The
new attraction will include a "state of the art visitor centre" and
café, along with a tree canopy experience (below) described as "a
breathtaking 460m lattice walkway providing 360-degree views of the canopy and
Avonmore River valley”.
That's
according to Fáilte Ireland and Coillte, who today launched their redevelopment
plans for the 500-acre Avondale House and Forest Park in Rathdrum.
An
€8m revamp of Charles Stewart Parnell's former home will create a
"world-class" visitor attraction for Wicklow.
Installations
will include ‘At Home with the Parnell’s’, celebrating the life and times of
Charles Stewart Parnell, who was born and lived at Avondale, and ‘The Evolution
of Forestry’ - a look through the history of the forest park from the 1700s, as
well as the science and technologies used in the forestry industry today.
Wicklow
County Council is also supporting Avondale's development as 'A Place for
Visionaries', which is hoped to be completed by 2021.
Avondale
estate was originally built for barrister and MP Samuel Hayes in the 1700s -
his introduction of exotic trees led to its reputation as the cradle of Irish
Forestry.
Parnell
was born at the house in 1846, and owned it until his death in 1891. The estate
was acquired by the State in 1904, and is today owned by Coillte.
In
tourism terms, the project sits under 'Ireland's Ancient East', and Fáilte
Ireland believes it will attract a "sizeable number" of overseas and
domestic tourists.
Avondale
will be a "world class visitor experience" that provides "a
major opportunity" for local tourism businesses, said Paul Kelly, Fáílte
Ireland's Chief Executive.
The
redeveloped estate will provide a resource "to socialise, enjoy and
learn", as described by Fergal Leamy, Chief Executive of Coillte.
Design
stages of the project will begin shortly, and the public can continue using the
estate's walking, cycling, orienteering and recreation facilities throughout.
Avondale
currently attracts around 30,000 visitors a year.
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