Avondale House and Forest Park in County Wicklow is to be transformed into a new state-of-the-art tourist destination.

Coillte is delivering the 'A Place for Visionaries' facility in partnership with Fáilte Ireland, the National Tourism Authority.

The €8 million development will focus on two themes: 'At Home with the Parnell's' which will celebrate the life and times of Charles Stewart Parnell at Avondale House and 'The Evolution of Forestry' which will take a retrospective look through the history of the forest park from the 1700's to present day and beyond.

Fergal Leamy, Chief Executive of Coillte, said: "We are excited to be embarking upon such an ambitious project that will place Avondale Forest Park as one of the country's leading visitor destinations. Creating a unique space to socialise, enjoy and learn.

"We are committed to protecting the future of Ireland's forestry, and supporting the next generation in understanding the important role trees play in contributing to our environment and national economy. This significant investment is only possible thanks to our continued commercial success.

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"'A Place for Visionaries' will showcase all that Irish forests have to offer, demonstrating some of the leading-edge science and technologies used in the forestry industry today."

The site will also offer a state-of-the-art visitor centre, including a café and restaurant, as well as Coillte's 'Evolution of Forestry' installation and a 460m lattice walkway providing 360-degree views of the canopy and Avonmore River valley.

Paul Kelly, Chief Executive of Fáilte Ireland, commented: "The redevelopment of Avondale House and Forest Park is hugely significant from a tourism and economic perspective for Ireland's Ancient East and for the country as a whole.

"Fáilte Ireland has provided more than €6.1 million towards this re-development project which builds on our continued investment across Ireland's Ancient East. We are confident that the re-developed Avondale House and Forest Park will attract a sizeable number of overseas visitors and domestic tourists ensuring Wicklow and the entire region benefits.

"Fáilte Ireland is proud to partner with Coillte on developing this major attraction that will entice visitors to stay longer and explore further. The development of this new world class visitor experience also provides a major opportunity for tourism businesses across Wicklow to leverage the significant investment in the project."

The redeveloped Avondale House and Forest Park is expected to open in 2021.

(CM/MH)