Dunbrody Abbey is a magnificent 12th-century Cistercian monastery that ranks among the best things to do with kids in Wexford if your family enjoys historical exploration. This historic outdoor attraction contains a remarkably intact medieval church shell alongside a massive, full-sized yew tree hedge maze. The historic estate beautifully bridges generations, allowing young explorers to discover centuries of ancient ruins while engaging in dynamic puzzles and games right across the road.

Prices start from approximately £3.45 (€4.00) for a child ticket to the maze, while standalone adult admission to the abbey is about £4.30 (€5.00). Families looking for maximum value can secure a full-access block ticket for around £24.15 (€28.00), which covers the abbey, maze, museum, and mini-golf for two adults and up to three children. All permits can be arranged directly upon arrival at the main visitor centre reception courtyard.

If you are looking for the best place for a day out with family and kids, this historic landscape perfectly pairs peaceful heritage with active play. Children can collect the giant key to unlock the abbey's massive iron gates, search for paths through a dense maze, and test their skills on a family-friendly golf course. It provides a secure, nature-driven escape where parents can unwind over tea while kids run freely in the fresh country air.

Key Features

• Sensory Play: Kids can follow the textured gravel walkways through a massive wall of towering, sweet-scented yew trees within the hedge puzzle.
• Interactive Exhibits: Youngsters can physically navigate over 2 kilometres of intricate maze paths to hunt for the hidden viewing platform.
• Educational Day Out: Families can immerse themselves in historic monastic lore, exploring authentic 800-year-old masonry and architecture.

Top 5 Highlights

• The Great Yew Tree Maze: This expansive attraction is one of only two full-sized hedge mazes in the country, crafted from 1,500 towering yew trees. Kids will love running along the 2 kilometres of winding gravel lanes as they race to find the middle.
• The Maze Central Viewing Tower: Once families navigate their way to the heart of the maze, they can scale the wooden observation platform. The tower rewards children with sweeping, bird's-eye views over the green maze pattern and the neighbouring castle walls.
• The Abbey Gatehouse Key Hunt: Before entering the ruins, parents collect a real, oversized historic iron key from the main reception desk. Children will feel like medieval explorers as they personally unlock the entry gates to step inside the ancient monastery church.
• The 9-Hole Pitch and Putt Course: Situated directly alongside the hedge grid, this well-kept green space offers a brilliant competitive game for all ages. All clubs, balls, and scorecards are provided at the shop, meaning you can simply turn up and play.
• The Dunbrody Miniature Doll's House: Housed safely inside the museum room, this incredibly detailed piece was meticulously built by local craftsmen in the 1950s. Children will enjoy peering into the tiny, perfectly furnished rooms to see how historical estates were organised.

Specific Named Areas & Sub-Exhibits

• The 13th-Century Church Nave: The long, towering central hall of the abbey ruins.
• The Monastic Cloister Garth: The quiet, square courtyard garden bounded by ancient stone foundations.
• Dunbrody Castle Rear Courtyard: The historic 19th-century stable yard housing the modern visitor facilities.
• The Craft Shop and Local Gallery: A dedicated space showing off custom wrought iron sculptures, stained glass, and local woodware.
• Aroma Tearooms Outdoor Portico: A covered, roofed outdoor dining terrace perfect for rainy days.