King’s Road, Game Of Thrones
The Dark Hedges
Northern Ireland
Dark Hedges Game Of Thrones
The Dark Hedges is a picturesque avenue of beech trees in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, famous for being a filming location for the King’s Road in HBO’s Game of Thrones, season 2.
The 150 planted trees form an atmospheric tunnel, originally planted in the 18th century to create a grand entrance to Gracehill House, a Gregorian mansion built in 1775 on a 300-acre estate by James Stuart who named the house after his wife, Grace Lynd.
Otherwise known as ‘The Black Hedges’, they have become a popular, pedestrian-only tourist destination with parking available nearby.
Antrim, Northern Ireland
5 Facts Before You Visit The Dark Hedges Antrim
- The Dark Hedges were almost cut down in the 20th century due to road safety and maintenance concerns.
- Only 60 of the original 150 beech trees planted in the 1770s remain due to storms and natural decay.
- The trees along the Dark Hedges are European beech (Fagus sylvatica), imported for their visual grandeur. Though not native to Northern Ireland, they adapted perfectly to the estate’s soil and climate.
- According to local folklore, the trees subtly shift when no one is watching. This legend is tied to the ghostly “Grey Lady” said to haunt the Dark Hedges and visitors often report an eerie sensation near dusk.
- Bregagh Road, home to the Dark Hedges, was originally designed for horse-drawn carriages. Today, visitor traffic, especially tour buses, can damage the roots and road surface, prompting restrictions to protect this historic avenue.
“100 years to grow, 100 years to live, 100 years to die.”
Fallen Dark Hedges (Post-Storm)
Arya Stark escaped from King’s Landing
18th Century Avenue of Beech Trees
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