Overview
Greenan Maze sits in the rolling hills of Ballinanty, about ten kilometres from Rathdrum and an hour south of Dublin. Spread over roughly 25 acres, the family‑run farm combines two beech hedge mazes, three farm‑museum collections, a tranquil nature walk, a lively animal farm and on‑site accommodation. It is a popular day‑out for families, school groups and anyone looking for a slice of Irish countryside life.
The Wheeler family opened the farm to visitors in 1996 and have continually expanded the offering, adding the Solstice Maze set within a stone circle, a treasure‑hunt adventure, a fairy‑tree trail, a craft shop and a café serving organic coffee and homemade treats.
History & Background
Originally a working hill farm, Greenan Maze was transformed into a public attraction in 1996. The site now houses three distinct museums – the Barn Museum, the Bottle Museum and the Old Farmhouse Museum – which together display over two centuries of Irish agricultural heritage. The Old Farmhouse, dating from the 16th century, 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. Seven giant insect sculptures were added among the hedges, highlighting the maze’s role as a biodiversity hotspot.
Heritage & Recognition
The Irish Times has listed Greenan Maze as a Heritage Hotspot, describing it as “an antidote to urban living within easy reach of Dublin”. The attraction’s blend of living farm, historic museums and natural woodland has earned it a reputation as one of Wicklow’s most distinctive family destinations.
What to See & Do
The Mazes
- Celtic Maze – A half‑acre hedge maze of beech trees, replanted in 2022. A central pond marks the finish, and a viewing platform lets spectators watch families navigate the twists.
- Solstice Maze – A gentle, circular path set within a stone circle. Four large stones represent the seasons, while 21 outer stones mark the winter solstice.
Farm Museums
- Barn Museum – Two‑storey barn displaying horse‑drawn ploughs, carts, blacksmith tools and photographs from the Great Famine era.
- Bottle Museum – Established in 1985, it showcases 19th‑ and early‑20th‑century Irish bottles, jars and vessels, many excavated on the farm.
- Old Farmhouse Museum – Restored 16th‑century farmhouse with original furniture, weapons and household items, plus stories of its rebel‑safe‑house past.
Wild Nature Walk & Dragonfly Walk
The Wild Nature Walk follows Ballinanty Brook through a re‑wilded reserve. It leads to the Dragonfly Walk, a raised wooden walkway winding through native woodlands and wetlands, ending at three ponds with viewing platforms. Over one hundred tree species line the trail, attracting dragonflies, moorhens, deer, frogs and other wildlife.
Farm Animals & Playground
Retired draught horses, a donkey called Ernie, cows, pigs, sheep, turkeys, geese and seasonal lambs or piglets can be met in the paddocks. The “Hen Hotel” displays rare heritage hens, viewable from a seated area. A well‑equipped playground offers climbing frames, slides and safe equipment for all ages. Field games such as wheelbarrow relays, welly throwing, sack races and sheep bowling are organised during the summer months.
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 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.
Café, Craft Shop & Function Spaces
The on‑site Coffee Shop serves organic coffee, hot chocolate, cakes, biscuits, sandwiches and light lunches. A re‑usable cup discount encourages sustainable drinking. Adjacent is a Craft Shop offering Irish‑made knitwear, pottery, stained glass, jewellery, soaps, seasonal jams and environmentally‑friendly stationery. Private function rooms, a large picnic tent and sheltered tables are available for birthdays, communions or corporate events.
Accommodation – Shepherds Huts
In 2022 Greenan Maze added two Shepherds Huts for glamping. Each hut provides electricity, a small kitchenette, heating, a private outdoor fire‑pit and access to an on‑site sauna. Guests can enjoy lake‑side views, stargazing and the peace of the Wicklow hills. The huts are bookable directly through the attraction’s website and are popular with families and nature‑savvy travellers.
Events & Group Activities
Greenan Maze runs a calendar of seasonal events:
- Easter Egg Hunts – Family‑friendly hunts on the Easter weekend.
- Summer Treasure‑Hunt – Daily clues and a hidden prize for children.
- Kids Party Packages – Themed birthday parties with games, food and use of the playground.
- Corporate & Family Days – Tailored team‑building activities, BBQs and group tours.
- School Tours – Guided tours for primary and secondary classes, covering heritage, biodiversity and farm life. Tours are limited to two groups per day with a 1:20 guide‑to‑child ratio.
- Transition‑Year Biodiversity Tours and Language School Tours – specialised programmes that focus on pollinators, native flora and sustainable farming practices.
Details and booking information are available on the attraction’s website or by contacting the events team.
Accessibility & Facilities
- Wheelchair access – Main visitor areas, the cafés and the Celtic Maze entrance are wheelchair‑friendly. The raised Dragonfly Walk includes steps, so assistance may be required.
- Free parking – A large car park is located near the entrance, with disabled spaces.
- Restrooms – Toilets and baby‑changing facilities are available throughout the site.
- Pet policy – Dogs are not permitted inside the mazes or museums but are welcome in the outdoor picnic areas on a leash.
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 closes from October to March.
Admission Fees
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €8.50 |
| Child (3‑12) | €8.50 |
| Child under 2 | Free |
| Family ticket (2 adults + 2 children) | €32.00 |
| Season ticket (2 adults + 2 children, all summer) | €75.00 |
Tickets are purchased on‑site; advance online booking is optional for groups and events.
Contact & Booking
- Phone: +353 404 46000 (main line) / +353 868 845624 (mobile)
- Email: contact@greenanmaze.com
- Website: https://www.greenanmaze.com/
- Map & Directions: GPS 52.91579, ‑6.30527 – the site lies on the R752, a short 10‑minute drive from Rathdrum and 20 minutes from Glendalough.
Getting There
Free parking is available at the entrance. The site is reachable by car from Dublin via the M11 and R752. Public transport options are limited; the nearest bus stop is in Rathdrum, with a taxi service recommended for the final leg.
Nearby Attractions
While exploring the Wicklow hills, consider a short drive to:
- Avondale Forest Park (15 min) – treetop walkway and historic house.
- Annamoe – scenic village and riverside walks.
- Aughrim River – ideal for fishing and picnics.
- Avoca Valley – beautiful river scenery and craft workshops.
- Glendalough – monastic ruins and mountain trails (20 min).
Planning Your Visit
A typical visit lasts 2–3 hours, but families staying in the Shepherds Huts often spend a full day exploring the mazes, museums and nature walks. Bring comfortable shoes, a raincoat (the walkways are exposed), and a reusable cup to enjoy the café’s discount. Check the website or call ahead for any special events or seasonal changes before you travel.
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 Irish countryside experience.