Official travel trade website for Northern Ireland
En

The Dark Hedges

Bregagh Road, Stranocum, County Antrim, BT53 8PX
The beech trees which originally led to the Georgian mansion near to Gracehill House

Book Tickets Online

About

This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century. It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.

The iconic beech trees have been used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones®, representing the Kingsroad.
Featured Scene: Season 2, Episode 1: The North Remembers - On the King's Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the Kingsroad. Find out about other Game of Thrones® Filming Locations in Northern Ireland at www.discovernorthernireland.com/gameofthrones

 

Leave No Trace - The Dark Hedges is a picturesque site and therefore we ask that visitors please leave no trace in terms of litter or damage to the area - thank you.

 

Is it worth visiting the Dark Hedges?

The Dark Hedges are a must visit location for any Thronie. The scenic filming location is instantly recognisable, and easy to reach. It makes for a short stop on your itinerary, with lots of other Game of Thrones filming locations and places of interest nearby. Consider a visit to Ballintoy Harbour where Theon Greyjoy sailed in on his return to Pyke Harbour or the village of Cushendun where you'll find the caves that Melisandre gave birth to the Shadow Assassin in. There's also one of the infamous Doors Of Thrones in the village pub, Mary McBrides. 

What are the Dark Hedges trees?

The Dark Hedges are beech trees, planted around 1775 on both sides of a long avenue near to Gracehill House. The effect they create is of a tunnel, framing those who walk along it and making for a spectacular photo.

Can you drive along the Dark Hedges?

Bregagh Road, the Dark Hedges, is pedestrianised access only - no vehicles are allowed. 

Can I park at the Dark Hedges?

Parking is available nearby at The Dark Hedges Estate or The Hedges Hotel (139A Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX).  Charges may apply.

When should I visit the Dark Hedges?

The Dark Hedges are very popular, and during peak times can be very busy with tourists and visitors. We recommend visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon, and mid week is quieter than weekends. Off season (Spring/Autumn) is the best time of year to enjoy the Dark Hedges.

Facilities

Attraction Facilities

  • Open Evenings
  • Open Mondays
  • Open Sundays

Add The Dark Hedges to your Itinerary

Close window

Call direct on:

Tel+44 (0) 28 2766 0230

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Always open. Please note Bregagh Road is pedestrianised only - no vehicles allowed.

What's Nearby

  1. Castlecat Studio Gallery is based in a small, tastefully converted stable of a former…

    5.36 miles away
  2. A traditional Irish sheep farm experience in County Antrim. Get an insight into sheepdog…

    6.43 miles away
  3. A pleasant urban 40-acre Park in the heart of Ballymoney Town, in which to enjoy a…

    6.73 miles away
  1. The spectacular beach forms a white arc between two headlands on the North Antrim coast.…

    6.79 miles away
  2. From the Mesolithic to Motorcycles, through rebellion and war, politics, industry, sport…

    6.97 miles away
  3. Ballymoney’s Arts, Museum and Visitor Information Centre is well worth a visit. This…

    6.98 miles away
  4. In this beautiful setting visitors have time to reflect on the unprecedented achievements…

    7.06 miles away
  5. In 1608, in Bushmills, a legend was born. In that year, King James I granted a very…

    7.14 miles away
  6. Kinbane Castle is a Historic Monument sited in the townland of Cregganboy, located along…

    7.44 miles away
  7. Carrick-a-Rede one of Northern Ireland’s most loved attractions in Northern Ireland,…

    7.49 miles away
  8. Remains of Franciscan friary founded around 1500 by Rory MacQuillan. East range of…

    7.54 miles away
  9. Ballintoy Harbour can be discovered in the picturesque village of Ballintoy. Known as a…

    7.59 miles away
  10. Ballycastle Beach offers stunning views of Rathlin Island and Fairhead and is…

    8.09 miles away
  11. Rosepark Farm is a family run attraction spread over 70 acres, situated in the North…

    8.38 miles away
  12. A truly heritage experience travelling on a steam locomotive along a magnificent coastal…

    8.59 miles away
  13. Flanked by the wild North Atlantic Ocean and a landscape of dramatic cliffs, the Giant's…

    8.65 miles away
Previous Next

Map & Directions

Road Directions

The Dark Hedges are pedestrianised - no vehicles allowed.

Please be careful and look both ways when crossing nearby roads. Ballinlea Road is a busy road with regular traffic flow.

Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss