Avondale: Beyond the Trees Treetop Walk & Tower Entry Ticket

The Avondale Treetop Walk takes you from the forest floor out above the Avonmore River Valley, then up a long, ramped walkway to a viewing platform 38 meters high. I like two things especially: the route passes 99 tree species, including trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago, and the gradual climb makes the tower accessible to wheelchairs and prams.

The main catch is that the best views depend on the weather, and the optional slide can close in wet or humid conditions. You’ll also need to collect your QR code at reception before heading to the walk entrance, so don’t skip that first stop.

What to know before you go

• A 1.4-kilometer route takes you through several forest heights: The boardwalk begins at ground level, then rises through the treetops and over the Avonmore River Valley.
• The tower reaches 38 meters above ground: A gently ramped walkway leads to the circular viewing platform, with resting points along the way.
• There are 99 tree species to spot: Look for the trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago, and keep an ear out for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family near the eucalyptus trees.
• The €18 ticket includes more than the walk: You also get access to forest trails, the Coillte Pavilion forestry exhibition, picnic tables, and the walled garden playground.
• The slide costs extra: The 90-meter tower slide is €2 per person, and it may close in wet or humid weather. Queues can build at busy times.
• Check in at reception first: Collect your QR code before proceeding to the Treetop Walk gate. Parking costs €6 for the day and is paid separately.

The walk begins above the Avonmore River Valley

Your first stop is Avondale Forest Park reception, where you collect the QR code needed to enter the Treetop Walk. It’s a small but important detail: the walk entrance is not where you check in, so follow the directions from reception rather than heading straight to the gate.

The route covers 1.4 kilometers, beginning on a boardwalk that reaches out above the Avonmore River Valley. You move through forest at changing heights, from ground level toward the treetop canopy, with fresh air and views of the surrounding woodland along the way.

This is a self-guided visit, not a scheduled tour led by a named guide. That suits the setting. You can set your own pace, stop to read the information, and spend time at the features that interest you, rather than keeping up with a group.

Look closely at the trees and activity stations

The route passes 99 different tree species, and the walk’s information points give you a reason to pay attention rather than simply follow the boardwalk. One detail worth seeking out is the group of trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago. It adds a sense of time to a walk that might otherwise feel like a pleasant stroll above the woods.

There are also activity and learning stations along the way. Children can use the play areas and games to explore birds, animals, and their forest habitats. If you’re visiting without children, you can still pause at the stations, though the route’s main appeal is the combination of forest views and the tower at the end.

Near the eucalyptus trees, listen for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family said to nest there. You may not spot one, but the possibility gives you a good reason to slow down and pay attention to the sounds around you.

The ramp makes the climb part of the visit

At the end of the elevated walk, you pass through a short underground tunnel before emerging at the Viewing Tower. The climb begins on a spiral ramped boardwalk, which rises gradually rather than relying on stairs.

The ramp never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and has resting points on each level. That makes the route wheelchair and pram accessible, and it changes who can take part in the tower experience. Medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed. Mobility scooters are permitted only when a visitor cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair.

The gradual ascent also gives you time to watch the views shift as you gain height. You are not simply stepping onto a platform at the top; the climb itself is part of the experience. Still, the tower reaches 38 meters above ground, and the activity is not suitable for people with vertigo. If heights make you uneasy, the forest walk may be more appealing than the tower.

The 38-meter platform earns its place

At the top, the circular viewing platform opens up views across Avondale Forest Park, the Wicklow Mountains, and beyond. A clear, sunny day is the best bet for seeing the countryside at its finest, so if the weather is poor, keep your expectations measured. The walk remains worthwhile in less-than-perfect conditions, but the broad views are a key reason to go.

The platform gives you a fresh perspective on the forest you’ve just crossed. It is a simple payoff, but a satisfying one: trees that looked close and familiar from the boardwalk become part of a wider sweep of woodland and hills.

Give yourself a moment up there rather than treating the tower as a quick photo stop. The route is designed to let you pause, and the views are the clearest reward for making the climb.

