Greenan Maze
Greenan Maze
4.5
About
Greenan Maze is a family run open farm and visitor attraction. Located in a beautiful part of the Wicklow mountains, 6 Km from Rathdrum and an hour south of Dublin. Suitable for all ages. Includes: Celtic Maze (half an acre - replanted with local baby beech trees), Solstice Maze, three traditional farming museums, wild nature walks and wildlife haven, fairy tree trail, treasure hunts, farm animals and crafts & takeaway coffee shop. Open seasonally April to Sept, closed Oct to March. Tours by arrangement. See website for more details. Accommodation on site available in the Wild Glamping area with two comfortable Shepherds Huts located by a babbling brook in a private gated area near a pretty oak woodland. For nature savers and star gazers. River Shepherds Hut sleeps two adults and two children and Hill Shepherds Hut sleeps two adults and one child. See website or Airbnb for booking and availabilty.
Duration: 2-3 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
159 reviews
Excellent
106
Very good
29
Average
13
Poor
7
Terrible
4
Leela V
4 contributions
Aug 2021 • Couples
Before I start on the animals I would like to say that the mazes are great fun and the cafe food was delicious. Any staff we met were very friendly. We couldn't fault any of that.
The open farm however was a different story.
You can see which enclosures were planned and which were thrown up afterwards. These extra enclosures are all considerably smaller. Yes, they may just have a couple of birds in but they are potentially spending their whole lives in this space and they really need to be able to move around.
The enclosures are not secure, no padlocks anywhere so any adult or child can let themselves in.
In a mixed chicken enclosure we could see two with large patches of feather loss on their back. One had a healing scab to go along with it.
There is a rooster in an enclosure so tiny and with no hiding areas. He has a mesh coop but there are no covered areas in it where he can hide away from people.
The call ducks were the worst. They had a house where they would be able to hide from view but the house was closed so they couldn't get in. They had two tiny ponds which are too small to swim in. These ponds are the only source of drinking water and the water was completely green and undrinkable.
I worked in a zoo for years before leaving to work for an animal rescue and rehabilitation company. In a zoo, there are certain standards to meet for the animals. It's hard work meeting these standards but these tiny lives are the keepers responsibility so it's heartbreaking to see open farms don't work the same way.
The five freedoms are a basic description of animal care in captivity and unfortunately a lot of the animals here are only being provided with some of them.
The open farm however was a different story.
You can see which enclosures were planned and which were thrown up afterwards. These extra enclosures are all considerably smaller. Yes, they may just have a couple of birds in but they are potentially spending their whole lives in this space and they really need to be able to move around.
The enclosures are not secure, no padlocks anywhere so any adult or child can let themselves in.
In a mixed chicken enclosure we could see two with large patches of feather loss on their back. One had a healing scab to go along with it.
There is a rooster in an enclosure so tiny and with no hiding areas. He has a mesh coop but there are no covered areas in it where he can hide away from people.
The call ducks were the worst. They had a house where they would be able to hide from view but the house was closed so they couldn't get in. They had two tiny ponds which are too small to swim in. These ponds are the only source of drinking water and the water was completely green and undrinkable.
I worked in a zoo for years before leaving to work for an animal rescue and rehabilitation company. In a zoo, there are certain standards to meet for the animals. It's hard work meeting these standards but these tiny lives are the keepers responsibility so it's heartbreaking to see open farms don't work the same way.
The five freedoms are a basic description of animal care in captivity and unfortunately a lot of the animals here are only being provided with some of them.
Written August 29, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your feedback and observations about the poultry on our farm.
I grew up on the farm and care very much about all our animals and put huge amounts of time into their welfare. All our staff care greatly about our animals. Our animals are like personalities on the farm and we all know their different characteristics and quirky traits.
I would like to address a couple of points you made.
The rooster in the small enclosure was a temporary measure. The reason for this was that he had scratched and de-feathered the backs of two of our hens. This can happen when you have an over exuberant young Rooster and it is obviously important to separate them so he doesn’t do them any more harm.
