Beyond the Trees Avondale and Avondale House are a short drive from the Glendalough Hotel and is an outstanding visitor attraction that includes an amazing boardwalk that rises to over 20 meters along the treetops on this estate. The viewing tower at the end of the boardwalk is a masterpiece of engineering and accessible for everyone with stunning views. The real surprise up here is a 90-meter spiral slide for the thrill seekers among you. Our tip is on busy days to visit the viewing tower first as there can be long queues for the slide.

When you have explored the wonders on offer you can then visit the newly opened Avondale House. This house was home to the Parnell family and has been beautifully restored and opened to the public in 2023. There are guided tour of the house which tells the story of the Parnell family and the times they lived in. There are lots of interesting tales throughout the visit and the guides are excellent.

Beyond the Trees and Avondale House will take most of your day but you may be able to squeeze in a visit to Avoca Handweavers which is only 12 minutes away on the same day and is the oldest of its kind in Ireland. Watch Handweaver at work and/or take a stroll along the Avoca River, there are lovely gifts in the shop so you may even find something beautiful to take home.

This valley is a magical place, as you walk through the site and down to the lakes you will see why St Kevin chose Glendalough as place to reflect and retreat. There are maps available at reception of some of the walks or you can begin your visit in the visitor center next door to the hotel where you can also book guides or musical tours. The walk down to the lake is a gentle stroll through native tree lined paths and a boardwalk that crosses the wetlands. You can have a coffee down by the shore of the Upper Lake, (the lower lake is the first you pass), there are food stalls in the car park down by the Upper Lake.

If you plan on spending the day out exploring you can request a packed lunch from the hotel reception the night before and then have a picnic as you go. The Spinc walk is a tough 2-3 hour walk or you could follow the Miners route and have your picnic along the way.

Glendalough has many different species of trees and you should also keep an eye out for Sika Deer, perhaps a Red Squirrel or two, and wild goats.

Enjoy!