Avondale: Beyond the Trees Treetop Walk & Tower Entry Ticket

What makes the Avondale Beyond the Trees Treetop Walk and Tower ticket interesting is that it turns a forest stroll into a proper height fix. You start at boardwalk level, then rise through the trees to a viewing platform with big Wicklow Mountain views.

I especially like the boardwalk treetop route over the Avonmore River Valley, with changing viewpoints as the path climbs. I also love that the walk is built for curious minds, with learning stops on 99 different tree species and story points like trees planted by Samuel Hayes over 300 years ago.

One thing to consider is the tower slide: it costs extra, and queues can build, plus the slide can close in wet or humid conditions. Also, this isn’t suitable if you have vertigo.

Key things to know before you go

• 1.4 km treetop route that ranges from ground level right up toward the canopy
• 99 tree species with learning stations along the way
• 38 m viewing platform reached via a spiral ramped boardwalk and resting points
• Underground tunnel near the end, before you emerge into tower views
• Optional 90 m slide costs extra and may close for safety in bad weather
• Picnic tables plus more park trails, so the ticket is more than just one climb

Avondale Forest Park and the treetop walk setup

Avondale Forest Park sits in County Wicklow, and this experience is all about getting you up into the trees without making the day feel like a workout contest. The core idea is simple: walk a 1.4-kilometer route through and above the forest, then climb to a high viewing platform.

The tower part feels like the payoff for the walk. You’ll move from forest sounds and river valley views up into a wide panorama area where you can actually take in the scale of Wicklow countryside.

This is also a good choice if you like quiet self-guided experiences. You are not required to book a guide to enjoy it, and you can set your own pace as you follow the path and stations.

Check-in and the QR code rule (don’t skip this)

Here’s the first practical point that saves time. You must collect your QR code at the Main reception before you go through the treetop walk entrance gate.

So the flow is: arrive, go to reception, get your QR code and directions, then head to the entrance. If you go straight to the gate first, you risk turning your morning into a time-waster.

You’ll also need a printed voucher. Plan that into your packing, especially if you’re traveling light with phones and tickets only. Payment is in line with a typical on-site setup, so having your travel documents sorted up front keeps the day smooth.

The 1.4 km boardwalk, tree learning stops, and kid-friendly play

Your experience begins on the boardwalk that reaches out over the Avonmore River Valley. The walk starts comfortable, with a terrain and viewpoint shift that gradually brings you closer to treetop height.

Along the way, you pass learning stations built around the trees. The big standout is that you get info on 99 different tree species, plus specific plantings tied to the history of the site. If you like nature facts you can remember later, this part is genuinely useful, not just decoration.

You also get wildlife cues. Keep your ear open for the Great Spotted Woodpecker family in the nearby eucalyptus trees. Even if you do not see them clearly, the suggestion helps you listen, and that changes how the forest feels.

If you’re visiting with kids, pay attention to the play areas along the boardwalk. These include simple games that explore birds and animals and their habitats. It helps break the walk into smaller wins, so the day feels fun rather than long.

A nice touch for comfort: the site has WC and changing places, so you are not stuck figuring out basics mid-trip.

Near the end: the underground tunnel and the tower entry moment

When you finish the main boardwalk stretch, you enter the part that makes the experience feel like an attraction, not just a hike. There’s a short underground tunnel before you reach the tower viewing area.

This tunnel section matters because it changes your tempo. You move from open views into a contained passage, then pop back out into something bigger. It also gives you a clear boundary between the forest walk portion and the climb portion.

If you want a smooth photo stop, this is a good moment to pause for a reset, check your footing, and then prepare for the spiral ramp climb.

Climbing the spiral ramped walkway to 38 meters up

From the end of the boardwalk, you start ascending toward the circular viewing platform. The climb is on a ramped boardwalk that rises steadily rather than steeply.

Here’s one detail I really appreciate: the spiral walkway never exceeds a gradient of 6 degrees and includes resting points at each level. That means people who want a slower pace can actually take breaks without feeling like they are falling behind the plan.

This structure also supports families, prams, and mobility needs. The route is wheelchair and pram accessible, and medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed. If you use a mobility scooter, it is permitted only if you cannot comfortably transfer to a manual wheelchair, so it’s worth planning around that rule ahead of time.

And a quick heads-up: this experience is not suitable for people with vertigo. If height triggers dizziness for you, trust that instinct and skip the tower portion.

The viewing platform, tower views, and the optional 90 m slide

Once you reach the circular platform, you get panoramic views over Avondale Forest Park and the Wicklow Mountains. This is where the day clicks. At ground level, a forest can feel like a wall of trees, but up here you see where the park ends, where countryside begins, and how the hills shape the horizon.

