Site Name:

National Grid Reference

T 862 194   Understanding grid references

Ordnance Survey Ireland Discovery Series:

62

Location

Rathdrum, Co. Wicklow  Download location map

How do I get there?

Avondale is approximately one hour from South Dublin on N11.  On the N11 take the R772 to Rathnew and the R752 to Rathdrum.  The Forest Park is situated 1.5 miles south of Rathdrum on the L2149 to Avondale House and Forest Park.

Avondale Forest Park Trail(s)

• River Walk
• Cairn Walk
• Exotic Tree Trail
• Pine Tree Trail
• Centenary Trail
• Slí na Slainte
• Download Map - All Trails

Avondale Forest Park has much to offer the visitor whether their interest is in our national history, the development of forestry in Ireland or the extensive collection of trees and shrubs from around the world.  The forest park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore River covering 214 hectares of land.  Avondale offers endless variety to the walkers with its scenery ranging from the magnificent openness of the Great Ride to the towering impressiveness of the massed conifers on the banks of the Avonmore.   The ruins of Parnell’s old sawmill and Parnell’s well are located on the site.

Avondale is synonymous with the birth of Irish forestry. The State purchased Avondale in 1904 and it was in Avondale that the first silvicultural experimental plots were laid out along the lines of a continental forest garden.  The park has six way-marked walks and trails:

  • River Walk
  • Cairn Walk
  • Exotic Tree Trail
  • Pine Tree Trail
  • Centenary Trail
  • Slí na Slainte (Path to Health)

Avondale also hosts a permanent orienteering course, you can download maps and information here.

Avondale is home to most of our common woodland animals including red squirrel, badger, hedgehog, stoat and fox.  The rabbit and hare are occasionally visitors.  Rich bird life exists with over ninety species having been recorded here. 
Avondale House was built in 1779 for Samuel Hayes.  When he died in 1795 the house passed to the Parnell Family.  It was at Avondale that Charles Stewart Parnell, one of the greatest political leaders of modern Irish history, was born in 1846. The House is now a museum to his memory.  

Opening times for Avondale House:- 

September - Tuesday to Sunday: 11 - 4.30pm

October 1st to 17th - Tuesday to Sunday: 11 - 4pm

October 18th to 31st - Weekends only: 11 - 4pm

Last admission to house, 1 hour before closing time.

Opening times for The Kitchen Café:- 

September - Tuesday to Sunday: 11 - 4pm

October 1st to 17th - Tuesday to Sunday: 12 - 4pm

October 18th to 31st - Weekends only: 12 - 4pm

Open on bank holiday Mondays.  Outside these times by arrangement.  Subject to change at discretion of management.

Further information: 0404 46111

www.coillteoutdoors.ie 

Tickets for Avondale can be purchased online by clicking here.

Contact Info