Avondale: Beyond the Trees Treetop Walk & Tower Entry Ticket

Trees turn into a viewing platform here. Avondale’s Treetop Walk gives you a gentle 1.4-kilometer route through 99 tree species, then carries you 38 meters above County Wicklow. I like the mix of nature, simple learning stations, and play areas. I also like that the ramped route works for wheelchairs and prams. The main drawback is that parking and the tower slide cost extra, and the slide may close in damp weather.

You do not need a guide to enjoy this outing, which keeps the pace in your hands. A sunny day brings the best views, and children get plenty to do along the way. The activity has a strong 4.6 rating from 47 reviews, with particular praise for the family appeal and the slide, though a family ticket would make the pricing easier for larger groups.

Key points to know before you go

• The walk covers 1.4 kilometers: You move from forest floor to treetop height on a boardwalk with changing views.
• The tower reaches 38 meters: The circular platform looks over Avondale Forest Park, the Wicklow Mountains, and the Avonmore River Valley.
• There are 99 tree species: Look for trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago.
• The route is wheelchair and pram accessible: The ramp never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and has resting points.
• The slide costs extra: The 90-meter tower slide is €2 per person and can have long lines.
• Your ticket opens up more than the treetop route: You also get forest trails, picnic areas, the Walled Garden, the Coillte Pavilion exhibition, and children’s play areas.

Starting at Avondale Forest Park reception

Your first stop is the main reception at Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow. Do not go straight to the Treetop Walk entrance. You must check in at reception first, collect your QR code, and receive directions to the gate.

This small bit of planning matters. The entrance gate is not the same as the car park reception, and arriving at the wrong point could slow down your start. Keep the QR code handy, along with the printed voucher required for the activity.

The entry ticket costs $18 per person and is valid for one day. The ticket gives you access to the main route as well as several other park facilities, so it is better value if you allow time for more than the tower alone.

Parking is separate. You pay €6 on arrival, and that charge covers the full day. Since you can use the trails, picnic tables, café, walled garden, and exhibition after the walk, staying for several hours makes more sense than rushing in for a quick look.

A calm walk above the Avonmore River Valley

The route begins on a boardwalk that extends above the Avonmore River Valley. It is a comfortable stroll rather than a demanding hike, with fresh air, woodland views, and a gradual change in height.

At first, you are close to the forest floor. As the walkway continues, you gain a better view into the surrounding trees and begin to understand how the forest is layered. The changing height gives the route its rhythm, so it never feels like one long flat path.

The boardwalk is also designed to keep you moving without rough ground underfoot. Comfortable shoes are still a good idea, but you do not need specialist hiking gear. Wear clothing suited to Irish weather, since much of the attraction is outdoors and conditions can change.

Along the way, learning stations explain the trees and the wildlife around you. This is not a formal guided tour, so you can stop when something interests you and move on when the younger members of your group start looking for the next play feature.

Finding 99 tree species, including old plantings

One of the more unusual details here is the number of tree species. The route passes 99 different types, making it more than a raised path with a view.

You can learn about the trees as you go, including plantings made by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago. That detail gives the walk a sense of time without turning it into a long history lesson. You are looking at living trees with a very long connection to Avondale.

The route also gives you a chance to notice how the forest changes as you rise. From ground level, you see trunks, undergrowth, and nearby paths. Higher up, you look across the tops of the trees and out toward the wider Wicklow countryside.

I like this combination of close-up nature and broad views. You are not simply taken to a platform and told to admire the scenery. The walk lets you see how the forest works before presenting the big view at the tower.

Play stations that keep children moving

Families get more from this outing than a scenic walk. Play areas along the boardwalk include games about birds, animals, and their habitats.

These stations break up the route in a useful way. Adults can pause to read or enjoy the view, while children have a reason to keep walking. You should still supervise children at all times, especially as the path rises and the tower section becomes more open.

The family appeal is one of the strongest parts of the activity. One child described the view as a highlight, while another comment praised the slide as great craic. Those details point to the right expectation: this works best when you treat it as an active park outing, not a quiet woodland walk.

There is no family ticket option listed, so groups with several children should calculate the total before booking. The base price is reasonable for a full-day ticket, but the cost rises once you add parking and the optional slide.

Passing through the tunnel to the viewing tower

At the end of the first walkway, you pass through a short underground tunnel. Then the Viewing Tower comes into sight.

This change adds a little drama to the route. The first section is about trees and the river valley. The tunnel signals that the higher climb is next.

The tower route uses a spiral ramped boardwalk rather than stairs. You climb slowly, with views changing as you gain height. Resting points sit on each level, so you can pause without blocking the whole route.

The ramp never exceeds a 6-degree gradient. That makes this section accessible for wheelchairs and prams, and all medical-grade wheelchairs are permitted. Mobility scooters are also allowed when someone cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair. Carers go free, with the carer ticket available at reception on arrival.

If you have vertigo, this may not be the right attraction. The route is designed to be gradual, but you are still rising high above the ground on an exposed structure. Anyone uneasy with height should think carefully before booking.

The 38-meter platform and Wicklow views

The circular viewing platform sits 38 meters above the ground. From here, you look across Avondale Forest Park, toward the Wicklow Mountains, and beyond.