How long should you stay up top? As long as you need for photos and a calm look around. There’s no race element built in, and since your walk already brought you upward, you can spend time absorbing the view.

Now the optional extra: the giant 90-meter slide inside the tower. It’s not included in the main entry ticket, and it costs €2 per person. During busy times, you should expect long queues, and the slide can close for safety in wet or humid weather.

If the weather looks questionable, plan to enjoy the platform even without the slide. The views still do the heavy lifting.

When you’re ready to go back down, you can simply amble down to the base of the tower, or use the slide if it’s operating and you’re up for it.

Plan your time after the climb: trails, Coillte Pavilion, and Seed Café

The ticket is built so you can turn the tower moment into a full half-day or longer at your own pace. Once you finish the trek, you can stay in the park.

You’ll find picnic tables in various areas, which is handy if you want a simple, budget-friendly break. If you prefer a warm meal, the Seed Café is on-site, with freshly prepared dishes using locally sourced ingredients.

If you have little ones, there’s also an adventurous playground in the walled garden beside the café. That makes the park feel more family-friendly than a single attraction.

Don’t skip the forestry side either. You get access to a free exhibition on forestry at the Coillte Pavilion. It’s a nice way to connect what you just walked through with how forests are managed, without needing a formal tour.

There are also multiple forest trails in Avondale Forest, so you can add extra walking if you want to extend the day beyond the treetop route.

Price and value: what you get for about $18

The entry ticket is $18 per person (price shown), and the ticket validity is 1 day, with starting times based on availability.

On paper, the extra costs are small but worth factoring in:

• Parking fee is €6, paid on entry (covers the full day)
• The 90 m slide is €2 per person, paid separately on site
• You pay parking and slide separately, not as part of the ticket price

So is it good value? I think it is, because you’re not paying only for a single photo moment. You get a high viewpoint, a guided-by-signs learning experience across 99 tree species, and you also gain extra park value with the Coillte Pavilion exhibition, picnic areas, access to multiple forest trails, and the walled garden playground.

If you’re traveling as a couple or solo, it still makes sense. If you’re a family, the value can be strong, especially because the walk itself has kid-friendly play stops. One caution from the practical side: I did not see a family ticket option in the info provided, so you may end up buying separate tickets depending on what’s available at the time you book.

Also, the day becomes more rewarding if weather cooperates. On clearer days, the tower views feel extra worth the climb, and the photos look better without fighting mist or rain.

Who should book this treetop walk, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want:

• A family-friendly nature walk with built-in play and learning stations
• A step-by-step accessible climb thanks to the gentle gradient and resting points
• A viewpoint you can’t get from a normal forest trail
• A day that blends activity with optional quiet time (picnic, café, exhibition)

It’s less ideal if:

• You have vertigo or height anxiety
• You want a strictly guided, commentary-style tour. This is set up more for self-paced exploring than for a live script

One more practical note: pets are not allowed on the trails or in general, but dogs on a leash are permitted on forest trails and within the walled garden. Only registered assistance dogs are allowed within buildings and on the treetop walk and viewing tower.

That rule set matters for planning, especially if you were hoping to bring a dog into the tower area.

Should you book the Avondale Treetop Walk and Tower entry ticket?

Yes, I’d book it if you like your outdoor days to have structure. The mix of boardwalk scenery, tree facts, and a 38 m viewing platform makes it feel like you get your money’s worth, even if you skip the slide.

If you’re deciding between this and another Wicklow outdoor stop, choose Avondale when you want:

• an easy-to-follow route
• accessibility features like the gentle gradient
• a clear payoff at the top

Skip it only if vertigo is a concern for you, or if you strongly dislike queues and extra ticket add-ons. Otherwise, this is one of those rare walks where the forest teaches you something, then gives you an actual view for your effort.

FAQ

Where is the Avondale Treetop Walk and Tower located?

It’s at Avondale Forest Park in County Wicklow, Ireland.

How much does the ticket cost?

The price shown is $18 per person.

What’s the duration and how long is my ticket valid?

The ticket is valid 1 day. Starting times depend on availability.

Do I need a printed voucher?

Yes. A printed voucher is required.

Where do I collect my QR code?

You must collect your QR code at the Main reception before proceeding to the treetop walk entrance gate.

Is the treetop walk wheelchair and pram accessible?

Yes. The spiral ramped boardwalk never exceeds a gradient of 6 degrees and has resting points. It is wheelchair and pram accessible, and medical-grade wheelchairs are allowed.

Is the 90-meter slide included in the ticket price?

No. The 90-meter slide costs an additional €2 per person, and you pay it on site.

Is parking included?

No. There is a €6 parking fee, payable on entry, and it covers the full day.

Are pets allowed?

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