The King's Road: Northern Ireland's Most Iconic Avenue

Stretching along Bregagh Road like a natural cathedral, the Dark Hedges represents one of Northern Ireland's most photographed locations and Game of Thrones' most recognizable filming site. These magnificent beech trees, planted around 1775 by James Stuart as a grand entrance to Gracehill House, create an otherworldly tunnel that perfectly captured the mystique of the King's Road in Season 2.

When Arya Stark made her desperate escape from King's Landing in "The North Remembers", disguised as a boy traveling north with Yoren and fellow recruits, she journeyed through this very avenue. The 250-year-old trees, their gnarled branches intertwining overhead like ancient guardians, provided the perfect backdrop for one of television's most memorable road sequences.

Originally 150 trees lined this historic avenue, though approximately 90 remain standing today, each one a living testament to centuries of Irish heritage. The Dark Hedges gained worldwide fame through its Game of Thrones appearance, transforming this quiet Country Antrim road into a pilgrimage site for fans seeking to walk the same path as Arya Stark on her journey toward becoming No One.

Beyond its screen fame, the Dark Hedges represents the enduring beauty of 18th-century landscape design, where nature and human planning created something far greater than either could achieve alone - a living monument that connects visitors to both Northern Ireland's pastoral heritage and Westeros' epic storytelling.

This specific section represents The southern entrance to the Dark Hedges tunnel, offering the most dramatic perspective of the King's Road with its full canopy effect. The location is particularly renowned for its autumn leaf canopies that enhance the King's Road experience with additional seasonal beauty and photographic opportunities throughout the year.