Grinnan Farm is run by the Wheeler family. In 1988, Jonathan Wheeler built a hedge maze and established a museum of traditional farm tools on a 50-acre farm in Barlinenti, Wicklow County. The father-son team used recycled materials to build a farmhouse, tea room and museum, which were officially opened to the public in 1996.
A History of Maze Changes
The first-generation maze was planted in 1988, using British yew hedges. After Jonathan’s death in 2018, the 34-year-old maze was infected with lateral phytophthora and completely died in 2021. After the winter clean-up, his son Will and grandson Naosi completed the reconstruction in the spring of 2022.
New maze features
Covering an area of 1.2 acres, 1,500 local European beech trees are planted
The hedge is 2.5 meters high and there are 7 hiding spots for giant insects
A natural treasure hunt route designed with the All-Ireland Pollinator Program
The fence uses larch stakes from the Anamo region
The new tree species are more conducive to biodiversity than yew, can improve soil quality and promote insect habitation. The maze is equipped with puzzle clues. Tourists need to solve natural puzzles to find treasures. The reconstruction process continues the family tradition, with the third-generation members participating in the planting and maintenance.
Current operating status
The farm retains a traditional tea room and a museum of agricultural tools, showcasing agricultural equipment from the 19th and 20th centuries. In summer, natural hiking routes are launched, and in winter, bird watching activities in Liming are held. The new maze is expected to take eight years to fully take shape and currently receives a maximum of 200 visitors per day.
The farm is now managed by Will and his wife Anita, and their three children are involved in the daily operation. In 2023, a new night light maze project was added, using a solar power supply system. Statistics show that the repeat visit rate has increased from 26% of the old maze to 35%.
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