Dark Hedges Northern Ireland: 8 Fascinating Facts You Didn’t Know
The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland is one of the country’s most photographed natural landmarks. Famous worldwide as the Kingsroad in Game of Thrones, this atmospheric avenue of intertwined beech trees draws thousands of visitors and photographers every year. Here are 8 unusual facts about the Dark Hedges that will change how you see this mystical road.
1. The Dark Hedges Were Almost Cut Down
In the 20th century, local authorities considered removing the Dark Hedges trees due to road safety and maintenance concerns. Luckily, the plan was abandoned, preserving one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic tourist attractions.
2. Only 60 of the Original 150 Beech Trees Remain
The Dark Hedges were planted in the 1770s by the Stuart family to line the driveway to Gracehill House. Over time, storms and natural decay reduced the original 150 trees to just 60. Despite this, the remaining trees still create a stunning natural tunnel loved by photographers and visitors. Check out our Causeway Coast tour which includes a stop at the Dark Hedges.
3. The Beech Trees Are Not Native to Ireland
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.
4. The Dark Hedges Were a Local Secret
Before being featured in Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges were largely unknown outside County Antrim. Locals used the road daily, and it rarely appeared in tourism brochures — making it a hidden gem for centuries. Discover more Game of Thrones filming locations in Northern Ireland with us.
5. Local Legends Say the Trees “Move”
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. Visitors often report an eerie sensation near dusk, adding to the road’s mystical atmosphere.
6. The Dark Hedges Are Not a National Heritage Site
Despite international fame, the Dark Hedges is not a formally protected national monument. Instead, it is preserved under a Tree Preservation Order, maintained by the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust.
7. Built for Horse-Drawn Carriages, Not Tourists
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. Explore our Northern Ireland private tours for a more sustainable visit.
8. The Tunnel Effect Was Intentional
The dramatic canopy of the Dark Hedges was deliberately created by estate landscapers who planted the beech trees close together. Over centuries, the branches intertwined to form the iconic tunnel effect that mesmerises visitors and filmmakers alike.
Dark Hedges, Nothern Ireland
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