We used to go to Avondale House a lot a few years ago and often wondered about the fingerpost sign that we’d pass near Avoca which pointed to “Greenan Maze”. We went one day to explore and have gone back every year since, it’s a firm fixture in our summer calendar, the one the kids always ask when the annual visit is. You can read about one of our past visits here, this post is based on a visit in July 2020.
The Attraction
There are two mazes, the tricky hedged one and the solstice one which is open so you can’t get badly lost. Since we go every year our kids can find their own way around the tricky one now, but if it’s your first time it can take a while! However, there’s lots more here than just the mazes, keep reading.
What’s to See?
Apart from the mazes there are trails and walks (more on this below). The agricultural museum and old farmhouse give a look back on days gone by.
What’s to Do?
Explore the mazes and woodlands, follow the fairy trail, do the treasure hunt (they give the kids sheets for the treasure hunt and fairy trail when you pay, and a treasure is collected from the cafe at the end) Visit the animals in the farm, see if there are dragonflys at the ponds,
Where is it?
Near Aughrim in County Wicklow
How much?
Tickets are €8 for adults and €7.50 for children. Children aged 2 and under are free and there are family tickets also.
What if it’s raining?
You’ll get wet, this is best enjoyed on a dry day.
Is it buggy/baby friendly?
Yes, we’ve been going since Laoise was a very small baby in a buggy. A stroller may struggle in some parts but a buggy with bigger wheels will do fine (I know this because I’ve pushed one here many times)
Anything else we need to know?
- Season tickets are good value, keep an eye on their Facebook page in March usually for great offers
- The cafe has relocated to the car park this year
- There are plenty of picnic tables and outdoor seating
- The toilets are beside the museum in the old cafe
- A handwashing station has been set up in the car park
- Treasure hunt clues and a fairy door trail (treasure is small bag of sweets)
- There’s a small play area with swings
For more see https://www.greenanmaze.com/ and if you go tell them where you heard about them!
