Avondale: Beyond the Trees Treetop Walk & Tower Entry Ticket

The main attraction here is not a quick lookout platform. It is a 1.4-kilometer walk from forest floor to treetop level, followed by a slow climb inside a 38-meter tower. You watch the Wicklow countryside open up as you rise, rather than arriving at the view all at once.

I like the way the route mixes scenery with useful details about 99 tree species, including trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago. I also like the family-friendly touches, such as bird and animal activity stations and the optional €2 slide. The main drawback is weather: rain can dull the views, and the slide closes in wet or humid conditions.

Key points at a glance

• A 1.4-kilometer forest-to-canopy route: The boardwalk changes height gradually, giving you views from ground level through the treetops.
• A 38-meter viewing platform: The top of the tower looks across Avondale Forest Park, the Wicklow Mountains, and the surrounding countryside.
• A gentle ramp instead of stairs: The spiral walkway never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and includes resting points.
• 99 tree species along the way: Learning stations help you notice the forest instead of simply walking through it.
• A €2 slide for the return trip: It is a fun extra, but queues may form and weather can close it.
• A full day of park access: Your ticket also covers trails, picnic areas, the walled garden, playground, and forestry exhibition.

Starting at Avondale Forest Park

You begin at Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow. From the car park, follow the signs to the main reception. This step matters: you must collect your entry QR code at reception before going to the Treetop Walk entrance gate.

The car park costs €6 for the full day, paid separately on arrival. That makes the outing easier to plan if you want to stay for lunch, use the trails, or let children play in the walled garden after the main walk.

The ticket costs about $18 per person. I consider that fair for a day ticket that includes more than the raised walkway. You also receive access to the Coillte Pavilion forestry exhibition, picnic tables, multiple forest trails, the walled garden, and the children’s playground. Families should note that a family ticket is not available, so calculate the individual price before booking.

A printed voucher is required, even though you collect a QR code at reception. Bring comfortable shoes and clothing suited to Irish weather. The route is outdoors, and the quality of the views depends heavily on the day.

Walking over the Avonmore River Valley

The first part of the route follows a boardwalk through and above the forest. It reaches out over the Avonmore River Valley, giving you a changing view as the path moves from ordinary woodland height toward the canopy.

This gradual change is the clever part of the design. You are not simply walking from one attraction to another. The route gives you time to notice the shape of the woods, the height of the trees, and the way the valley opens around you.

Learning stations explain the trees and the animals that depend on them. You can look for the 99 different species along the route, including older trees connected with Samuel Hayes, who planted some of them more than 300 years ago. That detail gives the walk a sense of time without turning it into a formal history tour.

There is no named guide leading the group. Instead, the information comes through the stations and activity points. That suits you if you prefer to set your own pace, stop for photographs, or pause when children want to explore.

The boardwalk also includes games about forest birds, animals, and their habitats. These are useful for families because the walk is long enough to feel like an outing, but young children may need regular points of interest to keep moving. The play features break up the route and give children something active to do.

The tunnel and the tower approach

At the end of the main walkway, you pass through a short underground tunnel. It creates a clear change in mood: the forest walk finishes, and the tower becomes the next goal.

From here, the ramped boardwalk begins its slow climb. The route circles upward inside the tower, so you gain height without tackling a staircase. Each turn gives you a slightly different view of the trees and the park below.

The climb is gentle, but it is still a climb. You may want to take your time, especially if you are visiting with children or anyone who needs frequent rests. Resting points are built into each level, which makes the ascent manageable for wheelchairs, prams, and people who prefer not to rush.

Keep an ear open for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family nesting in nearby eucalyptus trees. Seeing or hearing them is not guaranteed, but the detail gives you something specific to watch for. It also helps turn the tower climb into a closer look at the forest rather than a simple trip to a high platform.

The 38-meter viewing platform

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

Clear weather makes a major difference. On a sunny day, the views are the strongest part of the visit, and the height gives you a broad look at the countryside. On a gray or wet day, the forest remains enjoyable, but the distant outlook may feel less rewarding.

The circular design lets you walk around the platform and take in the view from several directions. You are not confined to one photo point. It is also a good place to pause after the ramped climb before deciding how to return.

People with vertigo should think carefully before booking. The platform is high, and the open views can feel exposed. If you are uneasy with height, the lower sections of the walkway may still be pleasant, but the tower is the central feature of the experience.

Taking the 90-meter slide down

The tower’s giant slide is optional and costs €2 per person. It gives you a fast return to ground level instead of another slow walk down the ramp.

The slide is best treated as an extra, not part of the ticket itself. Long queues can form during busy periods, and the slide may close in wet or humid weather for safety reasons. You should also expect that it may not be operating on the day you visit.

If the slide is closed or the queue is too long, you can simply walk back down. The ramp is designed for gradual access, so skipping the slide does not leave you without a practical route to the bottom.

For families, the slide can be the highlight. One of the supplied comments described it as great craic, which fits the role it plays: a short burst of fun after a slower nature walk. Still, budget another €2 per person if your group wants to use it.

