Avondale House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Avondale House |
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| General information | |
| Location | Avondale Forest |
| Country | Ireland |
Avondale House is a special place in County Wicklow, Ireland. It was the home and birthplace of a famous Irish leader, Charles Stewart Parnell. The house is located inside the beautiful Avondale Forest Park. This park covers a large area, about 2 square kilometers. It is close to the town of Rathdrum. The Avonmore River flows through the park on its way to the Irish Sea. Today, Avondale House is a museum that you can visit.
Contents
History of Avondale House
Building the House and Early Owners
Avondale House was built in 1777. It was designed for Samuel Hayes, who was a barrister (a type of lawyer). Samuel Hayes was very interested in Irish forestry. He was one of the first people to plant many trees again in Ireland. He planted thousands of trees on the Avondale estate.
Samuel Hayes did not have children. When he passed away in 1795, he left the estate to his cousin, Sir John Parnell, 2nd Baronet. Sir John had to agree that the house would go to a younger son. After Sir John died in 1801, his third son, William, inherited Avondale. William changed his last name to Parnell-Hayes.
Charles Stewart Parnell's Connection
Charles Stewart Parnell was William's grandson. Charles was born at Avondale House in 1846. He inherited the estate in 1859. Charles Stewart Parnell became a very important political leader in Ireland.
After Parnell's death in 1891, the estate was sold. A butcher from Dublin bought it. He cut down most of the trees to get his money back. This was a sad time for the forests of Avondale.
Architecture and Special Rooms
Avondale House is built in the Georgian style. It was likely designed by James Wyatt and finished in 1777. The house is known for its beautiful plasterwork inside. Many of the original pieces of furniture are still there.
One special room is called the American Room. It is dedicated to Admiral Charles Stewart (1778-1869). He was Parnell's American grandfather. Admiral Stewart was famous for commanding the USS Constitution. This ship is now in Boston Harbor. He led the ship during the War of 1812.
Forestry and New Trees
In 1904, the government bought the estate. They started to plant new trees. The house was then used as a forestry school. Many different types of trees were planted on the grounds. The most successful ones were conifers from the Pacific coast of North America.
Today, you can see huge giant redwood trees from California. There are also Sitka spruce trees from British Columbia. You can also find the old sawmill ruins and Parnell's well on the property.
Visiting Avondale House and Park
Guided Tours and Attractions
Avondale House is open for guided tours. You can learn all about its history and the people who lived there.
In 2019, Fáilte Ireland announced a big project to fix up Avondale House and Forest Park. In July 2022, the President of Ireland, Michael D. Higgins, officially opened "Beyond the Trees Avondale." This is a new, amazing place for visitors at Avondale Forest Park.
"Beyond the Trees Avondale" has many fun things to do. There is a special tree canopy walk. This walk lets you explore high up in the trees. There is also a gift shop, places for picnics, a beautiful walled garden, and a children's playground.
Forest Trails and Train Rides
Avondale Forest Park has many different forest trails and walks. These walks can be short, about 30 minutes, or as long as five hours. You can choose a trail that fits how much time you have.
One of the cool attractions at the park is a trackless Forest Train. This train takes you on a ride through the park. It is a great way to see the beautiful scenery without walking.
See also
In Spanish: Avondale House para niños