The slide is fun, but not part of the ticket

You can return to the ground by walking back down the ramp or by taking the 90-meter slide inside the tower. The slide costs €2 per person, paid separately on site. It’s a short, playful finish, and children may be especially keen to try it.

There are practical limits. The slide can have long queues when the park is busy, and it closes in wet or humid weather for safety reasons. Its operation also depends on weather and safety conditions, so don’t build your whole visit around it.

If the slide is open and the queue is manageable, it adds a lively end to the tower visit. If it is closed, the walk back down still gives you a final look at the changing views.

Make time for the rest of Avondale Forest Park

Your ticket includes access to more than the Treetop Walk and Tower. You can explore multiple forest trails, visit the free forestry exhibition at the Coillte Pavilion, and use picnic tables in different parts of the park. These extras make the ticket more useful if you want to turn the walk into a longer outing rather than a single attraction.

The walled garden is another worthwhile stop, especially for families. It has a children’s playground beside the Seed Café, which serves freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients. You can bring your own food and use the picnic tables, or make the café part of the visit.

Dogs are allowed on a leash on the forest trails and in the walled gardens. Only registered assistance dogs can enter buildings or join you on the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower. Children must be supervised at all times.

What the ticket costs, and what it covers

The entry ticket costs $18 per person. For that, you get the 1.4-kilometer walk, the tower, the activity and learning stations, access to forest trails, the forestry exhibition, picnic tables, and the walled garden playground. If you plan to spend time in the park beyond the walk, those included extras help the price go further.

Budget separately for the €6 full-day parking fee and the €2 slide, if you choose to use it. Both are paid on site. The slide is optional, so the core experience does not depend on paying extra.

There may not be a family-ticket option in the booking choices, so check the price for your group before you commit. Carers go free, but the carer ticket is available only at reception on arrival.

Practical details for a smoother visit

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suited to the weather. The route is outdoors, and the view from the top is more rewarding when conditions are clear. A printed voucher is required, and all visitors must check in at reception before going to the Treetop Walk entrance.

The ticket is valid for one day, with starting times depending on availability. It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. The host or greeter speaks English.

The route’s ramp and resting points make it accessible to many wheelchair users and families with prams, but the tower height is still worth considering if you have a strong fear of heights. Assistance dogs are permitted on the walk and in buildings; other dogs can enjoy the trails and garden areas instead.

Is the Avondale Treetop Walk worth booking?

I’d recommend this for families, nature-minded visitors, and anyone looking for a low-pressure outdoor activity in County Wicklow. The route combines a forest walk, tree information, a gradual tower climb, and wide views, with extra trails and play areas if you want to stay longer.

It is a better choice on a clear day, especially if the tower views are your main reason for going. Book it if you like the idea of seeing the forest from above and want an outing that works at your own pace. Think twice if you have vertigo, or if you expect a guided tour, guaranteed sunshine, or a slide that runs in all weather.

FAQ

How long is the Treetop Walk?

The route is 1.4 kilometers long and passes through the forest at different heights before reaching the Viewing Tower.

How high is the viewing platform?

The circular viewing platform is 38 meters above the ground.

Do I need to check in before going to the walk entrance?

Yes. Collect your entry QR code at the main reception before proceeding to the Treetop Walk entrance gate.

Is the Treetop Walk wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The ramped boardwalk never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and has resting points on each level. Medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed. Mobility scooters are permitted only if a visitor cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair.

How much does parking cost?

Parking costs €6 and covers the full day. The fee is paid separately on site.

Does the ticket include the tower slide?

No. The 90-meter slide costs €2 per person and is paid for separately on site.

Is the slide open in all weather?

No. The slide may close in wet or humid weather, and its operation depends on safety conditions. Queues may also be long during busy periods.

Can I bring a dog?

Dogs on leashes are allowed on the forest trails and in the walled gardens. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed in buildings and on the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower.

Is the experience suitable for children?

Yes. There are play areas and activity stations along the walk, plus a playground in the walled garden. Children must be supervised at all times.