The Smurfs Village Finds a Home at Beyond the Trees Avondale in Co. Wicklow.
July 4, 2025An interactive Family Experience Opening July 19th
In the week the world celebrates World Smurf Day (June 25th) and the birthday of Peyo (Pierre Culliford) creator of the Smurfs characters, details were announced in Co. Wicklow of a new family experience – The Smurfs Village that will open to the public on Saturday July 19th at 9am at Beyond the Trees Avondale in Co. Wicklow.
The Blink Group, a family business owned by Graham Carroll and his wife Ger Walsh have been in negotiations with IMPS and the family of the Smurfs founder Peyo for the past three years. Graham said, “We needed to present to the team in Belgium our vision for their beloved Smurfs family. We wanted to be in a location that was all about family fun and engagement and we are thrilled that we have secured an agreement to house The Smurfs Village at Beyond the Trees Avondale located at Avondale Forest Park, Co. Wicklow.”
The Smurfs Village will be housed in a building on the Avondale grounds that is being fitted out by an expert team from The Blink Group to create a Smurfs world of fun and learning. Ger Walsh adds, “We are building a space where every detail, every colour, every sound and oversized toadstool feels like its straight from the heart of Smurf – land. In that world we are aiming that children aren’t just entertained – they are celebrated and inspired. Parents can also feel confident that their children are not only having fun but are also engaging with meaningful lessons about community and compassion.”
The Smurfs Village – a magical world of interactive fun and beloved blue characters will open to the public on Saturday July 19th and will employ two full time and twenty part time staff ensuring that every family has a fun filled experience. The Smurfs Village will be where children don’t just play they grow and where the heart of the Smurfs – their values of kindness, respect, community and care for the natural world are brought to life in the most joyful and meaningful way from the Smurf and Grow station where children are encouraged to get their hands dirty and pot a plant to the Kindness Portal.
Karen O’Neill, Senior Operations Manager at Beyond the Trees Avondale commented, “The team is delighted that The Smurfs Village will be opening its doors next month. It will be another unique offering alongside the other fabulous attractions we have on site from the beautiful Treetop Walk to Avondale House. Alongside walking trails in historical woodlands to tasty food and drink options. Since 2022 we have welcomed over 1 million visitors into this very special location in Wicklow and it is now great to add another element to Beyond the Trees Avondale
“In our many years in business this is our biggest investment to date. We will spend over €1.5m creating these interactive Smurf themed family events in Ireland and the UK ” said Graham Carroll. “We have invested time and money into this experience because we believe that the Smurfs message of kindness, compassion and inclusivity is needed now more than ever in society”.
