Beyond The Trees

Standing 38 metres into the sky among a grove of eucalyptus trees on the edge of the historic Great Ride at Avondale, the Viewing Tower can be seen peeping above the trees on approach from Rathdrum. An unique marvel of timber construction using innovative ‘glulam’ beams, an engineered wood product that equals the structural strength of steel – and the most modern methods of building with wood. The wood in the Viewing Tower (and the Treetop Walk) is Irish with many of the trees coming from right here in Avondale Forest Park. To get to the Viewing Tower you must first follow the spiral treetop walk – from the tunnel you emerge slowly through the forest which never exceeds a gradient of 6 degrees, making it fully wheelchair and pram accessible. As you move upwards towards the canopy, listen out for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family who nest in one of the nearby eucalyptus trees. You may also see other native wildlife and plant life and you will certainly see Beyond The Trees from the ever-increasing heights of the Viewing Tower. After 10 gentle circuits you will reach the large circular viewing platform at the top of the tower. Here you will have 360° panoramic views over the lush canopy of Avondale Forest Park, the Vale of Avoca, the Wicklow Mountains and beyond. You will be looking down on the tops of some of the mightiest trees in Ireland from this spectacular vantage point. You may also see Red Kites overhead – reintroduced to Ireland in 2008, and now thriving in Avondale. Don’t forget to take a few photos for the memories, but hold on tight to your phone or camera. To continue your adventure, take the option to whizz and whirl your way back down to earth on the giant spiral slide inside the Viewing Tower. If you’’re less of an adrenaline junkie, you can continue back down the ramped boardwalk to the Forest floor. Come, pay us a visit – we look forward to welcoming you for your Beyond The Trees tree top adventure. Did you know? Red Kites, since the 1800’s, were extinct in Ireland, and they were only re-introduced in 2008! Amenities and Facilities at Avondale Parking is available – €5 charge applies (accessible/age friendly parking is available) Coilte Access Pass is accepted for parking. Toilets – at the main car park, on the ground floor of the café, and in the courtyard (baby changing here also). BBQ’s are permitted only in the designated areas near the car park. Playground – available in the walled garden beside the Seed Café, children must be supervised by a responsible adult at all time. Dogs are allowed in the forest and must be kept on a lead at all times – dog foul must be bagged and taken home (there are no designated dog waste bins available) – dogs, other than guide dogs; are not permitted in the Seed Café, Avondale House, Treetop Walk or the Viewing Tower. Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower – charges apply, view pricing. Nearby Greenan Maze – The Miner’s Cross – Ovoca Manor