- Forest Park Wooden Adventure Play Fort
- Samuel Hayes Heritage Tree Collection Monuments
- The Seed Cafe Local Food Display
- Avondale Forest Park River Walk & Vale Viewing Point
Facilities
- Food Options: The Seed Cafe serves freshly prepared meals, artisan lunches, children's meals, pastries, hot drinks, and ice cream; outdoor picnic areas are also available.
- Toilets: Modern public toilets, fully accessible facilities, Changing Places spaces, and baby-changing rooms are situated at the visitor centre.
- Buggy Parking: The entire Treetop Walkway and Viewing Tower are fully barrier-free and stroller-friendly with gentle gradients.
What to see
What Visitors Love
- Fully accessible, gentle slopes make it exceptionally easy for pushchairs, wheelchairs, and grandparents.
- High-quality adventure playground that keeps children entertained for hours after finishing the walk.
- Impressive views from the top of the tower and the thrill of the giant spiral slide.
- Welcoming staff and very clean, modern facilities throughout the site.
What Visitors Don't Like
- The giant slide requires an additional small charge per ride and can have queue times during sunny weekends.
- Parking fees apply when using the main forest car park.
- Outdoor sections offer limited shelter during heavy rainstorms, requiring good wet-weather clothing.
Top Tips for Your Visit
- Book the Slide in Advance: Slide tickets are purchased on-site or during booking, so check height requirements (1.2m minimum) before joining the line.
- Dress for Outdoor Weather: Canopy boardwalks can feel breezy, so bring waterproof coats and sturdy walking shoes.
- Combine with a Picnic: Take advantage of the spacious grassy parkland near the playground to enjoy a lunch break outdoors.
Price
Price: Paid
Price Details
Treetop Walk & Viewing Tower
- Adult: €18.00
- Child (4-17): €15.00
- Child (0-3): Free
- Concession: €16.00
- Family 1+3 (1 Adult & up to 3 Kids): €35.00
- Family 2+3 (2 Adults & up to 3 Kids): €46.00
Avondale House
- Adult: €16.00
- Child (4-17): €13.00 (recommended for aged 8 upwards)
- Child (0-3): Recommended for children aged 8 upwards
- Concession: €14.00
- Family 1+3 (1 Adult & up to 3 Kids): €30.00
- Family 2+3 (2 Adults & up to 3 Kids): €42.00
Combination Ticket
- Adult: €30.60
- Child (4-17): €25.20 (recommended for aged 8 upwards)
- Child (0-3): Recommended for children aged 8 upwards
- Concession: €27.00
- Family 1+3 (1 Adult & up to 3 Kids): €58.50
- Family 2+3 (2 Adults & up to 3 Kids): €79.20
Pricing URL: https://www.beyondthetreesavondale.com/plan-your-visit/tickets-prices/
Birthday Parties
Offer Birthday Parties: No
Open daily from 10 am, last entry is 6 pm and closed by 7 pm.
Address: Avondale, Forest Park, Avondale, Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow, A67 P303, Ireland
Post Code: A67 P303
Council: Wicklow County Counc
County: County Wicklow
- By Car: Drive via the N11 / M11 from Dublin toward Wicklow, exit at Junction 16 or 17, and follow signs along the R752 directly to Rathdrum and Avondale Forest Park.
- Car Parking: On-site customer parking is available inside Avondale Forest Park with dedicated accessible spaces.
- By Train / Bus: Irish Rail services stop at Rathdrum Station (1.5 miles away), connecting to local taxis or walking routes to the park entrance.
Rating breakdown
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