The Dark Hedges: Travel Guide
Read our travel guide on the Dark Hedges in Ireland. Includes best things to do and see, tips on how to get, where to stay, or when to go.
If you're planning to visit Antrim in Northern Ireland, you will eventually discover that the Dark Hedges is one of the most popular attractions in this county.
This remarkable line of 250-year-old beech trees is a true sight to behold.
For years, the scenic Bregagh Road between Stranocum and Armoy was a place that few visitors knew about.
The Dark Hedges gained its international fame by being used as a filming location in the Game of Thrones.
Since then, everything has changed, and the Dark Hedges are pretty much on every Ireland itinerary.
Today, this tree avenue is one of the best detours on every Coastal Causeway road trip.
So here's everything you should know about the Dark Hedges before you go.
What to See and Do
No matter if you're a Game of Thrones fan or not, the Dark Hedges is one of the most visited places in County Antrim.
As this is a relatively quick stop, a visit to the Dark Hedges is fairly straightforward.
The Dark Hedges is basically a simple tree tunnel with a paved road.
The main attraction here is the impressive trees from the 18th century.
History
Stuart's family planted the Dark Hedges in 1775, though it's believed that some trees might be even older.
The purpose of this tree line was to create an impressive entrance to the estate.
The family lived in the nearby Georgian mansion known as Gracehill House. The house was named after James Stuart's wife, Grace Lynd.
According to legend, the road is visited by a ghost called the Grey Lady.
After being featured on Game of Thrones in 2012, the Dark Hedges became extremely popular, attracting visitors from all over the world.
The Dark Hedges Walk
A visit to the Dark Hedges consists of an easy walk along a paved road.
The 600-meter walk (one-way) on a flat road is suitable for all ages and abilities.
Walk slowly, enjoy the views, and marvel at the stunning beech trees.
If the site is crowded, make sure to walk to the stone bridge at the far end of the road.
Not everyone walks to this point, meaning this section is quieter.
Things to Know Before You Go
There are a few essential things to know about the Dark Hedges to avoid disappointment.
Beech Trees
Some of the trees were cut down in the past, mostly for safety reasons.
Still, a relatively good number of trees line the road, but there are some gaps.
Of 150 trees planted along this road, only about 80 remain. Therefore, some sections are not that impressive anymore.
The remaining trees are still beautiful, and you can still take some really amazing pictures here.
Crowds
Another big topic is the crowds.
While the trees have been standing there for more than two centuries, it was the Game of Thrones TV show that turned this area into a top-rated tourist attraction.
Don't expect to have the Dark Hedges just for yourself.
Lower Your Expectations
Lastly, try to lower your expectations to avoid disappointment. You can see some really stunning photos of the Dark Hedges with no people and great light.
The reality can be quite different, especially if you happen to arrive at the same time as one of those large tour buses.
By the way, if you want to achieve a similar result as you can see in our photos, you will need to bring a telephoto lens.
How to Avoid Crowds
So, can you see the Dark Hedges without crowds? If you want to avoid crowds in the peak season, you need to visit the Dark Hedges early or late in the day.
If you happen to be at the Dark Hedges at the same time as one of the tour buses, you might want to wait a bit until they leave to have a more relaxed experience.
A good travel tip to avoid crowds is to travel in the off-season, no matter the destination.
Can You Drive Through the Dark Hedges
No, you're not allowed to drive your car through the Dark Hedges.
You shouldn't also park your vehicle at the end of the road. Use the designated parking area nearby.
There were no barriers, though, so a few cars parked at the beginning of the road.
On top of that, some bikers drove there and parked their motorcycles in the middle of the road when we were there.
So, the situation was not ideal.
Game of Thrones
As we mentioned above, the Dark Hedges rose in fame after being featured on HBO's acclaimed series, the Game of Thrones.
This popular fantasy series was based on the novels by George R. R. Martin.
The Dark Hedges were used as the King's Road in the The North Remembers episode (Season 2 Episode 1).
The scene includes a caravan passing by this road with Arya Stark fleeing in disguise from the King's Landing after her father's death.
If you want to explore Game of Thrones filming locations, see Dunluce Castle, Ballintoy Harbour, and Castle Ward.
By the, the Dark Hedges were also featured on Transformers: The Last Knight.
Opening Hours
There are no opening times at the Dark Hedges.
Entrance Fee
There is no entry fee to the Dark Hedges. This is still technically a public road.
If you're visiting Ireland on a budget, the Dark Hedges are a great addition to your itinerary in this regard.
The parking was free of charge when we were there. However, it looks like sometimes you need to pay about £4-5.
How Much Time Do I Need
We believe 30-60 minutes is more than enough for the Dark Hedges.
If you're really strapped for time, you can walk back and forth in about 15 minutes.
However, everything will feel rushed, so we recommend allowing yourself extra time.
When to Go
You can visit the Dark Hedges all year round.
Just make sure you know the pros and cons of each season - here you will find tips on when to visit Ireland.
Summer is the most popular time to visit the Dark Hedges and Antrim Coast.
As the weather is at its best, this is the busiest time of the year.
