- Avondale Forest
Avondale Forest is a forest in
County Wicklow ,Ireland . It is set on the west bank of theRiver Avonmore which provides a beautiful location for walks and trails. It contains the home ofCharles Stewart Parnell which was built in 1777 bySamuel Hayes and is now the Parnell Museum. The park is rich in wildlife and special features include the exotic tree trail and a well developedarboretum .Habitats and ecology
Avondale is reflective of the wider practices and history of Irish forests. Little native woodland remains,
foreign species are planted their high return and little thought was given to restoring Irelands native woodlands. As withintensive farming , intensive forestry is extremely disruptive of Irelandsecology and we hope future practices can help undo the damage.Avondale Forest Park
Avondale Forest Park has much to offer the visitor whether their interest is in our national history, the development of forestry in Ireland or the extensive collection of trees and shrubs from around the world. The forest park lies mainly on the west bank of the Avonmore River covering 214 hectares of land. Avondale offers endless variety to the walkers with its scenery ranging from the magnificent openness of the Great Ride to the towering impressiveness of the massed conifers on the banks of the Avonmore. The ruins of Parnell’s old sawmill and Parnell’s well are located on the site.
Forest Trails
Centenary Walk, River walk along the banks of the Avonmore River, Exotic Tree Trail, Sli na Slainte (path to health walk), Cairn Walk and Pine Trail.
Avondale House
The mansion has a beautiful interior and was the birthplace in 1846 of
patriot Charles Stewart Parnell . It is now occupied by the State forestry school. Near by is anature trail , open all year.Facilities at Avondale House and Forest Park
The Kitchen Café – serving light lunches to tailored menus for groups.Wine licence. Guided tours - House and Forest (booking necessary) Children’s play area,Centenary Walk,River walk along the banks of the Avonmore River, Exotic Tree Trail,Sli na Slainte(path to health walk),Cairn Walk,Pine Trail, Deer Pen, Picnic Benches,Large car/coach parking area,Toilet facilities in car park.Limited wheelchair access in some locations.
External links
* [http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie/?id=53&rec_site=4 Avondale Forest Park, Map and description ]
* [http://www.coillte.ie/recreation/recreation_sites/wicklow/avondale_house_and_forest_park/?no_cache=1&sword_list%5B%5D=avondale Avondale Forest Park, Coillte Visitor Details]
* [http://www.planetware.com/ireland/avondale-forest-park-irl-wi-avfo.htm Avondale Forest Park, Travel Info]
* [http://www.heritageisland.com/Avondale%20House%20&%20Forest%20Park.asp, Avondale House and Forest Park ]
* [http://www.martindardis.com/id96.html Avondale: Song and video, Christie Moore "Oh have you been to Avondale..."]
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