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The Dark Hedges (Game of Thrones) in Ireland; Everything You Need to Know How To Visit:

UPDATED 2021: Tourism in Northern Ireland is booming, sure we have the Giant’s Causeway and Carrick-a-rede rope bridge, Belfast, and the Causeway Coastal Route but we’ve had that for a long time, so what’s changed. Game of Thrones. That’s what! And the Dark Hedges, in my opinion, is the coolest location of them all.

I explain a little more about the Dark Hedges in Ireland below, but basically, it’s a beautiful (functioning) road in the countryside of Northern Ireland, made famous by the hit TV Show Game of Thrones (although, what about the ending? Awful!). The Dark Hedges are also super close to the Giant’s Causeway, so the easiest way to see both the Giant’s Causeway AND the Dark Hedges is to do a day trip from Belfast. You can book that for about $40 with these guys. For me personally, I was on a 2 week Ireland road trip, so we took the campervan.

 

The Dark Hedges from the Game of Thrones, filmed in Northern Ireland. Now if someone can find me Khaleesi to go for a drink with tonight in Belfast, it’s the perfect day 😝😍 #darkhedges #thedarkhedges #gameofthrones #onestep4ward #causewaycoastalroute #discoverni @tourismireland

A post shared by Johnny Ward 🌍🌎🌏 (@onestep4ward) on Jul 1, 2017 at 8:13am PDT

Where are the Dark Hedges in Ireland?

They’re in Northern Ireland, near a small town called Ballymoney in County Antrim. More importantly, though, they’re only 13 miles/25 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway, so well worth the effort while you’re out touring Northern Ireland’s northern coast!

How Do I Get to the Dark Hedges?

Here’s just how to get to the Hedges from the Giant’s Causeway:

Do I need to buy a ticket to see them?

There’s no ticket for the Dark Hedges, it’s just a small country lane. In fairness, it was always kinda famous for people in the region because it looked so spooky, but no tourist would ever stop here. Now every day the road is full of people taking selfies, the tour buses arrive after lunchtime so go early in the morning if you want a great pic to yourself. Or even better go as dusk approaches and the light will be perfect, it’s magical.

What’s the easiest way to Visit the Dark Hedges in Ireland?

The easiest way is to book a day trip from Belfast, that also includes the Giant’s Causway ($40 or so HERE). Alternatively, rent a car and drive yourself. BUT remember, the Bushmills whiskey distillery is also beside the Giant’s Causeway, so renting a car means no whiskey!

What are the Dark Hedges in Ireland?

The amazing lines of imposing beech trees aren’t a lucky coincidence.  A wealthy family, the Stuarts, lived in Gracehill mansion in the 18th century. They wanted an impressive approach to their mansion (now a golf course), and so the Dark Hedges were born. Mission accomplished guys!

So The Dark Hedges are REALLY in the Game of Thrones?

The Dark Hedges is an iconic road in the Game of Thrones. Just to brush up on your GoT knowledge though you can see the Dark Hedges in Season 2, episode 1: On the King’s Road, Arya Stark has escaped from King’s Landing, disguised as a boy. She is with Yoren, Gendry, Hot Pie, and others who are to join the Night’s Watch, in a cart, travelling north on the King’s Road. And ever since, the Dark Hedges has proved to be a magnet for followers of the series from right around the world, including Japan, China, the Americas, and Scandinavia.

Game of Thrones is filmed in Croatia, Morocco, and our very own Northern Ireland. So with the huge popularity of GoT, tourism numbers are rocketing. They have themed tours, day-trips, merchandise. You can’t escape the Game of Thrones when you’re in Northern Ireland. It’s great for the region, and it’s a wonderful acknowledgment about how beautiful Northern Ireland is.

Final Thoughts and Tips on the Dark Hedges in Ireland

• The Dark Hedges are just 20 minutes from the Giant’s Causeway
• Best times to go are before 11am or after 4pm (when the light is perfect and the crowds have dwindled)
• There are no tickets, it’s a functioning road!
• The google-map above will bring you right there. Enjoy!