Setjetting: Visit this Eerie & Familiar Tree-Lined Avenue in Northern Ireland

By Anne Sewell
July 9, 2025

The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland - iconic set for Game of Thrones [Photo credit: Pixabay]

Fans of the HBO series Game of Thrones will likely recall scenes of a unique and eerie avenue of twisted beech trees forming part of its set. Dubbed The Dark Hedges, they look like something from a fantasy movie and are located in Northern Ireland. This fascinating site has become hugely popular with UK and US visitors who enjoyed the popular show. Read on to learn more about this exciting setjetting location.

Visit a real-life fantasy road in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland offers many unique and beautiful landscapes for visitors to enjoy, but one popular site stands out and is popular with UK and US tourists. With its twisted branches and eerie shadows, the Dark Hedges are instantly recognized by fans of the HBO fantasy show, Game of Thrones. The tree-lined road featured as the King’s Road in episode 1 of season 2, where Arya Stark escapes King’s Landing disguised as a boy.

The Dark Hedges in Northern Ireland [Photo credit: [Photo credit: City Tours Belfast]

However, while the trees are now famous due to them starring in Game of Thrones in 2012, they have long been recognized as an important site and a Tree Preservation Order was placed on The Dark Hedges in 2004.

According to City Tours Belfast, travelers now flock to this fantasy road in Northern Ireland over the past 12 months. Moreover, the site is especially popular with families, couples and fantasy fans, wishing to experience this eerie landscape for themselves.

Mysterious history behind The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges form part of a quiet stretch of road in County Antrim, Northern Ireland and are more than just a film set and photo opportunity. The beech trees were famously planted in the 1700s by the Stuart family to impress guests arriving at Gracehill House. Meanwhile, the tunnel of beech trees continues to fascinate anyone walking through The Dark Hedges and is among the most photographed natural sights in all of Northern Ireland.

[Photo credit: City Tours Belfast]

These ancient trees, with gnarled trunks and intertwined limbs form a natural cathedral that changes with each season. Spring sees the foliage as vibrant and green, while the autumn turns them to a golden glow, and the colder months reveal misty and dramatic scenes.

How to access the Game of Thrones film set

Admittedly, it isn’t that easy to visit The Dark Hedges, which are set as part of Bregagh Road, close to the small village of Armoy, around 50 mi (80 km) from Belfast. The tree-line stretch of road is relatively remote and offers little in the way of a phone signal, which City Tours Belfast say is part of its charm. A spokesman said:

It’s off the beaten path, literally, but that makes the moment you turn the corner and see the trees in person even more rewarding. It’s like stepping into another world.

The Giant's Causeway [Photo credit: City Tours Belfast]

As the site is reasonably remote, the tour company recommends planning ahead, especially if driving there independently. Meanwhile, The Dark Hedges form part of the Giant’s Causeway Tour, specially crafted to help visitors enjoy the best of Northern Ireland’s natural wonders in one trip, accompanied by expert guides and with reliable transport..

Tips to enjoy your Northern Ireland visit

According to City Tours Belfast, visitors should head to the famous tree-lined stretch of road early or late in the day, to avoid the crowds. Visitors will find that early morning, or around sunset is best to capture this iconic site on Instagram.

Make sure to wear good shoes, as this rural stretch of road is uneven in places. It is recommended to avoid open-toed shoes and bring a light jacket, even in summer as a cool breeze can quickly pick up under the trees.

You might be tempted to drive down Bregagh Road, but this is discouraged to preserve the famous trees’ roots. Those traveling in their car can use a nearby car park and stroll the short distance to The Dark Hedges instead. Moreover, visitors are urged to respect the area, as the trees are centuries old and fragile. Climbing the beech trees or breaking off branches is not only dangerous, but also damaging to the historic landmark.

What else is worth visiting close to The Dark Hedges?

The Giant's Causeway [Photo credit: City Tours Belfast]

While visiting the Game of Thrones film set, City Tours Belfast recommends also visiting the iconic Giant’s Causeway. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a short drive from the Dark Hedges and was formed by ancient volcanic activity and one of the most striking coastal UK landmarks. Moreover, local myths describe the site as the footsteps of giants and visiting here offers a seamless way to experience both natural wonders in one exciting day.

A spokesperson from City Tours Belfast says of the adventure:

Many travelers think they need to spend days planning their own road trip to find these places, but the truth is you can see the very best of Northern Ireland in just one day without the stress. Our guided tours mean you won’t get lost, miss key sights, or waste time hunting for parking. Plus, you’ll hear the hidden stories behind these iconic places, from local myths to Hollywood secrets.

Learn more about this exciting tour on the City Tours Belfast website here. .