Avondale House and Forest Park
Situated one mile from Rathrdrum in County Wicklow, Avondale House is a beautiful Georgian House that was the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Designed by James Wyatt and built in 1777, Avondale House contains fine original plasterwork and furniture belonging to the Parnell Family.
Avondale House is also a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres. Avondale is synonymous with the birth of Irish Forestry, The State purchased Avondale in 1904 and it was in Avondale that the first silvicultural experimental plots were laid out along the lines of a continental forest garden.
Avondale House makes for an ideal venue for leisurely walks among its grounds. Several walks worth exploring, include the Centenary Walk, River Walk (along the banks of the Avonmore River), and Exotic Tree Trail.
The Kitchen Cafe serves light lunches and has a wine license, so its the perfect place to relax after a long walk through Avondale's expansive forest.
If You Go: Avondale House and Forest Park are open from Mid March through October. Admission to Avondale House is �5.50 for adults, �5.00 for students, and �16 for families. Guided tours of Avondale House are available and run regularly.
