The Dark Hedges Tree Tunnel
This unusual place has been seen by many in photos and postcards, but few could have imagined that it actually exists.
The Dark Hedges tree tunnel leads to the Stewart family estate, which was built in 1775. Over 240 years, the branches of the beech trees have intertwined tightly, and now the road looks more like a set from a Tim Burton film.
The avenue is located in Northern Ireland, just 65 km from Belfast International Airport. British Airways, KLM, and Air France fly to Belfast; there are no direct flights to Northern Ireland yet. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to get there by public transport, so you’ll have to rent a car. AVIS, EUROPCAR, and HERTZ offices are available right at the airport. Along with the car, take a GPS navigator; the area around the avenue is not particularly populated, so you likely won’t have anyone to ask for directions. Destination coordinates: +55° 8’ 11.40”, -6° 23’ 3.51. (View Dark Hedges on a larger map.) If you decide to save on a navigator, follow the signs to the town of Ballymena (A26 highway), and after passing it (approximately 17–20 km), there will be a fork where you need to turn onto the A44 highway towards Armoy and Ballycastle. After 10 km, you will need to turn left onto the small country road Bregagh Road; you don’t need to turn anywhere else; after passing a few intersections, you will arrive right at the avenue.
