Dark Hedges is the King’s Road of Game of Thrones
Nestled near the town of Ballymoney in County Antrim, Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges stands as a testimony to nature's artistic splendor. This avenue of intertwined beech trees has earned a reputation far beyond the borders of its home country. The stunning location even caught the attention of the makers of the mega-hit series, Game of Thrones, becoming the iconic King’s Road in the show.
A brief history of Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges were envisioned by James Stuart, who planted this enchanting avenue of beech trees around 1775. His intention? To impress visitors as they approached his Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. Today, this house stands as a golf club, but the trees, nearly 150 of them, continue to awe visitors. Stretching their branches, these trees form a natural tunnel, where the dance of shadows and light offers an unparalleled visual delight. The avenue is now one of Northern Ireland's most photographed sites and a beloved destination for artists and wedding photographers alike.
Navigating the Dark Hedges
Situated along the Bregagh Road, between Armoy and Stranocum, this 0.4km stretch is a must-visit. Despite its brief length, the road promises a memorable journey. However, visitors should exercise caution; the road is still in use and sees traffic traveling in both directions. It's advised to visit early, especially during weekends or the main holiday season, to avoid the crowds.
Mysteries and legends of the Dark Hedges
But there's more to this road than its undeniable beauty It's one of the Top Haunted Roads in the world. Legend whispers tales of a "Grey Lady" haunting the hedges, moving swiftly from one tree to another. This enigmatic spirit, some say, is either James Stuart's daughter "Cross Peggy", a maid from the house who met a mysterious end, or a ghost from a forgotten graveyard that lies hidden beneath these fields. On Halloween, it's believed she's not alone but is joined by other restless spirits.
Where is the King’s Road from Game of Thrones?
Such a captivating location didn't go unnoticed by filmmakers. Besides Game of Thrones, the Dark Hedges graced the big screen in the 2017 Transformers film, "The Last Knight".