Access for wheelchairs and prams

This is one of the stronger practical features. The spiral ramp never exceeds a 6-degree gradient, and resting points appear on each level. The full Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower route is wheelchair and pram accessible.

All medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed on the walkway. Mobility scooters are also permitted when a visitor cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair. Carers go free, but the carer ticket is available at reception when you arrive.

That information matters because many raised forest walks rely on stairs or steep paths. Here, the route is designed around a ramp, allowing more people to reach the main viewing platform. You should still bring weather protection, since accessible does not mean sheltered from rain or wind.

The park also has WC facilities and changing places. These practical details make it easier to turn the visit into a longer day rather than a short stop.

What to do after the tower

Your ticket remains useful after the main walk. You can spend time on the forest trails, use the picnic tables, or visit the walled garden beside the café.

The Seed Café serves freshly prepared food made with locally sourced ingredients. The information provided does not give a full menu, so plan it as an on-site option rather than a promise of a particular dish. It is a handy choice if you want to stay in the park instead of getting back in the car.

Children also have an adventurous playground beside the café. This gives families a clear reason to stay longer after the tower, especially if the slide is closed or younger children still have energy to burn.

The Coillte Pavilion includes a free forestry exhibition. It adds context to the trees and woodland management around you, while the wider trails offer a quieter alternative to the busier boardwalk. If your group has different interests, one person can enjoy the café or playground while another takes a forest path.

Dogs are allowed on a leash throughout the forest trails and in the walled gardens. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed inside the buildings, on the Treetop Walk, and in the Viewing Tower. That distinction is important if you are bringing a pet.

How long should you allow?

The ticket is valid for one day, with starting times shown when you check availability. No fixed visit length is provided, and your total time will depend on how often you stop, how busy the slide is, and whether you use the café, playground, trails, or exhibition.

The central walk covers 1.4 kilometers, but the visit is more than that distance. You will want time for the learning stations, the tower climb, the viewing platform, and the return trip. A full day is easy to fill if you add lunch and other park areas.

Arrive with enough time to check in at reception first. Going directly to the Treetop Walk entrance without collecting the QR code can delay your start.

Children must be supervised at all times. The route is accessible and well designed for families, but the elevated boardwalk, tower, and slide still require adults to stay close.

Weather, clothing, and value

Irish weather can change the feel of this outing. Bring a waterproof layer and shoes that are comfortable for a forest walk. The route is not a strenuous hike, but poor footwear or wet clothing can make the experience less pleasant.

At roughly $18 per person, the ticket offers good value if you plan to use the wider park. The cost is less compelling if you only want a quick view from the tower and intend to leave immediately. The additional €6 car park charge and optional €2 slide should be included in your budget.

I especially like that the ticket combines an attraction with ordinary park time. You get the engineered boardwalk and high viewing platform, but you can also sit at a picnic table, follow a forest trail, visit the exhibition, or let children use the playground. That range makes the price easier to justify for families and mixed-age groups.

The main limitation is that the walk depends on conditions. Sunshine improves the views, and damp weather may close the slide. You can still use the forest facilities in poor weather, but do not book this expecting guaranteed mountain views or a guaranteed slide ride.

Is Avondale Beyond the Trees worth booking?

Book it if you want a gentle forest outing with a clear goal, good family facilities, and a high viewpoint over County Wicklow. It suits families, wheelchair and pram users, people who enjoy nature without a demanding hike, and anyone who likes adding a little playfulness to a woodland visit.

I would be more cautious if you dislike heights, need a fully indoor activity, or are visiting mainly for the slide. The slide is optional and weather dependent, while people with vertigo may find the tower uncomfortable.

For the best chance of enjoying the views, choose a dry, bright day and allow time beyond the 1.4-kilometer route. Collect your QR code at reception first, bring weather-ready clothing, and treat the café, trails, exhibition, and playground as part of the value. The rating of 4.6 from 47 reviews fits the experience: the views, accessible ramp, and family-friendly design are strong, while weather and the separate slide fee are the details to plan around.

FAQ

Where is the Avondale Treetop Walk and Tower?

It is located at Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow, Ireland. Start at the car park and follow the directions to the main reception.

Do I collect the QR code at the Treetop Walk entrance?

No. You must check in at the main reception first and collect your entry QR code before proceeding to the Treetop Walk entrance gate.

Is the Treetop Walk wheelchair and pram accessible?

Yes. The spiral ramped boardwalk never exceeds a 6-degree gradient and has resting points on each level. Medical-grade wheelchairs and prams are permitted, and mobility scooters are allowed in specified circumstances.

How much does the tower slide cost?

The 90-meter slide costs €2 per person. It is paid separately on site and may close in wet or humid weather. Queues may also be long during busy periods.

Are dogs allowed?

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

What does the ticket include besides the treetop route?

The ticket includes the Avondale Treetop Walk and Tower, learning stations, picnic tables, the Coillte Pavilion forestry exhibition, the walled garden and children’s playground, multiple forest trails, WC facilities, and changing places.