Overview
Nestled in the rolling hills of Ballinanty, just ten kilometres from Rathdrum and an hour south of Dublin, Greenan Maze is a family‑run farm that has grown into one of County Wicklow’s most beloved attractions. Spread over roughly 25 acres, the site blends playful maze‑walking with authentic farm‑museum experiences, a tranquil nature walk, and a lively collection of farm animals. Whether you arrive to test your sense of direction in the Celtic Maze, explore the 16th‑century Old Farmhouse, or simply sip organic coffee while watching ducks on the Dragonfly Ponds, the venue offers a varied programme that keeps visitors of all ages engaged.
The Wheeler family, who opened the farm to the public in 1996, have continually expanded the offering, adding a Solstice Maze set within a stone circle, a treasure‑hunt adventure, a fairy‑tree trail, and a crafts shop stocked with locally made goods. The site is deliberately seasonal – it closes from October to March – allowing the surrounding woodlands to regenerate and the beech trees that form the mazes to flourish.
History & Background
Greenan Maze began as a working hill farm before the Wheeler family decided to share a slice of rural life with visitors. Over the past three decades the farm has become a living museum of Irish agricultural heritage. The three farm museums – the Barn Museum, the Bottle Museum, and the Old Farmhouse Museum – house artefacts that span more than two centuries, from horse‑drawn ploughs and blacksmith tools to 19th‑century bottles excavated on‑site. The Old Farmhouse, dating back to the 16th century, once served as a safe house for rebels during the 1798 Rebellion and later housed a seanchaí (traditional storyteller).
In 2022 the original Celtic Maze, which had suffered a pathogen outbreak, was replanted with 1,500 locally sourced broadleaf beech trees from Aughrim. The new planting not only restored the maze’s challenging twists and turns but also created a haven for insects, earning the maze a reputation as a biodiversity hotspot. Seven giant insect sculptures now hide among the hedges, offering a whimsical nod to the beech trees’ ecological role.
What to See & Do
The Mazes
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Celtic Maze – A half‑acre hedge maze of beech trees, re‑planted in 2022. The maze culminates in a central pond and can be viewed from an elevated platform that lets onlookers watch the frantic yet joyful navigation of families below.
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Solstice Maze – A flatter, contemplative path set within a large stone circle. Four central stones represent the seasons, while 21 outer stones mark the winter solstice. The design is especially appealing to younger children who enjoy the gentle looping route.
Farm Museums
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Barn Museum – Two floors of farming implements, horse‑drawn ploughs, carts, and tools used by blacksmiths, coopers and thatchers. Photographs and prints dating back to the Great Famine provide a poignant historical context.
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Bottle Museum – Established in 1985, this collection showcases antique Irish bottles, jars and vessels from the 19th and early 20th centuries, many of which were excavated on the farm itself.
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Old Farmhouse Museum – Restored with original furniture, utensils, weapons and personal items, the farmhouse offers a snapshot of rural life, rebel history and the oral storytelling tradition of the seanchaí.
Wild Nature Walk & Dragonfly Walk
The Wild Nature Walk follows the meandering Ballinanty Brook through a re‑wilded reserve. It leads to the Dragonfly Walk, a raised wooden walkway that winds through native woodlands and wetlands, ending at three ponds with viewing platforms. Over one hundred tree species line the trail, attracting dragonflies, moorhens, and occasional deer.
Farm Animals & Playground
Visitors can meet a variety of farm animals: two retired draught horses, a cheeky donkey named Ernie, cows, pigs, sheep, turkeys, geese, and seasonal lambs or piglets. The “Hen Hotel” showcases rare heritage hens, viewable from a seated area. A well‑equipped playground provides climbing frames, slides and safe equipment for toddlers and older children.
Treasure Hunt & Fairy‑Tree Trail
During the summer months a self‑guided treasure‑hunt map invites families to solve riddles and locate a hidden prize, while also learning about the All‑Ireland Pollinator Plan. The Fairy‑Tree Trail is a gentle stroll that teaches children to identify native trees and spot whimsical fairy doors along the route.
Café, Craft Shop & Function Spaces
The on‑site Coffee Shop serves organic coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches and light lunches. Adjacent is a Craft Shop offering Irish‑made knitwear, pottery, stained glass, jewellery, soaps and seasonal jams – perfect for souvenirs. Private function rooms, a picnic tent and sheltered tables are available for birthdays, communions or corporate events.
Practical Information
Opening Hours (seasonal)
| Period | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Apr – 16 Apr | Every day | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| Easter School Holidays | Every day | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| May – June | Weekends only | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| July – August | Every day | 10:00 – 18:00 |
| September | Weekends only | 10:00 – 18:00 |
The attraction is closed from October to March. Opening times may vary slightly; it is advisable to check the official website before travelling.
Admission Fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €8.50 |
| Child (3‑12) | €8.50 |
| Child under 2 | Free |
| Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) | €32.00 |
Tickets are purchased on‑site; no advance booking is required for general admission.
Getting There
Greenan Maze lies on the R752 road, a short 10‑minute drive from Rathdrum and a 20‑minute drive from the historic monastic site of Glendalough. Ample free parking is available near the entrance, as are sheltered picnic tables for a relaxed lunch. The site is wheelchair‑accessible in the main visitor areas, though some of the raised walkways on the Dragonfly Walk have steps.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in the Wicklow hills, consider a short drive to Avondale Forest Park (15 min) for its treetop walkway, the National Botanic Gardens at Kilmacurragh (20 min) for free entry and spectacular rhododendrons, or the iconic Glendalough Valley (20 min) for historic monastic ruins and mountain walks.
Contact & Further Details
For the latest updates, event bookings or private function enquiries, visit the official website at https://www.greenanmaze.com/. The site also provides a downloadable map of the grounds, which highlights the locations of the mazes, museums, animal paddocks, playground, café and picnic areas.
Greenan Maze offers a rare blend of playful challenge, educational heritage and natural beauty, making it a standout destination for families, school groups and anyone seeking an authentic slice of Irish countryside life.