A visit to the famous The Dark Hedges near the village of Armoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland.
On Location: 21st October 2022
Parking: There is a free car park in front of the hotel at What Three Words. ///roosters.octagon.correct
Refreshments: Since the time of our visit The Hedges Hotel has now re-opened where food and accommodation can be obtained. Also there is a small café and giftshop near the car park The Pantry sadly we visited after opening hours so I cannot give a review of the facilities. It appears that there are no public toilets, only those provided by the hotel and café so some sort of purchase or payment may be needed to use them.
Introduction: The Dark Hedges are basically an avenue of mature beech trees that line the Breagh Road near the village of Armoy in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. The 150+ trees were planted by the Stuart family in the late 18th century to create an impressive approach to Gracehill House. Sadly there are now only about 80 mature trees left, age, storm damage and increased traffic has taken a toll on the trees. Normal life expectancy of beech trees is between 150-200 years, The Dark Hedges are now 250 years old. Even the recent storm Eowyn in January 2025 took down 4 mature specimens. To prevent further issues, nearly all traffic was banned from the road in October 2017 and the Dark Hedges Preservation Trust was set up in 2009. The Dark Hedges became a very popular visitor attraction after being featured in The Game of Thrones and then again in a 2017 Transformers film. Consequently, no matter at what time of year or day it is very unlikely that you will find the lane deserted of visitors.
I have not given a route map for this location. It is simply a case of leaving the car park, crossing the road and walking along Breagh Road which is lined with the trees for approximately 600m. It is a “there and back” walk in this case. The grid reference for The Dark Hedges is GR: D 0306 3336
This is a blog of photographs that I captured on our visit. Nothing “award winning”, just a series of images to give you a flavour of the location. Hopefully it will inspire you on your visit.
Depending on the time of year and time of day you will get different impression of the trees. This was at about 4pm on an October afternoon with some good periods of sunshine.
Gracehill House built by the James Stuart. The avenue of 150 beech trees, now known as The Dark Hedges, were planted at about the same time as the house was built (1775 approximately).
After crossing the road away from the house you enter Beragh Road. This is the famous lane lined with the mature beech trees. It wasn’t too busy on our visit but it is a regular stop for coach trips etc. So expect it to be busy.
A figure in the landscape can add a sense of scale to the scene
Almost at the far end of the lane where the straight road bends round to the right.
Looking back down the lane toward the house. Perfect timing with hardly another person in view.
A single roadside puddle made for an interesting phone shot of the trees.
There is quite a bit of variation in the colour of the tree trunks. From almost white to a mossy green.
Looking back toward the house from about half way along the lane
And the reverse view
Every photographer will have their own ideas as to the best composition. sometimes the people there can add an interesting element to the scene
And sometimes it works almost perfectly.
I don’t claim to be an outstanding photographer, more a keen enthusiast with a good eye. This short blog is to provide a little insight to this famous and very popular location in Northern Ireland. Like most locations, the images that you get will all be dependent on the season and weather on your visit.
I hope that you have found it helpful.
Thanks for reading.
