The Dark Hedges

Over the past two centuries, Ireland's Dark Hedges have become one of the most visited and compelling landscapes in all of the Emerald Isle. With just one look, you'll understand why. Planted by the Stuart family in the 18th century, the amazing row of beech trees has become one of the most popular destinations for travelers visiting Northern Ireland. Originally planted to impress approaching visitors to the nearby Gracehill House, the trees have grown into an amazingly Tim Burton-esque canopy of entwining branches and foliage that seem to transport you to another world. According to legend, this particular road, leading to the manor house, is haunted by the ghost of the 'Grey Lady', a restless spirit who wanders under the trees, cloaked in the moonlight. Many believe her body is buried in a nearby graveyard, and that on Halloween night she's greeted by her fellow tormented souls under the Dark Hedges, each waiting for a weary traveler to spot them. The Dark Hedges have also been used as filming locations for numerous television series, including HBO's Game of Thrones. Fans may have spotted the famous hedgerow in the episode where Arya Stark escapes from King's Landing after her father, Ned Stark, is beheaded by King Joffrey. No trip to Northern Ireland would be complete without a visit to one of the most famously beautiful roads in the world, and hey, maybe you'll even spot the 'Grey Lady' while you're there. -Roadtrippers This beautiful avenue of beech trees was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.  It was intended as a compelling landscape feature to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their home, Gracehill House.  Two centuries later, the trees remain a magnificent sight and have become known as the Dark Hedges. The road is reputedly haunted by a spectral ‘Grey Lady’ who appears at dusk among the trees. She silently glides along the roadside and disappears as she passes the last beech tree. The Dark Hedges is one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland and a popular attraction for tourists from across the world. It has been painted by hundreds of visiting artists and is a favourite location for wedding photographs. Of the Dark Hedges, world-renowned photographer Jim Zuckerman writes, "One of the most beautiful roads I’ve ever seen is this country lane in Northern Ireland. It's called Dark Hedges, and I include it in my photo tour to Ireland. All of the people in my groups get amazing pictures here. The serpentine trees form a tunnel that is spectacular at any time of the day, but I find it particularly intriguing and mysterious just before dark". This location was used for the scene of Arya Stark's escape from King's Landing following the beheading of her father, Ned Stark, on the orders of King Joffrey at the end of season 1 of HBO's Game of Thrones.