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Castlewellan Peace Maze

6-8 Burren Walk, Castlewellan, County Down, BT31 9AF
A view of Castlewellan Peace Maze with the Mourne Mountains as a backdrop. Visitors can attempt to solve their way to the centre of the maze.

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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 community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the peace bell in the centre of the maze.

PUBLIC NOTICE: CASTLEWELLAN FOREST PARK HAS REOPENED, WITH RESTRICTIONS, FOLLOWING THE IMPACT OF STORM EOWYN.

The following facilities remain closed: remote walking trails, mountain bike trails, horse trails and Annesley Walled Garden & Arboretum. We ask visitors to adhere to the safety signage in place and please DO NOT access trails which are closed.

(Latest update: Friday 14 February 2025 at 5pm)

The hedge comprises of 6,000 yew trees, many were planted by people from all over Northern Ireland and covers 2.7 acres (11,000 square meters) with a hedge length of over 2 miles (3,550 meters) a path length of 3,147 meters.

Planning of the maze started in 1998 and was officially opened in 2001, created by landscape designer Beverly Lear with imput from nearly 4,000 school children in an effort to encourage a sense of common ownership.

Funding for the project, came from European Union Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation in Northern Ireland and Department of Agriculture and Rural Development as well as Down District Council. The Peace Maze held the record of the World's Largest Hedge Maze until 2007 when the Pineapple Garden Maze in Hawaii expanded to take the title.

Completion of the Maze walk is approx 40 minutes.

What are the Opening Hours of Castlewellan Peace Maze?

Castlewellan Peace Maze is open April to October from 9am to  8pm, and November to March from 9am to 4pm.  The opening times for Castlewellan Forest Park are listed here.

Are dogs allowed in Castlewellan Peace Maze?

​​​​​​Dogs are not allowed in the Adventure Play Park or the Peace Maze.

How long does it take to complete the Castlewellan Peace Maze?

The Castlewellan Peace Maze walk takes around 40 minutes (depending on which turns you take).
 

Where is the Peace Maze in Castlewellan Forest Park?

Beside ‘Animal Wood’ in Castlewellan Forest Park you'll find Castlewellan Peace Maze, one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes representing the path to a peaceful future for Northern Ireland. Planted in 2000 with community involvement, visitors can attempt to solve their way to the centre of the maze.


Access

Access available for people with limited mobility on scooter. Manual wheelchairs - the total distance including the Castlewellan Peace Maze and Gardens is around six miles.

 

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 TypeTicket 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

Car entrance charges apply.

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Tel +44 (0) 330 137 4046

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Normal opening times:
April to October from 09:00 - 20:00
November to March from 09:00 -16:00 

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