Standing amid a grove of eucalyptus trees on the edge of the historic Great Ride at Avondale the Viewing Tower reaches 38 metres into the sky and can be seen peeping above the trees on approach from Rathdrum.

It is a marvel of timber construction using innovative glulam beams – an engineered wood product that equals the structural strength of steel – and the most modern methods of building with wood. The wood in the Viewing Tower (and the Treetop Walk) is Irish with many of the trees coming from right here in Avondale Forest Park.

To reach the Viewing Tower you must first follow the treetop walk – from the tunnel you emerge at the foot of the tower. The spiral ramped boardwalk rises slowly through the forest never exceeding a gradient of 6 degrees which makes it fully wheelchair and pram accessible with resting points on each level. As you move upwards keep an ear out for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family who nest in one of the nearby eucalyptus trees. You may also see other wildlife and plant life and you will certainly see new vistas from the ever-increasing heights.

The Seed Café is a contemporary, bright and spacious new café located in the Visitors Centre, overlooking the picturesque Walled Garden at Beyond the Trees Avondale.

Here you will enjoy a variety of creative food offerings crafted through the seasons by our dedicated culinary team from locally sourced, fresh Wicklow ingredients. Choose from homemade soups, quiches, healthy salads, fragrant curries, freshly prepared sandwiches including bagels, wraps and baguettes, and of course a host of delicious homemade sweet treats. Menus will be updated regularly, so there will always be something new to try for our regular visitors.

We also have a fabulous outdoor dining terrace, ideal for families whose little ones want to enjoy the adventurous playground beside the Seed Café deck whilst lunch being prepared.

Whether you are planning a family day out at Beyond the Trees Avondale or simply a casual catch-up with friends, the Seed Café is a vibrant and popular local meeting place for everyone.

Tour groups welcome – Seating capacity 250 guests

“Treetop Night Lights” invites visitors to explore the forest after dark, offering a dazzling spectacle that goes beyond the usual festive celebrations.

Running from Friday, November 15th, 2024, to Sunday, January 19th, 2025, Treetop Night Lights isn’t just another Christmas experience; it’s a celebration of winter and an exploration of a nighttime forest fantasy. As the sun sets, Avondale Forest Park transforms into a magical realm where the trees come alive with a captivating display of lights.

The centerpiece of this unique experience is the beautifully lit treetop walkway, guiding visitors through the forest canopy in a way that transcends the ordinary. As you traverse the walkway, be prepared to be amazed by the illuminating spectacle that surrounds you, turning the woods into a breathtaking winter wonderland.

A home that was once full of life and laughter; where one resident was a champion of trees, while another became one of Ireland’s greatest historical figures. The rooms of this great house are brought to life for our visitors, and once again the stories of these families fill these beautiful spaces.

In 1770 Samuel Hayes, a young barrister and keen naturalist, inherited a large estate in Wicklow, which he called Avondale. Samuel was a man ahead of his time. Not only did he write Ireland’s first book devoted to trees, but he also realised that the native forests of Ireland were disappearing. He knew the solution was in afforestation and managing woodlands, so he set about creating a forest park on his land and creating a home here. Designed by James Wyatt, in the Georgian style, Avondale House was built in 1777.

Beyond the Trees Avondale is a unique world class visitor destination, located in the 500-acre Avondale Forest Park, Wicklow. Surrounded by nature and immersed in Irish history, it also features a spectacular Treetop Walk & Viewing Tower.

We cater for all groups including special interest groups, corporate, school tours, TY groups, active retirement, Irish and international tour groups.

There is something to appeal to groups of all generations. From arrival, our visitor journey has been thoughtfully designed to be accessible to everyone.

We are open throughout all four seasons of the year. Throughout all of our immersive visitor experiences we strive to encourage and promote sustainable tourism practices at every opportunity.

We recommend at least 3 hours for your group visit here, however there are so many engaging experiences here at Beyond the Trees Avondale we suggest you stay longer and discover our story through the day. Enjoy a taste of Wicklow at the Seed Café or pack a picnic to enjoy in the forest park, the choice is yours.

Bookable experiences are as follows, please ensure to book your group in advance of arrival.