The Dark Hedges Tours and Activities

The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges
The Dark Hedges


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

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139A Ballinlea Rd, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
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4 out of 5
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Causeway Coast Retreats

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Minnie's Cottage

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3 out of 5
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The Salthouse Hotel

The Salthouse Hotel

4 out of 5
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Causeway Hotel

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The Lodge Hotel

The Lodge Hotel

3 out of 5
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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

While visiting The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, you can enjoy activities such as private tours and the scenic beauty perfect for photography. Consider a day tour to explore the area and nearby attractions, including rock climbing and golf at a local hole golf course. Don't miss the chance to immerse yourself in this iconic landscape, capturing stunning images and creating lasting memories.

Shopping

The nearest market is Castlecroft Square, 11.3km away, offering a family-friendly atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, visit Causeway Specialty Market, located 17.7km away, for a lively public market experience. Fairhill Shopping Centre, 30.6km away, features various shops in a family-oriented setting.

Recreation

At the Royal Portrush Golf Club, enjoy a round of golf surrounded by breathtaking coastal views, located 17.7km from The Dark Hedges. Gracehill Golf Club, just 966m away, offers an intimate outdoor golfing experience. For relaxation, visit Glenariff Forest Park, 20.9km away, for serene walks in nature.

Adventure

Waterworld, a thrilling waterpark located 19.3km from The Dark Hedges, offers family fun with exciting slides and wave pools. For outdoor enthusiasts, Moorbrook Trout Fishery, 111.3km away, provides a fantastic fishing experience, while the scenic Millennium Riverside Walk, 29.0km distant, is perfect for hiking amidst nature.

Find the best attractions near The Dark Hedges

When visiting The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, explore the stunning dark hedges trees that create a breathtaking canopy. Nearby, enjoy the beautiful beach, visit the historic bridge, or relax at the harbor. For those seeking culture and outdoor experiences, make use of a dark hedges map to navigate the area. Convenient transport options, including trains, make it easy to discover these iconic landmarks and enjoy the unique charm of this enchanting location.

  • Carrick-a-Rede: This modern bridge offers a unique experience with urban vibes, set against breathtaking coastal views. Located 12.9km from The Dark Hedges, it's an ideal spot for those seeking a blend of adventure and contemporary charm.
  • Ballintoy Harbour: A picturesque harbour that captures the essence of northern coastal beauty. Situated 12.9km away, Ballintoy Harbour is surrounded by dramatic cliffs and serene beaches, perfect for leisurely strolls and stunning photography.
  • Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Steeped in history, this iconic rope bridge located 11.3km from The Dark Hedges offers a thrilling walk with cultural significance. The views from the bridge are simply spectacular, making it a must-visit for any traveller.

Best time to go to The Dark Hedges

The best time to visit The Dark Hedges is dependant 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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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 CloudyAverageSlightly High
June54.7°F (12.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
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

The Dark Hedges provides free entry, making it a cost-effective destination. Nearby attractions like Ballintoy Harbour and Kinbane Castle also have no admission fees. To save on accommodation, consider visiting from January to February or November, when prices drop. Booking about a month in advance or utilizing last-minute deals on sites like Expedia can yield significant savings. Tuesdays are the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia's filters to find eco-friendly options and package deals that combine flights and hotels for added discounts.

  • 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 May and July to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The best time to book a hotel: Book your hotel around The Dark Hedges about 1 month out to secure some of the cheapest prices. If you're the spontaneous type, Expedia's last minute deals and discounts are indicated via the green label below the price.
  • 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: Take advantage of Expedia’s search tool to customize your travel options based on your budget, desired location, and the type of accommodation you prefer. For instance, by selecting the "Eco-certified" option, you'll find a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To uncover the best prices and deals, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel reservations at The Dark Hedges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.