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Post Info TOPIC: Dark Hedges Directions (Northern Ireland)


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Dark Hedges Directions (Northern Ireland)


Hello we are driving the causeway coast line from Portstewart to Belfast and we were wanting to stop and see the Dark Hedges that are apparently near Armoy. Does anyone know the directions? Looks like you go inland from Ballycastle....?

Thanks



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From my 2009 Trip Report:

"After breakfast, we set out for Armoy. Having accomplished SO MUCH the previous day, we were hoping to be equally aggressive today . We drove down into Ballycastle and then followed the A44 through Glen taisle, stopping at a shop and petrol station just the intersection of the A44 and the B147 for drinks and snackee cakes. Returning to the highway, I noticed a small sign indication a Round Tower, pointing to the left.


Our goal was the Dark Hedges, however so we continued south until we saw the entrance to Lime Park. On a whim, I swung the Passat into the drive and got out to look around. The sky was dull and dreary and the air had turned rather chill. As I walked around the cottage buildings, no one else was about, even though there did APPEAR to be some occupants. The place FASCINATED me -- I could have easily spent hours discussing the architecture, the renovations and the solitary wind generator had the owners been out and about. If / when I ever return to Antrim, I most definitely want to stay there. I envision Lime Park as the ideal, stereotypical site from which to retreat from the world and write ones Memoirs


Once I finally tore myself away, we opened Michele Erdvig's IRELAND DREAM TRIP to page 376 and followed the directions therein to the Gracehill Golf Club. We only had a small spot of trouble, early on, as we discovered a T intersection, but following Michele's advice - veering right, when in doubt, we soon found our way to the Dark Hedges.


NOTE: One of the crossroads that you drive through while en route, is actually the B147. If you were driving from Ballycastle and WEREN'T visiting Lime Park, you could turn right at the A44 / B147 intersection by the shop / petrol station in Armoy and cut a few miles off the trip that way.


The Dark Hedges are quite impressive, though there were some gaps that foretell a time in the not terribly distant future when the magic may completely disappear. I also recommend that you continue on and actually drive up to the club house ( the old Gracehill House ) as the tree shrouded lane is also quite evocative. Like Michele, we too parked, and walked the lane. The dull, gray sky seemingly setting a perfect mood for reflection and introspection. If you have the time, it is well worth the journey.


Back on the road, we turned left onto the B147 and drove directly into Armoy, passing under the cross road Welcome sign festooned with Union Jacks that announce that you are entering the town limits. At the intersection of the A44, we continued straight at the urging of the Round Tower sign. It is located only a mile or so from the A44, sitting in the side yard of a small Protestant church. As Round Towers go, it wasnt the most impressive that Ive seen, but Im glad to have taken the detour to do so."

Hope this helps ...

Bob 



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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!



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From the Gracehill Golf Club website:

A26Ballymoney Roundabout
Take 2nd exit (signposted Ballymena)

39.100.90A26Junction with B147
Turn left signposted Gracehill Golf Club

43.204.10B147Forward to Stranocum

44.000.80B147Through Stranocum
Past Bushvalley Primary School

46.002.00B147Arrive at Gracehill Golf Club


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Bob

Help Us to Help You.  The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!



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Thanks so much, much appreciated! The pictures I've seen of this place look so neat, so we were hoping to be able to take it in on our trip.


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It's also fun to use Google Street View to take a virtual drive...

http://www.irelandtravelkit.com/the-dark-hedges-stranocum-co-antrim/

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=55.136549,-6.384258&spn=0.006206,0.03828&t=p&mapclient=jsapi&z=15&layer=c&cbll=55.136539,-6.384263&panoid=4i4Of5uZJJ2YfC45bK2N5w&

...and if the Google Maps embed works... it might even appear below:


View Larger Map



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Corey
www.IrishFireside.com


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Or just do what I did - ask at the local petrol station. The young lady gave excellent directions - 'turn left out of here, two rights, and there it is!'

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