The Dark Hedges is an epic row of beech trees, straight out of a fantasy novel. It’s also one of the most visited locations in Northern Ireland. Oh, and it was also used as a filming location in Game of Thrones.

Want to visit for yourself?

This guide has everything you need to know to plan your visit. Let’s jump right in!

 

explore northern ireland - the dark hedges

 

In this travel guide about the Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland, you’ll find in the table of contents below everything that we’ll see, from getting to the Dark Hedges and learning more about the history of the place, to tips on photographing the place and where to stay. Simply click on the table to expand it, then click on any part you’d like to jump to.

 

Where are the Dark Hedges?

The Dark Hedges are located in the north of Northern Ireland, next to the city of Ballymoney.

The Dark Hedges are part of County Antrim, one of the 6 counties of the country, that is also home to the Giant’s Causeway and Dunluce Castle.

 

sunrise in the dark hedges northern ireland

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

 

The Dark Hedges History

Are you fond of facts? I know I am! I love learning more about a place and its history with some quick & interesting facts, so I’ve gathered a few about the Dark Hedges for you:

  • The land was granted to James Stuart (first of the name) by King James I of England in the early 1600’s. James Stuart was the ambassador of the king in Turin, Italy.
  • While heading to Ireland from Italy to occupy his land, James Stuart tragically drowned.
  • The Gracehill House was built years later, in 1775, by James Stuart, descendent of the original James Stuart.
  • James Stuart named the house Gracehill House after his wife Grace Lynd.
  • James Stuart wanted to make his house more epic, and decided to plant over 150 beech trees in the driveway.
  • In 2019, there are now less than 90 trees.

 

Visiting The Dark Hedges

After spending 3 days visiting Northern Ireland, from beautiful cities like Derry/Londonderry to epic bridges like Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge, it was time to head back home.

However, there was still one spot I wanted to see before flying out of the country: the Dark Hedges.

 

the complete guide to the dark hedges northern ireland

 

Even though the Dark Hedges lost many trees in the recent years, due to strong winds and storms, it still remains an epic location. I was there in winter, so there wasn’t any foliage on the trees, but it made for a dramatic scene.

 

the dark hedges bleech trees

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

On the image above you can see how it looks in the other months of the year, with foliage on the trees.

 

The Dark Hedges Are Extremely Popular

Yes, it’s just a road in the middle of nowhere. But yet, the Dark Hedges are extremely popular, and attract tourists from all parts of the world.

It’s among the most visited places in Ireland, and you can see below just how crowded it can get.

 

crowds in the dark hedges very popular place

 

The location has now been used as a filming location in Game of Thrones, which has skyrocketed the popularity of this location.

The Dark Hedges are part of tours, so expect to see tour buses drop off loads of tourists when you’re there.

 

Photographing the Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges are one of the most photographed location in Ireland. But it can be tough to photograph. You’ll find below some tips for photographing the Dark Hedges:

  • get up early: if your goal is to get a stunning photo of the Dark Hedges, you will have to wake up early and head there for sunrise, when there is no one around. The place gets extremely crowded during the day.
  • the best part to photograph is the south part: walk to the middle of the road, and face the south (away from the Gracehill house), where there is a bend in the road

 

photographing the dark hedges

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

  • use a long lens: to really capture the feel of the place, use a long focal length (from 70mm to 300mm) to compress the trees
  • use a tripod: there is not that much light under the trees, especially if you go at sunrise. Coupled with a long focal length, it will be hard to take sharp shots handheld, so pack a tripod.

 

If you post your photos of the Dark Hedges on Instagram, tag them with #kevmrc so that we can see them!

 

The Grey Lady

As legend has it, there is a local ghost called the Grey Lady who haunts the Dark Hedges, fleeting from trees to trees. She is allegedly the daughter of James Stuart, named Cross Peggy.

 

the grey lady in the dark hedges

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

 

The Dark Hedges in Game of Thrones

Northern Ireland is home to a lot of Game of Thrones filming locations.

The Dark Hedges has also been used as a filming location in Game of Thrones; it’s known as the Kingsroad.

It features in Season 2 Episode 1: Arya Stark flees King’s Landing, in the back of a cart, disguised as a boy.

 

the dark hedges kingsroad in game of thrones

 

If you’re a Game of Thrones fan, make sure you go to Gracehill House, where you’ll find one of the 10 Game of Thrones doors.

 

The Dark Hedges Entry Fee

Do you have to pay to visit the Dark Hedges? No, you don’t have to pay.

The spot is basically a road, so access is free, and you can visit for free.

 

the dark hedges with light in the trees

 

Parking at the Dark Hedges

If you’re visiting the Dark Hedges by car, you’ll need to find a parking spot nearby. There is one right next door, only a 2 minutes walk away from the spot.

There is free parking at The Hedges Hotel, at the north entrance of the Dark Hedges.

 

Parking Address: 139A Ballinlea Rd, Stranocum, Ballymoney BT53 8PX, UK

 

The Dark Hedges Opening Times

As stated above, the Dark Hedges are simply a public road; there is no barrier nor fence, and the location is always open.

 

How to Get to the Dark Hedges

You can either get to the Dark Hedges by car, or by train.

 

Get to the Dark Hedges by car

Driving to the Dark Hedges is the best way to visit, because you’re independent and you can come at any time of the day. You’ll find below the travel times from nearby major points:

 

light in the dark hedges

Copyright Northern Ireland Tourist Board

 

Get to the Dark Hedges by train

There is no direct public transportation to the Dark Hedges. If you don’t have a car but still want to visit, you can take the train + bus to reach the spot.

  • From Derry/Londonderry: 2h travel time
    • Train NI Railways to Great Victoria Street Train Station, exit at Ballymoney (50mn)
    • Bus 118a to Rasharkin, exit at Town Hall (1mn)
    • Bus 178 to Ballycastle, exit at Clintyfinnan (24mn)
    • Walk to the Dark Hedges (20mn)
  • From Belfast: 2h30 travel time
    • Bus 219 to Ballymena, exit at Ballymena (1h)
    • Bus 217 to Ballycastle, exit at Diamond (30mn)
    • Bus 178 to Coleraine, exit at Clintyfinnan (3mn)
    • Walk to the Dark Hedges (20mn)

 

Book your train tickets here: Ireland Trains

 

Below are some tours that might be a good option for you to explore Northern Ireland:

 

 

 

Where to Stay near the Dark Hedges

If you’re visiting the Dark Hedges and the Giant’s Causeway Coast, you have several options for where to stay:

Budget: Finn McCools Giant’s Causeway Hostel. Very cheap accommodation, around 18€ per night for a bed in a 6 beds dorm room. Voted #1 hostel in Northern Ireland by ratings on Hostelworld.com, it’s right next to the Giant’s Causeway, and it also comes with a free breakfast! A 20 minutes drive to the Dark Hedges.

Comfy: The Hedges Hotel. The closest you can be to the Dark Hedges; literally a 10 minutes walk to reach the location. Very comfy rooms, with breakfast included, for around 140€ per night.

Luxury: Dark Hedges Cottage. The best place to stay in the area: this is a full house, that you can rent for yourself. You’ll feel right at home, and have the best privacy you can wish for. This has all the facilities you’ll need, and it sleeps 4 people. You can rent the house for 240€ per night, which is around 60€ per person if you’re a group of 4.

 

Visit Northern Ireland

Planning a trip to Northern Ireland? You can find below several other articles about this wonderful part of the United Kingdom to help you plan your trip:

 

I hope you enjoy your trip to the Dark Hedges and Northern Ireland!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments below, I always reply.