Overview
Nestled in the heart of Castlewellan Forest Park, County Down, the Castlewellan Peace Maze is a living monument to reconciliation. Covering 2.7 acres (11,000 m²) of meticulously‑trimmed yew, the maze stretches over 2 miles (3,550 m) of hedge and offers a winding 3,147 m path that invites families, school groups and solo wanderers to trace a symbolic route toward a peaceful future for Northern Ireland.
The maze is centred around a Peace Bell that rings when you reach the heart of the labyrinth – a simple, resonant celebration of completion that echoes the broader hopes of the community that built it.
History & Background
Planning began in 1998 under the guidance of landscape designer Beverly Lear. The project was deliberately inclusive: nearly 4,000 schoolchildren contributed ideas, and in December 2000 people from across the province planted the 6,000 yew trees that form the living walls. The maze officially opened on 12 September 2001, funded by the EU Support Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, and Down District Council.
At its inauguration the Peace Maze claimed the title of the world’s largest permanent hedge maze, a record it held until 2007 when Hawaii’s Pineapple Garden Maze surpassed it. Today it remains the second‑largest of its kind and a proud emblem of the peace process that ended “The Troubles”.
What to See & Do
- Navigate the Hedge – Follow the winding routes, count the twists, and aim for the centre. The average completion time is about 40 minutes.
- Ring the Peace Bell – Once you reach the heart, ring the bell to mark your success; the sound is a reminder that peace, like the maze, is a journey, not a destination.
- Children’s Facilities – The maze area includes baby‑changing rooms and child‑friendly amenities, making it ideal for families.
- Picnic Area – Adjacent to the main car park you’ll find tables and barbecue spots, perfect for a break after the walk.
- Explore the Wider Forest Park – The maze sits beside the National Arboretum, the historic Castlewellan Castle, and a network of walking and mountain‑bike trails ranging from the gentle Lakeside Walk (3.9 km) to the more challenging Moorish Tower Walk (5.1 km).
- Animal Wood Play Zone – A short, themed trail for children (ages 4‑11) featuring woodland animal sculptures, a climbing tower, rope bridge and slide, located just outside the maze.
Practical Information
Opening Times
| Season | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| April – October | 09:00 – 20:00 |
| November – March | 09:00 – 16:00 |
The maze follows the same schedule as Castlewellan Forest Park, which also opens on bank holidays.
Admission & Parking
Entry to the maze is free. Parking is on‑site and subject to the following fees (as of the latest published rates):
| Vehicle Type | Charge |
|---|---|
| Car | £5 per ticket |
| Motorbike | £3 per ticket |
| Minibus (up to 24 seats) | £15 per ticket |
| Coach (over 24 seats) | £50 per ticket |
| All‑Park Car Permit (annual) | £60 |
| Single‑Park Season Car Permit | £25 |
All major credit/debit cards are accepted at the payment kiosks.
Accessibility
- Scooter access is provided throughout the park and to the maze entrance.
- Manual wheelchairs can navigate the surrounding trails; the total distance covering the maze and gardens is roughly six miles.
- Disabled toilets are available near the visitor centre.
- Dogs are welcome in the wider park but must be kept under control and are not permitted inside the maze.
Facilities
- Toilets (including disabled facilities)
- Baby‑changing rooms
- Picnic tables and barbecue stations
- On‑site coffee cart (summer months)
- Accepts coach parties and larger groups
Getting There
The maze is located at Castlewellan Forest Park, Forest Park View, Castlewellan, BT31 9BU. It is easily reachable by car via the A25, with ample on‑site parking. Public transport options include local bus services that stop in Castlewellan; the nearest airports are Belfast International and City of Derry, both offering connections to the region.
Why Visit?
The Castlewellan Peace Maze is more than a horticultural curiosity; it is a living narrative of community‑led peacebuilding. Each yew, planted by a volunteer, represents a personal commitment to reconciliation, while the maze’s two distinct halves symbolise the steps needed to move from division to unity. Whether you are a local family, a school group exploring history, or a visitor seeking a contemplative walk, the maze offers a tactile, immersive experience that blends nature, art and social history.
Plan your visit, follow the winding paths, and let the echo of the peace bell remind you that every step forward, however twisting, brings you closer to a shared future.