Dark Hedges
Famous Tree-Lined Avenue
About Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is one of Northern Ireland's most photographed natural phenomena and one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in the world. Located along Bregagh Road near Armoy, this stunning avenue of intertwined beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the 1750s to impress visitors approaching their mansion, Gracehill House.
The trees have grown into a magnificent natural tunnel, creating an ethereal, almost mystical atmosphere. The site gained international fame after being featured as the Kingsroad in the HBO series Game of Thrones, attracting visitors from around the world to experience its haunting beauty.
Local legend tells of the "Grey Lady," a ghost said to glide along the path and disappear when she reaches the last tree. Whether you believe in folklore or not, the Dark Hedges remains one of the most atmospheric and photographed locations in Northern Ireland.
Essential Information
Location
Bregagh Road, Armoy, Ballymoney BT53 9NG
Access
24/7 Open Access
Roadside viewing
Admission
Free
Parking at nearby Hedges Hotel
Duration
30 minutes to 1 hour for photos
Things to Do
Photography
Capture the perfect shot of this iconic tree tunnel. The intertwined branches create natural frames perfect for dramatic photography.
Game of Thrones Tour
Visit the famous Kingsroad location and combine with other nearby Game of Thrones filming locations for a themed day out.
Nearby Attractions
Combine with visits to Ballintoy Harbour, Carrick-a-Rede Bridge, and Giant's Causeway for a full Causeway Coast experience.
Practical Tips
Getting There
Located on Bregagh Road near Armoy. Park at the Hedges Hotel car park. The road is narrow, so drive carefully and be mindful of other visitors.
Photography
Early morning or late evening provide the best light and fewer crowds. Misty conditions add to the mystical atmosphere.
Safety
Be cautious of traffic on the narrow road. Don't walk in the middle of the road and be aware of vehicles. Stay on the road surface.
Best Time to Visit
Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds. Autumn provides beautiful colours, while spring offers fresh green foliage.
Conservation
Please respect the trees and don't climb on them. Some trees have been damaged by storms, so barriers may be in place for safety.
Facilities
The Hedges Hotel nearby offers food, drinks, and facilities. Limited facilities at the actual site, so plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Dark Hedges free to visit?
Yes, completely free! It's a public road so there's no admission fee. Park at the Hedges Hotel car park (free) and walk to the tree-lined avenue. This makes it one of Northern Ireland's best free attractions.
What was filmed at Dark Hedges in Game of Thrones?
The Dark Hedges appeared in Season 2, Episode 1 as the Kingsroad where Arya Stark escaped from King's Landing disguised as a boy. The atmospheric tree tunnel was perfect for the scene's moody, tense atmosphere.
How long should I spend at Dark Hedges?
Most visitors spend 20-30 minutes. It's a short stretch of road (about 200 meters) so you can walk it, take photos, and soak in the atmosphere fairly quickly. Photography enthusiasts may want longer to wait for perfect light or fewer people in shots.
What's the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early morning (before 9am) or late afternoon/evening (after 5pm) are best. Mid-day during summer is extremely crowded. Weekdays are quieter than weekends. Winter months see fewer visitors but shorter daylight hours. The golden hour (hour before sunset) offers beautiful light but expect other photographers.
How old are the Dark Hedges trees?
The beech trees were planted in the 18th century (around 1775) by the Stuart family to create an impressive entrance to their Gracehill House mansion. That makes them over 240 years old! Originally there were 150 trees; sadly storm damage has reduced this number significantly in recent years.
Can you drive through Dark Hedges?
Yes, it's a public road so you can drive through slowly. However, it's very narrow and often congested with parked cars and pedestrians taking photos. We recommend parking at the Hedges Hotel and walking - it's safer and you can appreciate the trees better on foot. If you do drive, go very slowly and be extremely careful of pedestrians.
Is Dark Hedges worth visiting?
Absolutely! Even with reduced tree coverage from storms, it remains one of Northern Ireland's most atmospheric and photogenic locations. The intertwining branches create a magical tunnel effect. It's free, quick to visit, and easily combined with other Causeway Coast attractions. Just manage expectations - it's beautiful but relatively small.
What's the legend of the Grey Lady?
Local legend tells of the Grey Lady, a ghost who haunts the Dark Hedges. She appears at dusk, gliding silently along the road before vanishing at the last tree. Some say she's a lost maid from Gracehill House. The atmospheric setting certainly adds credibility to ghost stories!
What other attractions are near Dark Hedges?
You're perfectly positioned on the Causeway Coastal Route: Giant's Causeway (10 miles), Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge (15 miles), Ballintoy Harbour (12 miles), Bushmills Distillery (8 miles), and Dunluce Castle (8 miles). Most visitors combine Dark Hedges with 2-3 of these in one day.
Are there facilities at Dark Hedges?
No restrooms or visitor facilities at the trees themselves. The Hedges Hotel (5-minute walk) has a café, restaurant, and toilets available to visitors. There's also a small gift shop. Plan ahead as there's nowhere else immediately nearby.
Plan Your Visit
How to Get There
Address: Bregagh Road, Ballymoney, County Antrim BT53 8TP
From Belfast (55 miles): M2 north to Ballymena, A26 toward Ballymoney, then follow signs to Dark Hedges. About 1 hour 15 minutes.
Parking: Free parking at Hedges Hotel. Small layby parking along Bregagh Road (gets full quickly). Do not block road or driveways.
Photography Tips
Best light: Golden hour (hour before sunset) for warm glow through branches. Overcast days create moody atmosphere.
Settings: Wide angle lens, f/8-f/11 for depth, shoot from middle of road for symmetry.
Challenge: Getting shots without people - arrive very early or be patient!
Combine Your Visit
Dark Hedges works perfectly in a Causeway Coast day trip. Suggested route: Giant's Causeway → Carrick-a-Rede → Ballintoy → Dark Hedges → Dunluce Castle.