Coillte have issued a public advisement that Avondale Forest Park will be closed to visitors on weekdays (Monday-Friday) from Monday, 14th March until early May of this year. This is to ensure the health and safety of all visitors while construction works are underway on the site. The park will remain open at weekends and public holidays during this period.

The extensive work forms part of the €16 Million development plan for Avondale Forest Park being undertaken in partnership with Coilte, Fáilte Ireland and EAK (erlebnis akademie AG) and includes the construction of a 1.2km treetop walkway, a 38m high wooden viewing tower, an innovative slide (within the tower), and a new visitor orientation hub, cafe, walled garden and exhibition space set in the historic Avondale House.

Coillte’s public statement shares that;

“The health and safety of all visitors to Avondale Forest Park is our absolute priority. We’ve done everything we can to keep the park open for as long as possible but as works near completion, the level of construction on site has increased. We regret having to close the park on weekdays from Monday, 14th March, but it is necessary to ensure the safety of all visitors and workers on site. We apologise of any inconvenience caused and remind people that the park will remain open at weekends and public holidays during this period”.

“Construction works on site are expected to take up to 10 weeks after which the park is expected to open to the public. People are asked to please adhere to all safety signage on site while works are underway. Alternative and nearby forest walks are available at Coillte’s Ballygannon Wood, on the Laragh Road just 1km outside Rathdrum, the Avonmore Way and Jubilee Walk in and around Rathdrum”.

More information on the new visitor experience titled ‘Beyond the Trees Avondale’ featured on the video, can be found by visiting www.beyondthetreesavondale.com. or their social media channels such as Facebook.