The Dark Hedges is an avenue of beech trees planted around 1775 by James Stuart to frame the approach to his home, Gracehill House, which still owns the land and sits at the end of the avenue today (now a bar, restaurant, wedding venue, and golf course — open to visit for a drink or meal, not just the trees).
Of the original roughly 150 trees, just over 90 are still standing — storms have taken a steady toll, including Storm Gertrude in 2016. One fallen tree was carved into a Game of Thrones door, on display at Gracehill House during opening hours. The road itself, Bregagh Road, was closed to traffic in 2017 to protect the roots; fines up to £1,000 apply for driving or parking on it now.
No one’s certain where the name comes from — most likely just that the trees block the light, creating a dark tunnel. The other explanation is a local ghost story: the Grey Lady, said to flit between the trees before vanishing at the last beech, supposedly joined by spirits from a nearby graveyard on Halloween.
Where it is
Between Armoy and Stranocum, County Antrim, about a 20-minute drive from Portrush — roughly 50 miles/an hour from Belfast, 150 miles/3 hours from Dublin.
Parking
Free car park beside The Hedges Hotel, just off Ballinlea Road — a two-minute walk to the north end of the Dark Hedges.
Address: 139A Ballinlea Road, Stranocum, Ballymoney, BT53 8PX GPS: 55°08’17.9”N 6°23’01.4”W
Don’t park at the Bregagh Road entrance itself — it damages the tree roots and ruins everyone’s photos.
Getting there without a car
Bus from Portrush: bus/train to Coleraine, then the Ballycastle bus (171 at time of writing) to Moss Side, then about half a mile on foot. Roughly 1.5 hours total. From Belfast: Goldline 218 to Coleraine, then the 171 as above — around 2–2.5 hours. By train: Belfast to Ballymoney (about an hour), then a 10-minute taxi, or walk into town and catch the 178 bus to the Clintyfinnan stop. Check current routes on Translink’s journey planner.
Guided day tours from Belfast and Dublin (via GetYourGuide, Viator, and local operators like Giant Tours Ireland) typically combine the Dark Hedges with the Giant’s Causeway, Carrick-a-Rede, and Bushmills.
Cost and facilities
Free to visit and park. There are no toilets or water at the site itself, but The Hedges Hotel’s Scullery Bar & Restaurant and Gracehill House’s Bell Tower Restaurant are both a few minutes away.
Avoiding the crowds
- Visit October–March — quieter, and low winter light (or mist, or snow) makes for better photos than harsh summer sun.
- Avoid bank holidays and weekends in season.
- Go at sunrise or sunset — sunrise especially, since it’s rarely the first stop on tour itineraries.
- Walk to the far end, away from the car park — most visitors only photograph the near end before heading back.
- Don’t be put off by light rain — it adds atmosphere, and keeps casual visitors away. Heavy rain is genuinely a different story for photography.
- If a tour bus arrives, give it 10–15 minutes — most groups don’t stay long.
On screen
The Dark Hedges appeared as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, most notably in the Season 2 opener “The North Remembers.” It’s also appeared in Transformers: The Last Knight.
Where to stay nearby
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The Hedges Hotel is the closest option, a few minutes’ walk away — ideal if you want to catch the trees without the crowds. We’d still generally suggest basing yourself in Portrush for exploring the wider coast, but within 15 minutes of the Dark Hedges:
- Gardenvale Manor House B&B — 18th-century manor house, 5 minutes away.
- Limepark — self-catering cottages on a restored Georgian farm, sleeps 2–6, 6 minutes away.
- The Armada Inn — B&B with restaurant, 5 minutes away.
- Mill House Studio Apartment — modern studio on an old flax mill site, 4 minutes away.
- Dark Hedges Cottage — 2-bedroom cottage, 6 minutes away.
- Marine Hotel Ballycastle — seafront, 14 minutes away, handy if you’re travelling by bus or catching the Rathlin Island ferry.
Hostels: Bushmills Youth Hostel (20 min), Sheep Island View Hostel (14 min), Portrush Youth Hostel (25 min). Campsites: Charlies Hideaway (5 min, Camping and Caravanning Club members only), Fairhead Caravan Park (15 min), Ballyness Caravan Park (20 min).
