Northern Ireland

Castlewellan maze listed among 'once famous' world attractions

Early morning sun Illuminates the peace maze in Castlewellan, Co Down. Picture by Mal McCann
Early morning sun Illuminates the peace maze in Castlewellan, Co Down. Picture by Mal McCann

A maze that once held the title of largest on the planet has been included in a list of post-lockdown international attractions.

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.

Located in a dramatic setting of mountains and sea, it is considered to have one of the most outstanding tree and shrub collections in Europe.

It is joined by the CN Tower in Toronto and the Stade de France in Paris among others.

Finding a path through the millennium maze at Castwellan Forest Park. Picture by Cliff Donaldson
Finding a path through the millennium maze at Castwellan Forest Park. Picture by Cliff Donaldson

The website said there were some truly breathtaking spots across the world - some so good, they achieved world records.

But what about those "once famous" landmarks that previously held records, it asked.

It compared 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".

"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 website says.

"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.

"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."

For more details and further information visit https://www.loveholidays.com/holidays/once-famous-landmarks/