Beyond The Trees at Avondale Forest Park in Wicklow is officially open - and it is already attracting a huge number of visitors.
The attraction, which was officially opened by President Michael D Higgins last week, features a grand elevated walkway that takes you around the forest roof as well as a huge slide for you to enjoy at the end.
The new attraction is the result of a collaboration between Coillte, Fáilte Ireland and EAK Ireland.
Read more: Attractions across Ireland become free to visit during first Wednesday of every month
The €19 million project transformed Avondale with the creation of an elevated treetop walk, 12-storey high viewing tower made from locally sourced Douglas fir and larch wood, and a 90m spiral slide, which is the highest slide in Ireland.
The pros of this brand new attraction is by far the views you get. Upon starting the walk, you'll be blessed with the pleasant smells of the wood used to construct the treetop walk as well as the scents of the rich surrounding forest.
Apart from a quarry in the distance, the views of the serene Wicklow countryside are more than pleasant.
Making your way along the trail, you will be treated to information boards telling you all about the trees surrounding you, some of which are from other parts of the world.
There are also plenty of stops along the way where you learn about the wildlife of the area.
The main attraction, the gargantuan viewing tower, doesn't take long to reach. Here, you'll be able to have a look at the slide which runs in a spiral around the inside of the tower.
If you're not too overwhelmed by the size of the thing, grab a mat and start making your way up to the top of the viewing tower.
You could spend some time up here soaking up the surrounding views of rolling hills and endless green before queuing for the slide, which costs an additional €2 to enjoy, payable at the top of the slide itself.
If you decide to splash the extra couple of Euros, the slide is rather thrilling. It only lasts around 10-15 seconds because of the sheer momentum you pick up while sliding down.
Tickets to the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower cost €14 per adult and €12 per child, excluding children 3 years and under who go free.
Meanwhile, concession tickets cost €12 while there are family tickets available for €24 (one adult and up to three kids) and €38 (two adults and up to three kids).
As previously mentioned, the slide costs an extra €2 to use per person. Children under s6 years slide for free but must be accompanied by a paying adult.
You can book your visit here.
There is parking onsite for 450 cars as well as E-car charging stations.
In addition to the Treetop Walk and Viewing Tower, Wicklow's newest tourist attraction includes a Walled Garden, Seed Café, a children’s playground, a sensory garden, a Coillte pavilion area which showcases the history and relevance of Irish forestry and a series of other facilities.
READ NEXT:
Tayto Park needs public's help in naming adorable baby storks
City centre parks to come alive for Funtropolis family fun days
Spectacular dog festival returning to Dublin after huge success in Malahide
Sign up to the Dublin Live Newsletter to get all the latest Dublin news straight to your inbox
