The maze was planted by thousands of local schoolchildren and community members to symbolize the post-Good Friday Agreement era.
The yew trees were chosen for their longevity and ability to be sculpted into dense, impenetrable hedges.
A central peace bell is located at the heart of the maze, which visitors are encouraged to ring upon reaching the destination.
The design utilizes a sophisticated geometry that forces visitors to backtrack if they take incorrect turns.
Total pathway length within the hedge network exceeds 3 kilometers.
The Peace Maze is one of the world's largest permanent hedge mazes, spanning 2.7 acres within Castlewellan Forest Park. Planted in 2000, it features 6,000 yew trees arranged to symbolize the transition from conflict to peace in Northern Ireland. The layout consists of approximately 3,500 meters of pathways, requiring visitors to navigate multiple inner sections to reach the central peace bell. Completion of the maze generally takes between 30 and 45 minutes depending on navigation success. The site is situated near the shores of Castlewellan Lake and is maintained by the local council as part of the wider 460-hectare forest park. It remains a functional monument to communal reconciliation, inviting participants to collect stamps at designated points during the walk.
The raised viewing platform near the entrance, which provides an aerial vantage point of the entire hedge layout.
Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear as the paths are composed of gravel and can be uneven.
Keep children close, as the tall hedges can make it easy to become separated or disoriented.
Bring a waterproof jacket, as Northern Irish weather in the forest can change rapidly regardless of the season.
Attempting the maze during heavy rainfall or high winds, as the gravel paths can become muddy and the exposure increases.
The maze operates seasonally; expect reduced access or potential closures during the winter months when the ground is soft or maintenance is required.
Stay on the designated gravel paths and do not attempt to climb or cut through the yew hedges.
