THE DARK

HEDGES

A captivating natural phenomenon in Northern Ireland, The Dark Hedges offers an atmospheric walk through a tunnel of ancient beech trees.

Beautiful Branches

This evocative avenue on Bregagh Road near Ballymoney was originally planted in the eighteenth century by the Stuart family to impress visitors approaching their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Today, the trees have matured into a hauntingly beautiful archway of interlocking branches that filter the sunlight, creating a dramatic interplay of light and shadow. The atmosphere is often described as ethereal, particularly when low-hanging mist clings to the twisted trunks in the early morning.

Nature’s Architecture

Over the centuries, the upper branches of the trees have grown together to form a natural cathedral-like vault. The gnarled and textured bark adds a sense of antiquity and drama that looks strikingly different in every season.

Timing is Everything

As one of the most photographed spots in Northern Ireland, it can get very crowded. Arrive at sunrise or sunset for the best lighting and the best chance to walk the avenue in solitude.

To protect the trees, the road itself is closed to traffic. You must park at the designated car park near The Hedges Hotel and walk a short distance to the start of the avenue.

“The Kingsroad” and the “Grey Lady”

Fans of Game of Thrones may well recognise this location as the Kingsroad from the fantasy TV series. This pop-culture connection has transformed it into a pilgrimage site for fantasy enthusiasts. In addition to this, local folklore tells of a spectral figure known as the Grey Lady who glides along the road at dusk. She is said to disappear as she passes the last beech tree, adding a supernatural thrill to twilight visits.