Fall is a great time to see the Dark Hedges as they change the color. Similarly, spring is another popular season to visit this area.
One of the best ways to avoid crowds is to travel in the offseason, and the Dark Hedges is no exception.
You can visit the Dark Hedges in winter, but be prepared that the trees will be leafless and stark.
If you like a moody atmosphere, the Dark Hedges are worth visiting even on a rainy day.
What to Pack
The Dark Hedges are just a short walk from the parking area, so you don't have to worry much about your outfit.
Just pick appropriate clothing according to the weather.
Comfortable shoes, travel pants, and a quality rain jacket are essential for every Ireland packing list.
If you're into photography, you should bring a good telephoto lens to take some amazing photos of the Dark Hedges.
How to Get There
The Dark Hedges are located in County Antrim near the villages of Armoy and Stranocum.
There are several ways to get to the Dark Hedges, including by car, bus, or tour.
We rented a car in Ireland as we wanted to drive around the whole island.
This was a fantastic decision as we could see tons of amazing places at our own pace.
Don't forget to read our guide on driving in Ireland.
Car
A rental car is your best bet if you prefer visiting places at your own pace.
The Dark Hedges is located about 80 kilometers north of Belfast, 70 kilometers east of Derry, and 250 kilometers south of Dublin.
Travel Resources
When renting a car, we use Rentalcars.com.
Parking
The Dark Hedges has a large parking area.
Unlike some other popular attractions, you don't need to worry about securing your spot.
While the Dark Hedges is still technically a road, leaving your vehicle in the designated parking lot is strongly recommended.
The Dark Hedges are only a short walk from there.
Bus
If you're traveling around Ireland without a car, you can take a bus to Clintyfinnan or Mosside.
Clintyfinnan is about 1.5 kilometers south of here, and Mosside is about 3.5 kilometers north of here.
Remember that in both instances, you would need to walk along a narrow rural road to get to the Dark Hedges.
Tours
One of the best ways to see the highlights of Northern Ireland's coast is by taking a guided tour.
This well-rated Giant's Causeway Tour from Belfast includes the most popular stops in the area, including the Dark Hedges and other Game of Thrones locations.
If you want to take a day trip to Northern Ireland from Dublin, this super popular Causeway Coast Tour includes the Dark Hedges.
Where to Stay
There is a hotel just right next to Dark Hedges parking. This location is ideal for those who want to enjoy Dark Hedges without crowds.
You can also stay on the Antrim's coast, where you will find hotels, guesthouses, and bed and breakfasts for all budgets. In our opinion, this is a better choice.
The Dark Hedges is only a short drive from there, and the coastal areas are breathtaking.
Here are our tips on the best hotels near the Dark Hedges.
The Dark Hedges | The Dark Hedges Hotel - If you want to see the Dark Hedges without crowds, consider staying at this 3-star hotel. The property is located within walking distance from the attraction. The hotel offers comfortable rooms, friendly staff, and a quiet location.
Ballycastle | The Salthouse Hotel - This beautiful hotel located on the edge of Ballycastle is only a 15-minute drive from the Dark Hedges. Expect beautiful rooms, a lovely setting, great food, and free parking. Good value for money.
Portrush | Atlantic Hotel - This is one of the most popular hotels in Portrush. Portrush is about a 30-minute drive from the hotel.
Staying Safe
The Dark Hedges is generally a very safe place to visit.
If you come by car, never leave your valuables inside.
In recent years, some of the trees were cut down as they had been posing a safety risk for visitors.
Travel Insurance
We never leave home without travel insurance that was designed to cover our expenses if something goes wrong during the trip.
Travel insurance protects against theft, flight delays, injury, illness, cancellations, and much more.
World Nomads provides travel insurance for travelers to cover their trip essentials, including sports and adventure activities.
SafetyWing is affordable travel insurance for backpackers, long-term travelers, and digital nomads.
Travel smarter and safer!
Is the Dark Hedges Worth Visiting?
If you're a Game of Thrones fan, the Dark Hedges is a must-see place.
When it comes to filming locations of this TV show, this is one of the most popular stops in Northern Ireland.
Just be prepared that the area was popularized and commercialized by the success of the TV show. As a result, there are crowds during the day.
So, the biggest question that remains is whether the Dark Hedges are worth seeing, even if you're not a Game of Thrones fan.
Well, it depends on your preferences.
If you like tree tunnels, photography, and easily accessible attractions, the Dark Hedges may check all your boxes.
If you're pressed for time, then we would suggest sticking to the coastal areas.
Travel Resources
Here you can find links to all the travel resources we use and which you might find helpful when planning your next holiday.
Accommodation: When looking for accommodation, we usually search hotels via Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Tours: Although we love to travel independently, some places are better to visit with a guided tour.
We prefer GetYourGuide for its easy-to-use interface and solid reputation. Another great alternative is Viator.
Rental Cars: When going on a road trip, we always use Rentalcars.com, a reliable site for booking a rental car in advance.
Flight Tickets: When looking for flight tickets, you can search Skyscanner to find the best price.
Travel Insurance: World Nomads and SafetyWing cover against risks of travel.
