The Dark Hedges Game of Thrones
THE DARK HEDGES
THE DARK HEDGES NORTHERN IRELAND
THE DARK HEDGES IRELAND
DARK HEDGES
The Dark Hedges History
The Stunning Bregagh Road, otherwise known as the Dark Hedges or King's Road in Game of Thrones is two rows of beechtrees that were planted in the 18th century by James Stuart, roughly 150+ beech trees where planted to line the entrance to his home - Gracehill House.
The idea was to create an impressive mystical approach, as time has gone by the avenue has developed and become even more impressive and famous than the family could have imagined.
The Dark Hedges has become one of the most photographed locations anywhere in Ireland, with Game of Thrones tours visiting the area daily along with sightseekers eager to capture the natural phenomena.
Although there are sadly approximately 90 trees remaining due to the influx of visitors, they have started to replant new trees where the old ones once stood.
The roots of the trees were inspected leading to the discovery of dry and damaged roots which caused them to blow over. Bregagh Road has now been closed off to help preserve the trees for as long as possible, protecting it for generations to come.
Local Legend
According to local legend, The Grey Lady can be seen on a dark night flitting from tree to tree. It is thought to be either the spirit of one of the house's maids who died mysteriously or James Stuart's daughter (named "Cross Peggy").
The Dark Hedges Game of Thrones
The road famously featured in Season 2 - Episode 1: The North Remembers. This is where Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She was with Yoren, Hot Pie, Gendry and others who are to join the Night’s Watch.
- The Dark Hedges "Kings Road" Facts -
The distance between Dark Hedges and Belfast is 42 miles. The daily Game of Thrones tour from belfast and Giants Causeway tour from belfast visit here and return to Belfast daily.
The Dark Hedges originated in 18th century. The Stuart family planted the rows of beech trees designed to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their mansion, Gracehill house.
The trees have developed much more since that period and the twisted branches have grown high over the road forming a tunnel like effect for the passing traffic underneath as seen in images above.
Getting to the Dark Hedges could not be easier. We have a daily Giants Causeway tour and Game of Thrones tour - both departing central Belfast daily. Each tours stop at the Kings Road.
- 7 Days per week - 24 hours a day - Public road.
The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees.
The estate remained in the Stuart family for many years. The house and immediate grounds are now privately owned with some of the estate developed into a popular 18 hole parkland golf course and The Hedges Hotel.
The Dark Hedges "kings road" itself is a public road owed by the people of Northern Ireland.
The road is closed for through traffic, as some trees have fallen down that had been damaged by large Coaches driving along it, since the popularity of Game of Thrones tours in Ireland visiting the Kings road - Dark Hedges.
The stunning organic tunnel made famous by Game of Thrones attracts thousands of visitors from all around the world, Its important we try and maintain it for future visitors to enjoy.
The trees are now nearly 250 years old.
The Dark Hedges are known as the Kings Road in Game of Thrones, but in real life Bregagh road, which reside in the county of Ballymoney
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