[RWD version 1 ] The forest park surrounding the birthplace and home of Charles Stewart Parnell is also regarded as the birthplace of Irish forestry with a variety of trails for walking and cycling. Apart from a tour of Avondale House, currently closed for renovations, there are Sequoia, Spruce and broadleaf trees within the 200-hectare estate. Other highlights include a walled garden, a deer pin, the expanse of lawn along the Great Ride, and walks along the Avonmore River. There are plans to introduce more visitor facilities in the near future.
Our hiking group decided to take the green option, going by train to Rathdrum Station, and walking from there along the Railway Walk to Avondale, the same trail used by Parnell on his way to and from the House of Commons in Westminster. Stalactites hang from the first of the two well-constructed railway bridges encountered. We had planned to walk along the Great Ride with its majestic view of Avondale House and the Vale of Avoca, but we decided instead to stay on a trail because of the wet and misty conditions, returning by the picturesque trail alongside the river and Lover's Leap to the railway station.