A-maizing Laois Maize Maze to open soon
Bookings have begun for the huge Maize Maze, which will open on Saturday 26 July. Photo: maizemaze.ie
EXCITEMENT is building as the countdown begins to the opening of an amaizing Maize Maze in Laois.
Cleverly designed in the shape of a tractor, the gigantic six-acre maze is set to open on Saturday 26 July on the farm of Stephen Pratt in Shanahoe, near Abbeyleix.
The Maize Maze at Dealgrove Farm is the first of its kind in the county and will open every Saturday and Sunday from 26 July until October.
Set on a real working farm just five minutes from Abbeyleix, the unusual venture aims to offer ‘a unique countryside experience for all ages’, with a wide variety of activities and attractions.
Along with navigating their way through towering maize plants in a fun and engaging challenge, children receive a playful, educational worksheet to complete as they go, learning all about farming, crops and animals along the way.
A life-sized dairy cow model called Maisie features a real milking system, offering hands-on fun for little farmers, while other attractions include lawn games and chill-out zones, freshly brewed refreshments and homemade bakes.
It’s an idyllic way to enjoy the outdoors, explore nature and make lasting memories.
After many months of preparation, the farm is finally ready to open the gates to the public. Last January, it was all systems go after the business got a €23,800 grant under the 2025 Rural Innovation and Development Fund, operated by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.
As the owner of a tillage farm, Stephen decided to diversify to have a separate income and hopes that the Maize Maze will be a popular destination for families, friends, clubs and parties.
While other farms across the country have developed mazes, few form such a stunning image from above as the Dealgrove maze, which features a tractor and the message ‘Support Irish Farmers’.
Creating the tractor pattern with the help of contractors, using machines with GPS and manually creating the picture with a hoe, was a challenging and laborious task but the result is undoubtedly amaizing.
More information and booking details are available at www.maizemaze.ie.
