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About
Castlewellan Peace Maze is one of the world’s largest permanent hedge mazes, representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with the involvement of local communities, this remarkable maze offers visitors the challenge of navigating its intricate paths to reach the centre.
PUBLIC NOTICE: Following the impact of Storm Éowyn there are a number of temporary closures in Castlewellan Forest Park, find out more here.
Key Facts about Castlewellan Peace Maze
- World-Famous Hedge Maze: Spanning 2.7 acres (11,000 square metres), the Peace Maze is composed of 6,000 yew trees planted by people from across Northern Ireland. With a hedge length of over 2 miles (3,550 metres) and a path length of 3,147 metres, it held the record as the world’s largest hedge maze until 2007.
- Community and Design: Planning began in 1998, and the maze officially opened in 2001. Designed by landscape architect Beverly Lear, it involved input from nearly 4,000 schoolchildren to encourage a sense of shared ownership and unity.
- Historical and Financial Support: The project was funded by the European Union Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Down District Council.
Essential Visitor Guide to Castlewellan Peace Maze: Location, Hours, Guidance about Pets, Access and Walk Duration
Planning a visit to Castlewellan Peace Maze? Here’s everything you need to know. The Peace Maze is beside ‘Animal Wood’ in Castlewellan Forest Park right beside the main car park. The Peace Maze is open from April to October, welcoming visitors daily from 9am to 8pm, while shorter winter hours apply from November to March, with opening times from 9am to 4pm. Please note that dogs are not permitted in the Peace Maze or the Adventure Play Park to ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors. If you’re wondering how much time to set aside, completing the Peace Maze typically takes around 40 minutes, though your time may vary depending on the turns you take. Access is available for visitors with limited mobility, including those using scooters. For those with manual wheelchairs, the combined distance covering the Castlewellan Peace Maze and Gardens is approximately six miles. For more details about Castlewellan Forest Park click here.
A visit to Castlewellan Peace Maze offers more than just a fun challenge—it provides a journey through history, community, and hope, making it a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Northern Ireland.
Where can I find out more about Castlewellan Forest Park?
Click here to find out more about Castlewellan Forest Park
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Facilities
Catering
- Picnic Area
Children & Infants
- Baby changing facilities
- Facilities for children
Establishment Features
- Accept coach parties
- Family Fun
- Toilets
Parking & Transport
- On site parking
Payment Methods
- All major credit/debit cards accepted
Guide Prices
| Ticket Type | Ticket Tariff |
|---|---|
| Car | £5.00 |
| Coach (Over 24 Seats) | £35.00 |
| Minibus | £13.00 |
| Motorbike | £2.50 |
| Season Ticket | £25.00 |
| Seasonal Minibus Permit (8 - 24 Seats) | £65.00 |
The above prices are for Car Parking in the Forest Park.
