The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges


As if the undulating Irish countryside wasn’t magical enough, close to the town of Ballymoney you can treat yourself to a magical and mysterious moment with a visit to the Dark Hedges. This breathtaking avenue of gnarled beech trees lines the Bregagh Road close to the village of Armoy in County Antrim.

The Stuart family, who wished to impress visitors to their home in the nearby Gracehill House, planted the beech trees here some 200 years ago. It is quite apparent from a visit here just how successful they were, as the Dark Hedges still astound visitors today.

Particularly popular with photographers, the Dark Hedges are probably one of the most photographed attractions in Northern Ireland. Whether you’re here to photograph the Dark Hedges or simply to enjoy driving through them, you will be hard pressed not to marvel at the way the branches reach across to each other, like lovers lost in the dark. Now protected by a tree preservation order, the Dark Hedges should impress visitors for many more years to come.

As the Dark Hedges are 20 minutes’ drive north-east of the town of Ballymoney, you’ll definitely need a car if you want to visit them. However, as Bregagh Road is now the approach towards the Gracehill Golf Club, you could always kill two birds with one stone by coming here for a round of golf. However you intend to enjoy the Dark Hedges, always be sure to keep your eyes on the road!

Reviews of The Dark Hedges

4.1
Top destination
5 - Excellent
19
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
12
4 - Good 29%
3 - Okay
7
3 - Okay 17%
2 - Disappointing
2
2 - Disappointing 5%
1 - Terrible
1
1 - Terrible 2%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Not only for Game of Thrones fans. A lovely place to visit

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Park in the hotel for ghe dark hedges

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near The Dark Hedges

At The Dark Hedges, visitors can enjoy a range of activities including cycling trails that showcase the stunning landscape. For the more adventurous, rock climbing and nearby golf courses offer exciting challenges. Additionally, exploring the scenic routes by ferry adds a unique perspective to your visit. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, The Dark Hedges provides a delightful experience for all types of tourists.

Shopping

For local shopping, Castlecroft Square is a charming market just 11.3km from The Dark Hedges, offering a vibrant atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Causeway Speciality Market is 17.7km away with a unique public market feel, while Fairhill Shopping Centre, 30.6km away, caters to family and city vibes.

Recreation

At Royal Portrush Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf amidst breathtaking coastal views, just 17.7km from The Dark Hedges. Gracehill Golf Club, located 966m away, offers a charming setting for outdoor sports. For relaxation, explore Glenariff Forest Park, 20.9km away, perfect for tranquil walks.

Adventure

At The Dark Hedges, you can enjoy thrilling water adventures at Waterworld, located 19.3km away. For outdoor enthusiasts, Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 27.4km away, offers exciting water sports. Don't miss the scenic hike along the Millennium Riverside Walk, situated 29.0km from this stunning location.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere at The Dark Hedges with a visit to The Hedges Hotel for a delightful meal and refreshing drinks. For a lively night, head to the nearby Ballymoney for pubs like The Crown Bar, where you can enjoy local ales and live music in a warm setting.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near The Dark Hedges

When visiting The Dark Hedges, immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and nearby attractions such as pristine beaches, historic bridges, and charming harbours. Outdoor enthusiasts can revel in the picturesque landscapes, while culture seekers can explore the rich history of the area. Whether you fancy a leisurely stroll along the coast or delving into local heritage, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this captivating region of Northern Ireland.

  • Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Experience the thrill of crossing this historic rope bridge, suspended high above the Atlantic Ocean. Located 11.3km from The Dark Hedges, it offers stunning views and a taste of local culture, as you learn about the fishermen who once relied on this crossing.
  • Ballintoy Harbour: Just 12.9km away, Ballintoy Harbour boasts picturesque scenery and charming coastal vibes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the harbour, take in the dramatic cliffs, or relax by the beach while soaking up the magnificent views.
  • Ballycastle Beach: Also located 12.9km from The Dark Hedges, Ballycastle Beach invites you to unwind on its sandy shores. It’s the perfect spot for beach lovers to enjoy the sun, sea, and stunning coastal landscapes.

Best time to go to The Dark Hedges

The best time to visit The Dark Hedges is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. August is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
February42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April46.4°F (8.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly High
July57.2°F (14.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
August57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighSlightly High
September55.6°F (13.1°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately HighAverage
October51.8°F (11.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
November47.1°F (8.4°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
December43.9°F (6.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for The Dark Hedges

To save money on your trip to The Dark Hedges, consider visiting during the off-peak months of January to February or November, when accommodation prices are lower. Book your hotel about a month in advance for the best rates, with Tuesday being the cheapest night to stay. Use Expedia's search tool to find eco-friendly options and sort by price for the best deals. Additionally, look for last-minute offers and consider combining your hotel, flights, and activities for potential discounts.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around The Dark Hedges are January to February and November, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Dark Hedges about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around The Dark Hedges is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around The Dark Hedges is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, favoured location, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels currently available. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel booking at The Dark Hedges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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