About The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges is a fascinating historical landmark in Northern Ireland, renowned for its vital trees and mysterious atmosphere. Well known for its enchanting avenue of beech trees that creates a tunnel-like effect and twisted branches forming an arch over the road. It stretches from about 0.6 miles (1 kilometer) along Bregagh Road. Interesting fact is, its intertwining branches overhead form an otherworldly canopy that filters sunlight, casting mesmerizing shadows on the road below.
The Dark Hedges has a great historical background planted during the 18th century by the Stuart Family. Their intention is to impress the visitors while entering the mansion and Gracehill House. They never believe that these trees have grown and entwined, creating a unique and hauntingly beautiful pathway.
It does not matter whether you are seeking a leisurely stroll through the tree-lined avenue, capturing memorable photographs, or simply exploring the beauty of these ancient trees and mansions, this enchanting destination is sure to leave a long lasting impression.
Facts/Things Which Explore in the Dark Hedges
There are multiple things which every backpacker should know before packing their backpacks. Under that important things includes;
1. Location
The Dark Hedges is such a peculiar tourist destination situated in the village of Armoy and Stranocum in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland. It is approximately 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Belfast, usually found on sections of the Bregagh road near the Hedges hotel. Simply located 49 miles from the northwest of Belfast and 150 miles from Dublin.
Bregagh roads are lined with 90 beach trees and twisted branches forming an arch over road. Tree branches have been pruned; its tunnels are just impressive in nature.
2. History
An incredible Bregagh road also called Kings Road is planted on both sides of roads. These trees have a great historical background, dating back to the 18th century The Dark Hedges were planted by the Stuart family. Their main intention should be for an impressive entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House. But their intention behind the tree planting was to create an awe-inspiring landscape for visitors. In Initial time they planted around 150+ trees.
Apart from that, later these historical trees become one of the awe inspiring photography destinations to the backpackers in the entire Ireland. Its Game of Thrones area where travelers visit daily and sight seekers eager to capture its beauty. Unfortunately today we can spot only 90 trees due to the influx of visitors.
3. Game of Thrones Connection
Between Game of Thrones and The Dark Hedges has a great connection when it comes to televisions and filming locations (In season 2 – Episode 1: North Remembers). Well known for Kings Road appears in every series of the Game of Thrones series. If you are unable to visit or explore in present circumstances simply you can watch the Game of Thrones where you will get little introductions about. During the time of Arya Stark escaped from King’s landing and she was with Yoren, hot pie, Gendry and the rest who joined the night watch in the scene of Game of Thrones.
Gained international fame, due to appearing in the one of the featured in the hit television series Game of Thrones. Appearing multiple times as the King’s Road, which is a significant thoroughfare in the fictional world of Westeros.
Stonehenge- Mysterious and Interesting facts.
4. Avenue of Beech Trees
Interestingly, the Dark Hedges Avenue is considered as the most famous avenue in the world. When we talk about these trees, they were planted by a local landowner of the Stuart family around 250 years back for his approach to his house. Undoubtedly today’s major highlight of The Dark Hedges is the stunning avenue of beech trees. The beech trees line both sides of Bregagh Road, creating a spellbinding tunnel-like effect.
These trees are even famous on HBO’s “King of Game of Thrones” road. Approximately there are 150 beech trees in total, which have been diminishing recently. Due to storms in the intervening years, vehicle traffic is severely damaged, especially its shallow roots.
5. The Grey Lady
There is news going amidst The Dark Hedges, The Grey Lady. Lot of Legends including Gordon Watson has proved during the shooting in 2014. Spotted as a wispy shape at the center of photo and it is inhabited by a ghostly apparition known as “The Grey Lady.” According to local folklore, this lady roams the area and occasionally appears to unsuspecting travelers. The origin of this haunting tale remains uncertain and repeatedly haunted at the dusk among the trees.
As per local beliefs, she appears as a thin ribbon of road that winds beneath ancient trees and disappears as she passes the very last beech trees. There are a lot of photographers like Kevin McAuley, Gordon Watson and Ballycastle man proved and they found something unknown negative power roaming nearby The Dark Hedges.
Chewy- online shopping/ E- commerce Industry.
6. Conservation Efforts
Due to the popularity of The Dark Hedges, it is very crucial to take a conservative steps to protect its beauty and values. In 2004, the Department of Environment (NI) planning service placed a Tree Preservation order in the Dark Hedges and officially declared a Historic Landmark. However, Dark Hedges Preservation Trust was established to pursue the goal of care and maintenance of the iconic trees. Especially during the time of work to be undertaken to road users.
The Dark Edges preservation trust was set up in 2009, especially to protect the ancient Avenue trees in the region of Bregagh road. They thought that preserving the trees and area is equal to saving the significance of cultural significance and local communities. Conserve and enhance the Dark Hedges, utilize as a learning tool, improve and interpretation of Dark Hedges are the main aims to The Dark Edges preservation trust.
7. Tourism
I insist for every traveler to visit once their global travel time to the Dark Hedges. Attracting millions of tourists/ visitors each year, all eager to witness its ethereal charm. It has become a symbol of natural and historical beauties including Georgian mansion and Gracehill house. After the 20th century it became known as one of the popular spots for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Witnessing the perfect place for film shooting, photo shooting and even leisure travel. As a traveler it is very important to enjoy the beauty of ancient tree lines and to join the protections of those remaining 90 trees.
Due to its natural and environmental beauty, The Dark Hedges will be a perfect destination for leisure travelers. This place is quite busy during peak tourist seasons, so it’s very crucial to make your plan according to your comfort and reduce the crowds. Whether you are a big fan of Game of Thrones series or simply wish to explore the real beauty and history of natural wonders, The Dark Hedges is a must-see destination in Northern Ireland.
Q: How old are the Dark Hedges?
A: The Dark Hedges belongs to the 18th century planted rows of beech by the Start family for provides good visitors impression to their mansions called Gracehill house.
In simple words The Dark Hedges around 250 year old.
Q: What are the Dark Hedges famous for?
A: Well known for series of beech trees both side of the main entrance called Bregagh roads. Lined with 90 beach trees and twisted branches forming an arch over road. Tree branches have been pruned; its tunnels are just impressive in nature.
