The Dark Hedges

I don’t think that there is anything manmade that can honestly outdo what Nature can produce. In every country, there is that piece of Nature that makes you stop, say “WOW”, and drink in the sight. In Northern Ireland, the Dark Hedges is a very strong contender to be known as such as sight.

The Dark Hedges are not far from Ballymoney, on Bregagh Road in Stranocum, leading up to Gracehill House. This house was named after Grace Lynd, wife of James Stuart, and was built approximately 1775. The property stayed in the Stuart family for many years.

James wanted to give the entrance to the house an impressive look, so 150 beech trees were planted. As they grew, their branches became intertwined to form a tunnel. 200 years later, the tunnel has become a very impressive tunnel.

 Apparently, beech trees usually only last about 150 to 200 years. Currently, there are about 90 of the beech trees that are still living. In 2004, a preservation order was placed on these trees as the government did not want to lose these trees, but they also had to keep the area safe for road users. The Dark Hedges Preservation Trust was set up so that these trees would be cared for properly.

This stretch of road was known, but no one seemed to remember where it was. It was desired that the Dark Hedges be found so that they would be able to use to attract tourists. They did find it and it was put on the map. A few years ago, the makers of Game of Thrones used the Dark Hedges as the scene in season 2 episode 1 where Arya Stark is disguised as a boy on her way north on the King’s Road with her companions. There are people who go to Northern Ireland just to see this stretch of road.

There is also a ghost story that is attached to this landscape. It is the ghost of the Grey Lady who wanders the road and there are a couple of different versions that are circulating about. I will leave you to hunt up those stories.

More recently, however, there was an unfortunate incident happen. On the 29^th of January of 2016, (yes, folks, this year), Storm Gertrude caused three of the beech trees of the Dark Hedges to be uprooted. There were other damages involving branches with some of the other trees, but the three trees that were uprooted could not be saved. Many people were upset or disappointed that this had happened, but there was nothing that could be done about it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the sight. I even took the opportunity to walk closer for a short distance to get some pictures.