Meet the Animals at Greenan Maze: A Summer Holiday Adventure for Dublin Families
Looking for things to do with the kids during the summer holidays? If your children love animals, outdoor adventures and getting away from screens for a few hours, a visit to Greenan Maze in County Wicklow could be just the family day out you’re searching for.
Just over an hour from Dublin, Greenan Maze offers families the chance to enjoy fresh air, fun and unforgettable encounters with friendly farm animals. While our Celtic and Solstice mazes challenge young explorers and our museums offer a glimpse into Ireland’s agricultural past, it’s often the living, breathing residents of our traditional farm that steal the show.
More Than Just a Petting Farm
Getting to know the farm animals at Greenan Maze is included with general admission, making it an integral part of your visit rather than an optional extra.
Our farm is a genuine slice of rural life, where animals roam in natural surroundings on our beautiful Wicklow hillside. Children can spend time observing the animals, learning about farm life and enjoying experiences that many city children rarely get the opportunity to enjoy.
These aren’t simply attractions; they’re well-cared-for residents with their own personalities and stories that children love to discover.
Join Our Daily Animal Feeding Experience
One of the highlights of a visit to Greenan Maze is our daily animal feeding experience at 2.30pm.
Children love getting involved as they help feed the pigs and piglets, sheep, lambs and hens. For many young visitors, it’s their first opportunity to see farm animals being fed up close, and the excitement is infectious.
Our tour guides make sure everyone gets a turn, but the moment every child waits for is feeding the pet lamb its bottle. It’s often the memory that children talk about all the way home.
Meet the Farm Characters
The diverse cast of characters you’ll meet includes horses, a donkey, pigs and piglets, sheep and lambs, turkeys, ducks and pygmy goats. Every visit offers something new to discover.
Ernie, Our Cheeky Donkey
Keep an eye out for Ernie, whose personality has made him a favourite with visitors.
Curious, friendly and always hopeful of finding a treat, Ernie is known for approaching visitors with those irresistible donkey eyes. Just watch your pockets — he has been known to investigate whether you’ve brought him any goodies!
Annie and Jessie James: The Retired Horses
Annie and Jessie James spend their days enjoying a peaceful retirement in the fields.
These gentle horses love nothing more than grazing contentedly and soaking up the Wicklow sunshine. Their story is a lovely reminder that Greenan Maze is committed to caring for animals throughout every stage of their lives.
The Hen Hotel
A visit to our famous Hen Hotel is a must.
Home to a collection of heritage hens, it’s always fascinating to watch them strut, scratch and go about their daily routines. Children are often amazed by the variety of colours, feathers and personalities they discover here.
Pigs and Piglets: The Stars of the Show
If we had to name the biggest attraction on the farm, it would undoubtedly be the piglets.
Watching them race around the paddocks, chase each other and explore every corner of their surroundings provides endless entertainment for visitors of all ages. Their playful energy is impossible not to smile at.
Meanwhile, Mama Pig occasionally decides she’s had enough of the excitement and retreats for a well-earned nap while her energetic youngsters continue causing mischief. Many parents find this scene surprisingly relatable!
Seasonal Baby Animals
Summer is one of the best times to visit Greenan Maze because many of our youngest residents are still growing and exploring the world around them.
You may spot lambs bounding across the fields, curious piglets discovering new adventures or fluffy chicks making their first appearances. These special encounters create magical memories for children and make every visit unique.
It’s one of the reasons so many families choose a Season Ticket. Children love returning throughout the summer to check on their favourite animals and see how much they’ve grown.
A Full Day of Family Fun
The animals may be the stars of the show, but they’re only part of the adventure.
Families can spend the entire day at Greenan Maze enjoying a picnic, exploring the playground, completing the treasure hunt, discovering the Fairy Tree Trail, wandering the nature walk and, of course, tackling the famous mazes.
There’s plenty of space for children to run, play and explore while parents relax and enjoy the beautiful Wicklow countryside.
Plan Your Summer Holiday Adventure
With school holidays in full swing, now is the perfect time to plan a family day out that combines animals, nature, adventure and plenty of fresh air.
Whether your child dreams of feeding a lamb, meeting a cheeky donkey, watching playful piglets or simply spending a day outdoors, Greenan Maze offers a summer experience they’ll remember long after the holidays are over.
Book your visit today and come meet the farm characters waiting to welcome you.