The exact quality of the view depends heavily on the weather. On a clear, sunny day, you get the broadest sweep and the strongest sense of height. In cloud or rain, the tower remains interesting, but the distant views will be less rewarding.

I would plan this visit around the forecast if you can. The route is enjoyable in ordinary Irish weather, but the top platform is the payoff, and clear conditions help you make the most of it.

Listen for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family nesting in nearby eucalyptus trees. You may not see them, but knowing they are there adds another reason to slow down and pay attention. This is a small detail, yet it helps turn the tower climb into a closer look at the forest rather than a simple photo stop.

Choosing the 90-meter slide or the walk down

Once you reach the platform, you can return to ground level by walking back down the ramp or by using the giant 90-meter slide inside the tower.

The slide costs €2 per person, paid separately on site. It is the part that children often anticipate most, and one of the strongest points in the available feedback. Still, you should not assume it will always be running.

The slide can close in wet or humid weather for safety reasons. Busy periods can also bring long queues. If you are visiting during a popular time, decide how much time you are willing to spend waiting before you pay.

Walking down is slower but gives you another chance to enjoy the views. For many adults, that is enough. For children and anyone young at heart, the slide adds a short burst of fun at an extra cost.

More to do after the treetop route

Your ticket does not end at the tower. You can continue using the forest park for the rest of the day.

Picnic tables are placed in several areas, giving you the option of bringing food and staying outdoors. The Seed Café serves freshly prepared dishes made with locally sourced ingredients, which is useful if you want a proper meal rather than a packed lunch.

The Walled Garden beside the café has an adventurous playground for children. This makes the park a practical choice for families who need more than one activity. A child who has had enough of the boardwalk can play while adults take a break.

You can also visit the Coillte Pavilion, which has a free forestry exhibition. Multiple forest trails are included as well, so the $18 entry fee becomes more worthwhile when you combine the treetop route with a picnic, café stop, playground visit, or short walk.

The wider park access is an important part of the value. If you only have time for the tower, the price may feel less generous once parking is added. If you stay for much of the day, the package makes better sense.

Practical details for different visitors

The route is wheelchair and pram accessible, with gentle ramps and resting points. That is a real strength, particularly for families with small children or anyone who cannot manage steps.

Only registered assistance dogs are allowed on the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower. Dogs may use the forest trails and Walled Gardens on a leash, but ordinary pets cannot enter the buildings or the raised walk.

Children must be supervised throughout the visit. The park has play areas, but this is not a drop-off attraction.

English is the stated language, and the host or greeter is English-speaking. The ticket is valid for one day, with starting times depending on availability. You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option gives you some flexibility when your County Wicklow plans are not fixed.

Bring comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. The route itself is easy underfoot, but you are still spending time outdoors.

Is Avondale’s Treetop Walk worth $18?

For $18 per person, I see good value if you use the full park access. The 1.4-kilometer route, tower, learning stations, picnic areas, trails, exhibition, and Walled Garden give you plenty of ways to fill a half day or longer.

The extra costs are modest but worth noting. Parking is €6 for the day, and the slide is another €2 per person. There is no family ticket option listed, so a larger family may find the total less attractive than the headline ticket price suggests.

The walk itself does not need a guide. You set your own pace, read the stations, stop at the play areas, and choose whether to use the slide. That independent format suits people who prefer freedom over a fixed schedule.

The biggest variable is weather. A wet day will not ruin the woodland section, but it can reduce the distant views and close the slide. For the best combination of scenery and activities, choose a clear day if your schedule allows.

Should you book the Avondale Treetop Walk?

Book it if you want an easy outdoor attraction that works for both adults and children, especially if you are already exploring County Wicklow. The accessible route, old trees, river valley views, tower, playground, and trails give the visit more substance than a single lookout.

It is especially well suited to families, wheelchair users, pram users, and anyone who wants nature without a strenuous hike. Allow extra time for the café, picnic areas, or Walled Garden rather than treating the ticket as a quick photo stop.

Think twice if you have vertigo, dislike exposed heights, or expect the slide to be guaranteed. Also check the total cost for your group, since parking and the optional slide are separate.

For most visitors, I would book on a reasonably dry day and arrive ready to spend several hours. The best part is not one spectacular moment. It is the steady change from forest floor to treetops, followed by a high view over Wicklow.

FAQ

How long is the Avondale Treetop Walk?

The treetop journey covers 1.4 kilometers. The ticket is valid for one day, so you can spend additional time using the forest trails and other park facilities.

How high is the Viewing Tower?

The circular viewing platform is 38 meters above the ground. It offers views over Avondale Forest Park, the Wicklow Mountains, and the surrounding countryside.

Is the Treetop Walk wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The spiral ramped boardwalk never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and includes resting points on each level. Medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed, and mobility scooters are permitted for visitors who cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair.

How much does the tower slide cost?

The 90-meter slide costs €2 per person and is not included in the entry ticket. It may have long queues and can close in wet or humid weather.

Can I bring my dog?

Ordinary dogs are allowed on a leash on the forest trails and in the Walled Gardens. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed inside the buildings and on the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower.

Where do I collect my QR code?

You must check in at the main reception at Avondale Forest Park before going to the Treetop Walk entrance gate. Reception provides your QR code and directions.