5. The Dark Hedges

Image courtesy of Erin Honeyford

Project Attributes

Project:

Royal Connections

Owner:

CCGBC Museum Services

Date:

6th March 2023

The Dark Hedges is a popular landmark made up of curved beech trees which form intertwined patterns along a country road. Planted by the Stuart family in 1775, the canopy of trees once welcomed visitors to Gracehill House, the family’s Georgian mansion.

They now welcome a multitude of tourists; a result of the location featuring as the ‘Kingsroad’ in the HBO series Game of Thrones. The land at Gracehill had been given by King James I to his cousin, who drowned on his journey to Ireland. The estate was then passed to his grandson, William Stuart, and remained in the family for generations.

Directions

The Dark Hedges is located on Bregagh Road, between Ballinlea Road and Ballykenver Road. From the A26 turn onto the B147 Kirk Road to Stranocum, continuing for approx. 10km onto Ballinlea Road. Bregagh Road is located on your right.

Please Note: Vehicular access to Bregagh Road is restricted; use the nearby carpark.

Co-ordinates: 55.1349, -6.3815

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This project is receiving financial support via the District Council Good Relations Programme.