Peace maze among top worldwide attractions

Peace maze among top worldwide attractions

17 March 2021

THERE will be no surprise locally that the stunning peace maze in the sweeping grounds of Castlewellan Forest Park has been included in a prestigious list of post-lockdown international attractions.

Previously listed among “once famous” world attractions, the maze commands stunning views towards the majestic Mourne Mountains sweeping down to the Irish Sea.

Travel website Loveholidays has been looking into Guinness World Record books to discover previous record-holding places to visit.

The site, which lists eight attractions across Europe, Asia and North America, features Castlewellan Forest Park, where the maze is considered to have one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.

And it is in good company in the list, joined by the CN Tower in Toronto and the Stade de France in Paris among others. The website said there were some truly breathtaking spots across the world and some so good, that they achieved world records.

But what about those “once famous” landmarks that previously held records, it asked, comparing Guinness World Record data from previous editions from 2000, 2005, 2010 and 2015.

This research revealed where these once famous landmarks are located so people could “go and show them some much deserved love”.

The website states: “If you’re ready for adventure, a hedge maze makes the perfect day out with the family and Northern Ireland has one that certainly offers a challenge.

“The maze at Castlewellan Forest Park once held the world record for the largest, permanent hedge maze in the world. It’s 2.7 acres with over two miles of hedges, and is made up of 6,000 yew trees.”

The website added: “It has since lost its title to China’s labyrinth Yancheng Dafeng Dream Maze in 2018. This huge maze has a total size of 383,160 square feet and its longest path stretches nearly six miles.”

The peace maze is one of Northern Ireland’s most popular tourist attractions, comprising 6,000 yew trees, many of which were planted by people from all over Northern Ireland during December of 2000.

The maze was commissioned to beautifully symbolise the peace and reconciliation efforts of Northern Ireland in the past century and provides an opportunity for visitors to enjoy a weaving walk through the paths and trails surrounded by the impressive back of the Mournes.