Coillte and Fáilte Ireland break ground on a €16 million redevelopment of Avondale House and Forest Park which will provide an iconic and world-class visitor destination in Rathdrum, Co Wicklow.
The announcement was made by Minister for Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media Catherine Martin TD and Minister of State for Land Use and Biodiversity, Pippa Hackett TD at Coillte’s Avondale House and Forest Park, Rathdrum, County Wicklow.
This €16 million project, a partnership between Coillte, Fáilte Ireland and EAK (erlebnis akademie AG) will transform Avondale into a unique family attraction and a key new destination in Ireland’s Ancient East. The newly redeveloped Coillte Avondale House and Forest Park is expected to open to the public in Spring 2022.
The 1.2km tree top walkway and 38m viewing tower will both be constructed from high quality Irish wood. Locally grown Irish Douglas fir trees are being used to build these structures. The visitor hub, café, tree top walkway and viewing tower will be wheelchair accessible.
Minister Catherine Martin TD. said, “It is a momentous day as works start on this wonderful project. The historic Avondale House and Forest Park is already a much-loved visitor destination and this redevelopment will make it an even stronger attraction in Ireland’s Ancient East,”