The Dark Hedges Tours

The Dark Hedges featuring a park
The Dark Hedges which includes a park as well as a small group of people
The Dark Hedges showing a garden
The Dark Hedges which includes a garden as well as a family
The Dark Hedges which includes a garden as well as a small group of people


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!

Plan a trip to see The Dark Hedges

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Best Lodging Options Near The Dark Hedges

The Hedges Hotel

The Hedges Hotel

3 out of 5
139A Ballinlea Rd, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
The Hedges Hotel
Ashbrook Cottage

Ashbrook Cottage

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Ashbrook Cottage
Marine Hotel Ballycastle

Marine Hotel Ballycastle

4 out of 5
1-3 North St, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Marine Hotel Ballycastle
North Coast 9

North Coast 9

2 out of 5
96 Ballykenver Road, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
North Coast 9
Causeway Coast Retreats

Causeway Coast Retreats

3 out of 5
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The Salthouse Hotel

The Salthouse Hotel

4 out of 5
39 Dunamallaght Rd, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
The Salthouse Hotel
Causeway Hotel

Causeway Hotel

3 out of 5
40 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Causeway Hotel
The Lodge Hotel

The Lodge Hotel

3 out of 5
Lodge Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
The Lodge Hotel
Rest A While

Rest A While

3 out of 5
90 Casltenagree Road, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Rest A While
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 variety of activities including scenic ferry rides, exhilarating rock climbing, and a round of golf at nearby courses. To enhance your experience, consider hiring a tour guide to explore the area’s attractions and learn about the fascinating history of this iconic location. Whether you're a nature lover or an adventure seeker, there’s something for everyone to enjoy near The Dark Hedges.

Shopping

For shopping near The Dark Hedges, visit Castlecroft Square, just 7 miles away, offering a vibrant market experience. If you're up for a drive, check out Causeway Speciality Market, located 11 miles away, for a public market vibe, or the Junction Shopping Complex, 29 miles away, perfect for family fun.

Recreation

Royal Portrush Golf Club, located 11 miles from The Dark Hedges, offers an exhilarating outdoor experience with stunning views for golf enthusiasts. For relaxation, Glenariff Forest Park, situated 13 miles away, invites you to unwind amidst nature's beauty, featuring tranquil walking paths and serene woodland vibes.

Adventure

Experience thrilling fun at Waterworld, a vibrant waterpark located 12 miles from The Dark Hedges, perfect for families and adventure seekers alike. For outdoor enthusiasts, the Millennium Riverside Walk offers scenic hiking trails 18 miles away, while Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 17 miles distant, provides exciting water sports opportunities.

Nightlife

While The Dark Hedges is more renowned for its stunning scenery than nightlife, nearby Ballymoney offers cozy pubs like The Eagle Bar for traditional Irish music and The Brown Trout for a relaxed atmosphere. Both provide a taste of local brews and friendly conversation with the locals.

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

Find the best attractions near The Dark Hedges

The Dark Hedges offers a captivating mix of attractions, including its famous hedges and the picturesque Dark Hedges Avenue. Visitors can explore nearby historic bridges and charming harbors, perfect for those seeking cultural and outdoor experiences. Don't miss the opportunity to stroll through the expansive Dark Hedges estate, where the enchanting landscape provides a stunning backdrop for relaxation and exploration.

  • Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Experience the thrill of crossing this historic rope bridge, perched 100 feet above the sea. Located 7 miles from The Dark Hedges, it offers stunning views of the rugged coastline and an insight into local fishing history.
  • Ballintoy Harbour: Just 8 miles away, this picturesque harbor is a perfect spot for photography and relaxation. With its dramatic cliffs and serene waters, you can enjoy scenic walks and the beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
  • Ballycastle Beach: Also 8 miles from The Dark Hedges, this beach boasts soft sands and inviting waves. It’s an ideal location for sunbathing, beachcombing, or taking a leisurely stroll along the shore.

Best time to go to The Dark Hedges

The best time to visit The Dark Hedges is dependent 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 traveling during the off-peak months of January to February and November when hotel prices are generally lower. Book your stay about a month in advance or explore last-minute deals on Expedia for potential discounts. Tuesdays are the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Take advantage of Expedia’s package deals that combine flights, hotels, and activities for added savings, and join their One Key membership for exclusive discounts and cash back on future bookings.

  • 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: Booking a hotel around The Dark Hedges about 1 month out from when you are planning to stay is usually when prices are lowest. If you're a little more spontaneous, you could also peruse Expedia's last minute deals for hotels, look out for the green banner below the price, as this indicates a cheaper deal.
  • 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: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified option will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly accommodations that are currently available. To find the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at The Dark Hedges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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