Located within Castlewellan Forest Park in County Down, the Castlewellan Peace Maze is more than just a garden feature; it's a powerful symbol of Northern Ireland's path towards peace. Built between 2000 and 2001, this impressive maze is made from 6,000 yew trees planted across 2.7 acres, with paths winding for over 3 kilometres. Its creation involved the whole community: nearly 4,000 schoolchildren shared ideas for the design, and thousands of local people helped plant the trees – a real act of unity marking the 1998 Good Friday Agreement. Opened in 2001, the maze was funded by the EU's Peace and Reconciliation Programme and local councils, highlighting its role as a tribute to working together.
Designed by landscape architect Beverly Lear, the maze is both a fun challenge and a metaphor for finding peace. You navigate through two sections before reaching the Peace Bell at the centre, where ringing the bell marks the end of the journey. The yew trees were chosen for their long life and resilience, and the hedges are kept at 1.5 meters high – low enough to allow people to see and talk to each other across the paths, encouraging connection. For a time, it was the world's largest permanent hedge maze (until 2007), and it remains Northern Ireland's largest.
Finding your way through the maze takes about 40 minutes and offers a rewarding view of the Mourne Mountains from the centre. There's a play area and picnic spots nearby, making it a great family destination. The maze is best visited during the park's main season (April to October). A unique feature is its design encouraging interaction, unlike more traditional, isolating mazes. Whether you see it as a puzzle, a family activity, or a quiet walk for reflection, the Peace Maze stands as a living monument to hope and shared history.
Getting There
From a specific pier on Bere Island itself (requiring you to take the ferry across first).
Parking
Visitors to the Castlewellan Peace Maze will find convenient on-site parking available, with ample spaces to accommodate cars, coaches, minibuses, and motorbikes. Parking fees vary by vehicle type: cars incur a £5.00 charge, while coaches (over 24 seats) are £35.00, minibuses £13.00, and motorbikes £2.50. Seasonal passes offer cost savings, with a standard Season Ticket priced at £25.00 and an annual car permit available for £40.00 (or £25.00 for concessionary rates). Payment is accepted via all major credit and debit cards, though some sources do not confirm cash availability-arrive prepared with card options.
Accessibility is well-supported, with parking spaces designated for disabled visitors. The parking lot is situated within a short, easy walk of the Peace Maze entrance, ensuring a convenient start to your exploration.
During peak seasons or busy weekends, arriving early is advisable to secure a parking spot. If the on-site lot fills, nearby roadside parking along the forest park's perimeter may be an alternative, though this is not officially managed. Pedestrians entering the forest park are not charged, so consider parking in adjacent areas and walking in if needed.
Please note that fees cover vehicle entry to Castlewellan Forest Park, which hosts the maze, and no time restrictions are noted for parking duration. Seasonal permits and passes can be purchased on-site or in advance through official channels.
Pricing
Admission to the Castlewellan Peace Maze itself is free, but entry to Castlewellan Forest Park-where the maze is located-requires a fee depending on your mode of transport:
- Vehicle Entry Fees (per visit):
- Car: £5 (~€5.80)
- Motorbike: £2.50 (~€2.90)
- Coach (over 24 seats): £35 (~€40.34)
- Minibus (8-24 seats): £13 (~€14.98)
Pedestrians can enter the park and access the maze at no cost.
Seasonal Permits and Discounts
- Annual Car Permit: £40 (~€46.10) for unlimited park visits.
- Concessionary Annual Permit: £25 (~€28.81) for seniors (over 65), students, or children under 16 (with ID).
- Seasonal Minibus Permit: £65 (~€74.86) for repeated minibus access.
Group and Special Rates
- Groups of 10+ people can book guided tours at £8 (~€9.22) per person.
- No explicit family discounts are listed, but group rates for coaches and minibuses may offer savings for larger parties.
Free Entry Opportunities
- St. Patrick's Day (March 17): Free entry for all visitors.
- First Monday of Each Month: Free entry for local residents with valid ID.
Additional Costs
- Guided Tours: £8 (~€9.22) per person for groups, focusing on the maze's history and surroundings.
- Parking Fees: Included in the above vehicle entry costs.
Payment Methods
Cash and major credit/debit cards are accepted at the park entrance. Seasonal permits and tickets must be purchased on-site.
Note: Prices are converted from GBP to EUR using an approximate exchange rate (1 GBP ~ €1.15). Rates are subject to change; confirm details directly with the park before visiting.
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