You also mentioned observing these two hens. Please be assured I was taking good care of them while they healed , they are now healthy and fully recovered on the farm, they are called Buff Orpington’s and are my favourite hens to be honest.
For the record, all my poultry are moved to different housing with spacious pens in the Winter to give the summer pens a rest.
In relation to our Call ducks, their pond water is changed very regularly. I can’t understand why their door would have been shut however, so I take responsibility for that, it must have been an unusual mistake. Please rest assured it is always open and they have fresh food and water inside.
I also take on board your suggestion that we should put padlocks on the gates of the pens. I was probably being too trusting in presuming people would never go inside to interfere or let the animals out. From now on, we shall do that and we really appreciate your constructive ideas.
I’m glad you enjoyed the rest of your visit.
Take Care.
Will Wheeler
Written April 1, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kirstie M
Dublin, Ireland164 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We had a really nice trip to here on the bank holiday. It’s great that you can bring the dog too. A few animals and the fairy trail to keep the four year old amused was great (as was the solstice maze). We didn’t do the main maze due to the young kids. A few more staff around the place and to clean the toilets a bit more would have been good - the farm museum bits were good but lacked a little animation. The signs around the nature walk and animals were lovely too.
Written August 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your review. We are a small family farm and we all work hard to give our visitors a good day out. We appreciate your feedback and will take all your recommendations on board.
Written September 3, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
mar252016
Dublin, Ireland26 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
We visit every year with our young family and there is always something new and innovative added. The woodland play area is superb - great fun and the kids got loads of mileage out of it. We didn’t stay in the new glamping area but it looks really well set up. Everything on Greenan is done with sustainability and biodiversity in mind. The maze is growing really well and it was a nice challenge for the kids (and adults!) You can see that it’s well planned and that it will be better than ever in a few years.
As always, the playground, nature walk, fairy trail and treasure hunt sheet were a huge hit. Plenty of animals and their young on the farm and feeding time was great fun. We ate in the cafe and the food was lovely and good value - but equally it’s set up really well as a picnic spot. Staff are brilliant! Highly highly recommend Greenan as a day out. As soon as we mentioned it as an option to the kids this morning, there was no way we were going anywhere else!
As always, the playground, nature walk, fairy trail and treasure hunt sheet were a huge hit. Plenty of animals and their young on the farm and feeding time was great fun. We ate in the cafe and the food was lovely and good value - but equally it’s set up really well as a picnic spot. Staff are brilliant! Highly highly recommend Greenan as a day out. As soon as we mentioned it as an option to the kids this morning, there was no way we were going anywhere else!
Written August 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make such a detailed review - it is really appreciated- we will make sure to show all our staff your feedback. We are delighted your family had a fun day out! Many thanks Anita and Will Wheeler
Written August 23, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tatiana C
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Family
Arrived today, the 29th of AUGUST and found the gate closed with a sign stating that It’s opened in SEPTEMBER(!) during weekends only.. checked the website before driving all the way 45min with two very excited kids, which stayed the same thing - open every day during August. No words about the disappointment of wrong info stated on the website as well as their gate! 😞 what a bad experience!..
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Tatiana,
We are so very sorry for this omission and mistake on our part. The farm closed on Sunday 28th August 2022 and we tried to update all sources of info. We are a small family business and we hate to disappoint our visitors so we must apologise. Please email me directly contact@greenanmaze.com and we can discuss how we can make amends. Many thanks Anita Wheeler
Written February 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gpck2015
County Westmeath, Ireland4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Had a really nice afternoon yesterday. The maze is great fun for kids (9&7). We loved the fairy walk and farm animals. The toilet facilities are really inadequate though with only 1 gents and 1 ladies toilet and quite long queues. Really took from the experience.
