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!

Popular places to visit


Top The Dark Hedges Hotel & Accommodation Deals

The Hedges Hotel

The Hedges Hotel

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

The Salthouse Hotel

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

Evaron House

3 out of 5
10 Wallace Crescent, Stranocum, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
Evaron House
Causeway Coast Retreats

Causeway Coast Retreats

3 out of 5
77 Toberdoney Road, Ballymoney, Northern Ireland
Causeway Coast Retreats
Causeway Hotel

Causeway Hotel

3 out of 5
40 Causeway Road, Giants Causeway, Bushmills, Northern Ireland
Causeway Hotel
Black Knowe, Luxury Glamping, Ballycastle

Black Knowe, Luxury Glamping, Ballycastle

1 out of 5
77 Moyarget Road, Coolkenny, Northern Ireland, Ballycastle, Northern Ireland
Black Knowe, Luxury Glamping, Ballycastle
The Lodge Hotel

The Lodge Hotel

3 out of 5
Lodge Road, Coleraine, Northern Ireland
The Lodge Hotel
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 in Ballymoney, you can enjoy a range of activities including golf at a nearby hole golf course, explore stunning attractions, and indulge in thrilling rock climbing. Don't miss the chance to take a ferry ride for a unique perspective of the beautiful Northern Irish landscape. It's a perfect spot for both adventure seekers and those looking to soak in the natural beauty of the area.

Shopping

The nearest shopping spot is Castlecroft Square, located 11.3km from The Dark Hedges, offering a vibrant market atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, check out Causeway Speciality Market 17.7km away, or Fairhill Shopping Centre, 30.6km away, for a wider variety of shops.

Recreation

Royal Portrush Golf Club offers a stunning golfing experience with sweeping coastal views, just 17.7km from The Dark Hedges. For relaxation, Glenariff Forest Park, located 20.9km away, invites you to immerse yourself in nature’s tranquillity. Closer to home, Gracehill Golf Club features a scenic course only 966m away.

Adventure

Moorbrook Trout Fishery, located 27.4km from The Dark Hedges, offers thrilling water sports amidst stunning scenery. Waterworld, a vibrant waterpark 19.3km away, promises fun-filled family adventures. For hiking enthusiasts, the Millennium Riverside Walk, 29.0km away, features beautiful landscapes and exhilarating outdoor experiences.

Nightlife

Experience the enchanting atmosphere of The Dark Hedges at The Hedges Hotel, where you can unwind with a pint of local ale. For a unique twist, visit the nearby Ballymoney for cosy pubs offering live music, hearty meals, and a warm Irish welcome.

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

Find the best attractions near The Dark Hedges

When visiting The Dark Hedges in Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, you'll find a range of attractions to suit every interest. Explore the stunning dark hedges themselves, while nearby beaches and historic bridges offer opportunities for outdoor adventure and cultural experiences. Don't miss the charming local harbour and other nearby sights that enhance your visit and provide a memorable holiday filled with unique activities.

  • Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge: Experience the thrill of crossing this historic rope bridge suspended above stunning cliffs, offering breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean. It's a blend of adventure and culture, as you learn about the area's fishing heritage while navigating the swaying bridge.
  • Ballintoy Harbour: Discover the picturesque charm of Ballintoy Harbour, where rugged coastal scenery meets tranquil beaches. This spot is perfect for a leisurely stroll, capturing photos of the stunning landscape, and enjoying the serene atmosphere of the Northern Irish coastline.
  • Kinbane Castle: Explore the romantic ruins of Kinbane Castle, perched dramatically on the cliffs. With its rich history and breathtaking views, it's a wonderful place to soak in the culture and imagine the stories of the past.

Best time to go to The Dark Hedges

The best time to visit The Dark Hedges can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around The Dark Hedges falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly cloudy with light rain. The coolest average temperature around The Dark Hedges falls in January and February. February has moderately low visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

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 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

To save on your visit to The Dark Hedges, plan your trip between January to February or November for lower accommodation rates. Book your hotel about a month in advance, or check last-minute deals on platforms like Expedia. Tuesdays are generally the cheapest nights to stay, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia's filters to find budget-friendly and eco-certified hotels, and consider bundling your flight with accommodation for additional savings. Don't forget to explore free activities in the area to make the most of your visit without breaking the bank!

  • 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: The cheapest time to book a hotel around The Dark Hedges is usually 1 month out from when you are planning to stay, though if you're late to the party, have a look at Expedia's last minute deals - the green banner below the hotel's price indicates a discounted rate.
  • 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: Utilise Expedia’s search tool to refine your options based on your budget, desired location, and preferred style of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are currently available. To find the best prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some dollars by bundling your hotel stay at The Dark Hedges with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.