Some places feel made for fresh air. This one mixes trees, play, and big views.

I really like the 1.4-kilometer treetop boardwalk that shifts from river-valley views up toward the canopy, and I love the 38-meter viewing platform where the Wicklow countryside opens up. One thing to consider: it is not suitable for vertigo, and the optional 90-meter slide can be closed in wet or humid weather.

Plan for a relaxed day at Avondale Forest Park. You’ll start at reception (grab your QR code first), stroll past learning stations about tree species, then finish with the tower climb and a panoramic lookout you can take your time with.

Key things to know before you go

• QR code at Main reception first: collect it before you head to the treetop gate
• 99 species of trees: you’ll pass labelled examples, including older plantings linked to Samuel Hayes
• 38 meters up: the spiral ramped walkway leads to a circular viewing platform
• Family-friendly stops: play areas along the boardwalk plus a playground in the walled garden
• Optional slide is extra and weather-dependent: the 90-meter slide costs €2 and may close
• Wheelchair and pram friendly: the ramped spiral walkway rises gently (max gradient 6 degrees) with resting points

First steps: QR codes, the forest entrance, and a smooth start

Your ticket gets you into the Avondale Forest Park Treetop Walk and Tower experience, but the day really starts with a small rule: you must check in at Main reception first. Pick up your QR code there, then follow directions to the Treetop Walk entrance gate. If you skip that step, you’ll slow down at the gate.

Once you’re inside the flow of the park, the timing feels simple. You follow the path out onto the boardwalk, and the experience is designed as a steady stroll rather than a hard hike. Expect a comfortable pace with views that improve as you go higher.

Bring comfortable shoes and dress for changing Wicklow weather. This is outdoor walking, and the boards and ramps can feel different after rain.

The 1.4-kilometer boardwalk: Avonmore River Valley to the canopy

The treetop story begins on a boardwalk that works like a long window over the Avonmore River Valley. Early on, you’re mostly at ground level-ish, looking out over the water and forest habitat. It’s the kind of start that helps you settle in, take photos, and get your bearings fast.

As you continue, the terrain and viewpoint climb gradually through the trees. You’ll also hit learning stations along the way, and this is one of the big reasons the walk feels more meaningful than just scenery. You pass trees labelled for 99 different species, and the signage includes local history connections, including trees planted by Samuel Hayes more than 300 years ago.

If you’re with kids, don’t treat the learning stops as lectures. The boardwalk includes play areas with games focused on birds and animals and their habitats. It turns the walk into something you can enjoy without constantly negotiating what’s interesting.

One more detail worth keeping in your mind: if you listen, you might hear about the Great Spotted Woodpecker family that nests in nearby eucalyptus trees. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s a nice way to pay attention while you walk.

What I like about the boardwalk design

You get the sense the path is built for a wide range of walkers. It’s a “keep going, keep looking” route, not a rush. And because the views change from level to level, you never feel like you’re doing the same thing twice.

A subtle bonus: the boardwalk gives you plenty of “pause spots” without turning the day into an obstacle course. That makes it easier to travel with strollers, family members who need breaks, or anyone who just wants an unhurried outing.

The tower setup: tunnel passage and the spiral climb

When you reach the end of the treetop walkway, you don’t just walk straight to a tower door. You pass through a short underground tunnel first, then emerge at the base where the real climb begins.

From there, the tower experience is all about the gradual ascent. You’ll go up a ramped boardwalk that spirals upward, taking it step by step without turning it into a steep scramble. The gradient stays gentle, never exceeding 6 degrees, and there are resting points on each level—so you can slow down without getting stuck.

This part is especially worth it if you’re travelling with a mix of ages or abilities. The route is designed to be accessible, not just scenic. Even if you’re fit, the resting points make it easier to enjoy the view as it appears rather than white-knuckling your way to the top.

Good to know if you get winded

If climbing is harder for you, use the resting points and plan to take breaks even if you feel okay at first. The tower view is the payoff, and you’ll enjoy it more when you aren’t rushing through the climb.

Viewing platform at 38 meters: Wicklow views you can actually take in

At the top, you reach a circular viewing platform 38 meters above ground. This is where the day turns from “nice walk” into “oh wow.”

From up there, you can see over Avondale Forest Park, the Wicklow Mountains, and further out depending on weather and visibility. The height matters. At ground level, the forest can feel like a wall; from the platform, it becomes a stretch of layers.

This is also a spot where the day’s earlier learning pays off. When you can look across treetops, it makes it easier to understand what you were reading about as you walked—species differences, canopy shape, and how the park is laid out.

Want more fun on the way down?

You have options after you’ve enjoyed the view:

• You can amble back down the way you came, no added cost
• Or you can choose the giant 90-meter slide inside the tower for €2 per person

The slide is the kind of extra that turns the tower into a family hit. Just know this: during busy periods, queues can be long, and the slide opening depends on weather and safety rules. It can close in wet or humid weather.

