Avondale House & Forest Park
| County: | Co. Wicklow |
| Tel: | 0404-46111 |
| Fax: | 0404-46333 |
| Email: | jean.costelloe@coillte.ie |
Avondale House, the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell (1846-1891) one of the greatest political leaders of Irish history. Set in a magnificent forest park of over 500 acres with tree trails and walks ranging in duration from one to five hours. This beautiful Georgian House designed by James Wyatt and built in 1777 contains fine plasterwork and many original pieces of furniture. The American Room is dedicated to Admiral Charles Stewart - Parnell’s American grandfather who manned the USS Constitution during the 1812 war. Visitors are introduced to this wonderful historical house by a specially commissioned audio visual presentation. Other facilities include a restaurant, book shop, picnic areas, children’s play area, two orienteering courses and large car/coach park.
General Information
| Address: | Rathdrum, Co.Wicklow |
|---|---|
| Telephone; | 0404-46111 |
| Fax: | 0404-46333 |
| Email: | jean.costelloe@coillte.ie |
| Website: | http://www.coillteoutdoors.ie |
| Location: | 1 mile from Rathdrum on L2149/ off R752/ off N11 |
| Season: | Easter - 31st October |
| Open Times: | Last admission to house 1 hour before close. Times may be subject to change. |
| Tours: | Max No: 25 ; Duration: 30 minutes |
| Booking Contact: | jean.costelloe@coillte.ie |
| Manager: | Jean Costelloe |
| Average Visit Length: | 1-5 hours (visitors choice) |
| Entrance Fees: |
Adult: €6.50 / Concessions: €6.00 Child:€4.50 Family: €18.50 (2A + 2C) Family/Friend Saver (4 pax) €20 Group Rates: |
| Audio Visual: | Seating: 30, Duration: 25 minutes. Languages: English |
| Exhibition: | Artefacts, Story Panels. Languages: English |
| Restaurant: | ‘The Kitchen Café’ seats approximately 55, with outdoor seating for 60+ |
| Picnic Area: | Yes |
| Shop: | Books, postcards, speciality gifts of quality food/confectionery |
| Information Guide: | English, French, German, Italian, Dutch, Japanese & Danish |
| Coach Parking: | Yes |
| Group Booking Necessary: | Yes |
| Car Parking: | Yes |
| Disabled Access/Parking: | Limited to ground floor |
| Other: | (House closed Monday's in Mar, Apr, Sept and Oct except on Bank Holidays) |
New Orienteering Course
Download your map and hit the ground running with Avondale's new fixed Orienteering Courses!
Check out our Avondale Orienteering Page to find your map and some guidelines on what you will need to bring! Navigate your way through exotic and native tree species, along the banks of the Avonmore river and down the famous "Great Ride" as you search for control points and their codes. With courses suitable for absolute beginners to experienced orienteers, there is orienteering fun for everyone at Avondale. The courses are open are permanently open!
Schools
A visit to Avondale House would enhance both National/Primary and Secondary level students in their knowledge and appreciation of history and culture. The house designed by James Wyatt would also be of interest to architectural students. The estate comprising of over 500 acres of forestry and parkland, includes signposted nature walks, two orienteering courses and offers to improve knowledge and appreciation of nature and its conservation, wildlife and environmental studies, team building for students, tailored by experts to suit your needs and curriculum requirements
Three permanent Orienteering Courses – Free recreation, support material for teachers to take students orienteering inline with the National Curriculum all on www.coillteoutdoors.ie.
Booking Contact: jean.costelloe(at)coillte.ie
Conference & Incentive
The fine lofty entrance is an ideal venue for receptions/product launches while the elegant Blue Dining Room is available for exclusive corporate lunches and dinners. ‘The Kitchen Café’, situated in the basement of the house, is suitable for lunch/afternoon tea groups. Adjoining outdoor area with picnic benches. The extensive woodland, forest trails. river walks and orienteering courses lend themselves imaginative corporate events and activities
Booking Contact: jean.costelloe(at)coillte.ie
The Kitchen Café
The Kitchen Café seats approximately 55, with outdoor seating for 60+, Full Catering facilities on site, from light lunches, tailored menus for groups and barbeques. Advanced booking requested for groups.
(Opening times may be subject to change during Mar/Apr/Sep/Oct)
