The official website of Visit Causeway Coast and Glens
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
  • The beech trees which originally led to the Georgian mansion near to Gracehill House
  • The Dark Hedges which are an area of interest for fans of Game of Thrones
  • Group walks through The Dark Hedges on a misty morning, which makes for a beautiful image
  • A group of three people can be seen through the mist walking between the dark hedges

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. 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

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating

TripAdvisor Traveller Rating - 1937 reviews1937 reviews

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. The Mc Donnell Trail Centre will help you understand some of the history of the castles,…

    3.08 miles away
  2. The Causeway Coast Discovery Centre is a 2014 and 2015 Tourism Award-winning centre. A…

    3.08 miles away
  3. There are two way-marked hill walks at Altarichard on the scenic route between…

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

    5.36 miles away
  2. Breen Oakwood is part of the larger Breen Forest and is one of the last fragments of the…

    5.54 miles away
  3. This historic estate has been in existence since 1630s, making it one of the oldest in…

    5.79 miles away
  4. This breathtaking venue combines the opulence of 1400 acres of private grounds and lakes…

    5.79 miles away
  5. Located within the Slieveanorra and Croaghan Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI),…

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

    6.43 miles away
  7. Nestled within the famous Glens of Antrim you can expect a warm welcome at Dunfin, a…

    6.43 miles away
  8. We specialise in producing smoked foods naturally, in the picturesque coastal town of…

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

    6.73 miles away
  10. Folk and social history of the Glens in the town's 18th century courthouse. Exhibits…

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

    6.79 miles away
  12. This burial ground is the site of the ruins of the old parish church which was completed…

    6.79 miles away
  13. A striking local landmark, the church tower is the oldest structure in Ballymoney. An…

    6.79 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.

View Maps and Visitor Guides
View of what Causeway Coast and Glens has to offer and some of the best things to see and do during a visit.
E-newsletter sign up
Sign up for the Causeway Coastal Route newsletter for inspiration and travel tips.
Back to Top

Tourism Northern Ireland

Don't Miss