Written July 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad to hear you had a nice afternoon. We are sorry that there were queues at the toilet facilities. We will endeavour to fix this issue in future. Many thanks from all the staff at Greenan Maze
Written July 27, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Suzanne B
Dublin, Ireland8 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
The maze is about 2-3 foot tall which is super easy and not very exciting for kids. It took about 5 mins to complete.
If your kids like museums they might like the farm but again my kids were bored within 10 mins. They did spend any 20 mins at the playground.
All in all we spent 35 mins max.
Kids aged 10,12&14
If your kids like museums they might like the farm but again my kids were bored within 10 mins. They did spend any 20 mins at the playground.
All in all we spent 35 mins max.
Kids aged 10,12&14
Written August 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to make a review. We are sorry you were dissappointed with your visit to the farm. Our family farm is suitable for small children, interested in nature and the outdoors, it is a lovely relaxing day out for all the family with two mazes, three museums, nature walk and treasure hunt, farm animlas, playgrounds and coffee shop. Surrounded by the beautiful countryside of the Wicklow hills we were designed a heritage hotspot and an antidote to urban life...by The Irish Times. Many families spend two to three hours enjoying our nature farm and enjoying their connection to nature.
Written October 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Becky C
Avoca, Ireland2 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
Lovely area and beautifully done - the new woodland area is gorgeous. Cafe was a bit disappointing in terms of selection and value for money. All round worth a trip but come fed.
Written April 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for the 4 stars. We are delighted you had a good day. Will Wheeler will be happy to hear you enjoyed his new woodland play area. Sorry you found the cafe a bit dissappointing. We take your feedback and will try to improve our selection of food items.
Thank you
Anita Wheeler
Greenan Maze
Written April 18, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
tpbel
Belfast, UK633 contributions
Jun 2022
We had the most lovely morning in this park. The highlight was the nature walk looking for fairy doors (with a 5 year old). We saw pheasants and ducks and many interesting plants and trees. The weather was beautiful which helped. Then we had coffee and a go in the play park after checking out the animals. The maze is just growing again after replanting but was still a good time. Really recommend a visit if you young kids to entertain.
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to make a review - your feedback is much appreciated- and we are delighted you enjoyed your day! Rgds Anita
Written June 9, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Linn-Finn
Kilmessan, Ireland31 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
What a super place to go with the kids! A really cool maze, lovely farm museum and a stunning walk through woodlands looking for fairy doors. To top it off delicious apple pies and oat berry pies with cream. For €30 we thought it was worth it!
Written August 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you!
Written October 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Samuel
16 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
Very good for young children. Good selection of animals from pigs, goats and horses. These can all be hand fed which the kids love. Small maze is also fun. Overall very good value to spend half a day. Cafe on-site as well.
Written July 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for taking the time to make a review and for giving us your 5 stars. It is much appreciated. Rgds Anita and Will Wheeler Greenan Maze
Written October 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Hello, Are you open in October at all? Thank you
Written August 7, 2019
Wie komme ich mit öffentlichen Verkehrsmitteln von Dublin dorthin?
Written July 14, 2019
Hello, sorry for the delay in replying - you can get a train from Dublin (Rosslare line) to Rathdrum (check out irishrail for times) and then a taxi from Rathdrum to our farm. Phone Mick Dunbar taxis +353(0)87 817 66 30 for information and prices.
Thank you. Regards Anita Wheeler Greenan Maze
086-8845624
Written July 18, 2019
Are dogs allowed if kept on lease?
Written August 5, 2018
Hello - thank you for your enquiry - small dogs are allowed on the farm once they are on a lead and with a poop scoop and you will have to do all necessary clean ups - they are NOT allowed in the maze itself or in any of the buildings - thank you - regards Anita Greenan Maze
Written August 5, 2018
The entry fee is €28 for two adults and two children, but that's absolutely not too much for a good afternoon of healthy fun.
Greenan Maze offers a season ticket - look at the web-site once the 2018 season starts to get details
Written September 11, 2017
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