- Published on May 18, 2015
- // Updated on Feb 28, 2018
- // in Featured, Northern Ireland
- // This post may contain affiliate links, read our disclaimer.
Very popular with wedding photographers and Game of Thrones fans, the Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed places in Northern Ireland.
Since we opted for the Giant’s Causeway tour instead of a Game of Thrones tour on our second day in Northern Ireland, we missed out on a few must see places, such as the Dark Hedges, used as a film location for Game of Thrones.
We had a few hours left on the last day of our trip, before flying back to London, so we decided to drive to the Dark Hedges and tick it off our bucket list. It was kind of a big risk, as we had no idea where the location was, and we would be driving back to Belfast in rush hour to catch our flight.
It took us around 45 minutes to get to the Dark Hedges. Armed with Google Maps, we drove from Belfast towards Ballycastle, first on highways and later on small rural roads, surrounded by trees and sheep…lots of sheep.
Upon arrival, we left our car at the designated parking area and made our way to the start of the Dark Hedges.
In the 19th century, the Stuart Family planted the beech trees on the avenue leading up to their home, Gracehill House, to impress visitors. And impressing it definitely does. Even though we visited during early spring, and the trees were bare, the twisting branches gave the road a mysterious and magical feel.
“The trees were bare and the twisting branches gave the road a mysterious and magical feel.”
Since most tours visit the Dark Hedges before lunch or early afternoon, we didn’t have to worry too much about hordes of tourists photo bombing our photos. We arrived at the avenue around 4pm, and there were only a handful of tourists around.
After 10 minutes of taking photos, we drove through the avenue to fully enjoy the sight, and made our way back to Belfast afterwards.
Even though it was a quick visit, and we had no time to explore the surrounding area, I do believe it was worth the drive. If you are renting a car to explore Northern Ireland, make sure to add the Dark Hedges to your itinerary.
How to get to the Dark Hedges from Belfast
It’s a fairly easy route which takes around 45 minutes. But instead of me trying to explain how to get there, I’ll let Google do the work. (They brought us safely to the Dark Hedges and in a timely matter.)
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Lies
Hi! I'm a Belgian travel blogger currently living in Vancouver, Canada after living in the UK for 7 years. I have a keen interest in responsible travel, volunteering and archaeology and I'm always on the lookout for new adventures around the world!
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19 Responses
Fantastic views, just like from a century-old novel!
Great photo! Are the trees always bare?
Not always no. During summer they have all their leaves, giving the avenue a totally different look and feel.
WOW, they look like from a horror movie. I love it! 😀
This is definitely on my to-do list infact I’m watching game of thrones now lol
Hi Lies,
This is a spot that REALLY looks like it’s out of the movies…and it IS out of TV 😉 Neat share and fab shots!
Ryan
Thank you Ryan 🙂
I can see why this place is so popular – it looks just stunning! I still have to visit Northern Ireland but when I do I’m so going to the Dark Hedges!
Make sure to hire a car, so you can visit a few other places together with the Dark Hedges while you’re in Northern Ireland.
I still have to say that I don’t understand the hype about Game of Thrones. I watched the first two seasons – with difficulty. Yes, I will probably receive a negative reply for this. The filming locations are definitely incredible, and I’ve personally been to a few, especially those in Morocco – Essouira, in particular. We’ll have to see what the next seasons bring.
No negative reply here Milosz 🙂 I love Game of Thrones, but I do understand why others might not like it.
I would love to visit the other locations, especially the Croatian locations look amazing.
Omg this is awesome and creepy at the same time! I’m a Game of Thrones fan and would love to visit where they filmed the series
There are quite a few Game of Thrones tours in Northern Ireland, perfect for fans 🙂
Great read! And those pictures are absolutely stunning! Thanks for sharing!
Those trees are amazing, they look like they are straight out of a fairy tale. I’m sure they’re gorgeous in the summer as well!
I love that this little hidden gem has become world famous practically overnight! It’s so strange when you think about just what can become a tourist draw…
All right, I will have no sleep before I see this amazing place!
I’m headed to Ireland this summer, I might have to go here!
This place is utterly stunning! It’s something that you don’t get to see everyday. It’s truly deserving as one of the GOT location for it is just WOW! If given a chance to go to Northern Ireland I would definitely visit this place above all others. I want to see its magnificence in person and be truly amazed.