Tickets, price, and value: what $18 really buys

The ticket price is listed as $18 per person (and the experience is valid for 1 day, with starting times depending on availability). That gets you the treetop boardwalk and tower entry—basically the core experience of walking through/above the forest and reaching the viewing platform.

What’s extra is the slide, and parking. The viewing tower 90-meter slide is €2, and the car park fee is €6 payable on entry. You pay those separately on site.

So is it worth it? In my view, it’s good value if you care about:

• Time outside with a clear route and a real payoff at height
• Kids-friendly wayfinding (boardwalk play areas plus the tower)
• A self-paced outing where you can linger at the views and learning stations

If you’re the type who wants a strict “one-and-done” experience, it can feel like a bit of money for one main walk. But if you plan to spend the rest of your day in the park, it becomes a more satisfying use of your time.

Extra time in the park: picnic tables, Seed Café, and Coillte Pavilion

One of the smartest ways to get more value is to plan for time after the tower. Once you’ve completed the trek, you can stick around in Avondale Forest Park.

There are picnic tables in different areas, so if you brought snacks, you can make the day last longer without spending more. There’s also Seed Café for freshly prepared food using locally sourced ingredients.

Kids also get a second round of energy. There’s an adventurous playground in the walled garden beside the café. That means you’re not stuck entertaining everyone only on the treetop walk itself.

And if you want a bit of indoor learning (or you’re catching a break from weather), the ticket includes access to a free exhibition on forestry at the Coillte Pavilion. It’s a useful complement to the 99-tree walk, especially if you like understanding how parks manage and grow forests.

Mobility, strollers, and the “can we do this?” question

If you’re wondering whether this is practical for your group, Avondale is built to work for a lot of needs.

The spiral ramped walkway rises gently and has resting points on each level, making it wheelchair and pram accessible. Medical-grade wheelchairs can go on the treetop walk. Mobility scooters are allowed only in a specific case: if you’re unable to comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair.

Also, it includes WC and changing places, which matters more than people think when you’re doing a half-day-ish adventure.

Two caution notes:

• It’s not suitable for people with vertigo
• You’ll still want comfortable shoes, because you’re walking through outdoor surfaces and steps around the park paths

Pets, supervision, and practical rules that affect your day

Avondale is clear about pet policy. Pets are not allowed, but dogs on a leash are permitted on forest trails and in the walled garden. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted within buildings and on the treetop walk and viewing tower.

Kids must be supervised at all times. That’s especially relevant on the tower area, where the experience is great but still includes height and stairs/ramped sections.

If you’re travelling with multiple carers, the info says carers go free, with the carer ticket available at reception on arrival.

Who should book this treetop walk and tower

This experience fits best if you want a nature outing with a clear destination and built-in family fun.

Book it if:

• You want views without a strenuous hike
• You’re travelling with kids who will enjoy boardwalk games and the slide option
• You like learning as you walk, especially with tree species and local history context
• Your group includes people who benefit from a gentle ramp and resting points

Consider skipping (or choosing a different style of activity) if:

• Someone in your group has vertigo
• You’re expecting a guided tour experience with a staff member leading every step (this setup is more self-directed than tour-bus style)

Should you book Avondale: Treetop Walk and Tower?

I’d book this if you’re in County Wicklow and you want one ticket that turns into a whole day of easy walking, tree facts, and a proper viewpoint. The 99 tree species and the 38-meter platform are the big reasons it feels like more than a quick photo stop, and the boardwalk play areas make it easier for families to enjoy the day without everyone getting bored.

If you’re mostly focused on saving money and don’t plan to spend extra time in the park, factor in the likely add-ons: €6 parking and the optional €2 slide. Do that math up front and it stays good value.

If you want a simple, scenic plan that doesn’t demand a lot of logistics beyond collecting your QR code at Main reception, this is one of the better ways to spend a day outdoors at Avondale.

FAQ

How long is the Avondale treetop walk and tower ticket valid?

The ticket is valid for 1 day. Starting times depend on availability, so check dates and times when you book.

What do I need to get into the treetop walk?

You need to check in at Main reception first and collect your entry QR code. Then follow directions to the treetop walk entrance gate.

How long is the walk?

The treetop walk experience includes a 1.4-kilometer journey through and above the forest, followed by climbing to the tower viewing platform.

Is the 90-meter slide included?

No. The 90-meter viewing tower slide costs €2 per person and is not included in the base ticket.

Is the viewing tower slide available all the time?

It may have queues during busy periods, and its opening depends on weather and safety conditions. It can be closed in wet or humid weather.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Yes. The spiral ramped boardwalk rises gently (maximum 6-degree gradient) and includes resting points. Wheelchairs and prams are supported, and medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are not allowed. Dogs on a leash are permitted on forest trails and in the walled gardens, and only registered assistance dogs are allowed within buildings and on the treetop walk and viewing tower.

Is it suitable for people with vertigo?

No. It is not suitable for people with vertigo.

Is there somewhere to eat or take a break?

Yes. There are picnic tables around the park, and there is Seed Café. The ticket also includes access to a free forestry exhibition at the Coillte Pavilion.