Avondale Forest Park
Avondale Forest Park Closed
Avondale Forest Park will be closed to visitors from Monday 9th May until mid-June of this year to ensure the health and safety of all visitors while construction works are underway on the site. The closure is required to facilitate necessary works as the Forest Park approaches its opening date.
The highly anticipated next chapter of Avondale House & Forest Park will unfold in early summer 2022 with the opening of ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’, an exciting new visitor destination in Ireland’s Ancient East following a €16 million development project by Coillte in partnership with Fáilte Ireland and EAK Ireland.
We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience caused and kindly ask people to refrain from visiting the forest park until its opening next month.
Construction works on site are expected to continue into June after which the park is expected to open to the public. People are asked not to visit the park while works are underway and to respect all closure notices. We politely ask that people do not seek out alternative access points into the park.
Alternative and nearby forest walks are available at Coillte’s Ballygannon Wood, on the Laragh Road just 1km outside Rathdrum, and the Avonmore Way and Jubilee Walk in and around Rathdrum.
More details may be found at the Beyond the Trees Avondale Website here
Things to do
The River Walk: (5.2kms, 2 hours, Hard) The longest and hardest walk at Avondale with some steep descents and climbs, therefore strong footwear is recommended.
Walking alongside the river you pass under two railway bridges, still used today. There are magnificent river views and further up the hill you can see Lovers Lookout.
Centenary Trail: This is a loop walk: (2.6kms, 1 hour, Easy)
On the Centenary Trail you will meet trees from many corners of the world that have become established in the Irish climate and landscape. The trail guides you through a showcase of tree species found on the estate. Due to the re-development the walk detours slightly back to the start.
Railway Walk: This is a linear walk: (2.1kms, 1 hour each way, Moderate)
This is a linear walk from Rathdrum railway station through the woods to Avondale House, and could have been used by Parnell on his frequent journeys. It is often used by locals as a looped walk starting in Rathdrum, down into the Park and back along the footpath beside the road back into Rathdrum.
Playground:
The play area is currently closed to the public (from August 2021)
Picnic Site:
There are picnic tables located in the car park with barbeque grids.
Don’t miss our hidden gem
The grassy expanse of the 'Great Ride' sweeps through Avondale and opens up incredible vistas of the Vale of Avoca.
Visitors Facilities on site
Please note that the Playground is now closed (from August 2021)
Picnic tables with barbeque grids near the car-park
Public Toilets are available at the car-park
Car Parking: 400 spaces
Car Park Opens: 7.00am April to September and 8.00am (October to March)
Car Park Closes: 9.00pm April to September and 5.00pm (October to March)
Note that the House and Café are closed for the 2021 season and will open again in 2022.