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Northern Ireland
Ballymoney

Ballyknock (Little)

Attractions and Places To See around Ballyknock (Little) - Top 7

Attractions and places to see around Ballyknock (Little) include a mix of historical sites and natural features. The region offers diverse landscapes with rivers, forests, and lakes, providing opportunities for outdoor activities. Visitors can explore historical structures and tranquil natural settings. The area's gentle rolling terrain is suitable for various exploration types.

Best attractions and places to see around Ballyknock (Little)

  • The most popular attractions is The Dark Hedges, an other natural site featuring an impressive avenue with over…

Last updated: May 3, 2026

The Dark Hedges

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Impressive avenue with over 300 years old beech trees.

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Gracehill House

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Built in 1775 by James Steward, who also planted the avenue with originally 150 beech trees.

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Game of Thrones Tür im Gracehill House

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Tea at Tilly's

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great place for coffee and food. dont think its open on mondays

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This is the best preserved court tomb in the Causeway Coast area. A Neolithic tomb dating from c.4000 to 2000 BC. It was excavated twice, in 1935 and 1975. It …

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Evildeadchen
June 22, 2025, The Dark Hedges

Absolutely overrated. Many trees have been broken or cut down. Completely overcrowded during normal daytime. You really don't have to go there...only if it's on your way.

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This is the best preserved court tomb in the Causeway Coast area. A Neolithic tomb dating from c.4000 to 2000 BC. It was excavated twice, in 1935 and 1975. It consists of a horse shoe shaped forecourt that leads into a small chamber. There is a cremation passage behind the chamber containing three pits, one of these pits held the remains of several people. This form of cremation passage is the only one of its type found in Ireland.

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The door is inside the hotel. If you politely ask for it, you'll even get a "passport" with all of the Game of Thrones doors.

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A stately home not far from the Dark Hedges.

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It is a street popularly known as Dark Hedges. It is only a few hundred meters long and a tree worth seeing. The road is north east of Ballymoney. There is a small parking lot at the end of the street. From there you can “hike” the avenue in peace and quiet on foot. The street was a filming location for a scene in the hit fantasy series Games of Thrones.

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RedOtto
October 29, 2022, The Dark Hedges

Not only GoT fans will find a nice photo motif here. At the end of the path, the tourists are fewer.

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YouTube (Drone Video, RODPIKER DRONES UK, 2022-10-08): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGPxGuAn7NE TheIrishRoadTrip ("Game of Thrones Ireland: 16 Filming Locations From The Show”, 2022-10-08): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/ “… The Dark Hedges are arguably the Game of Thrones Ireland location that receives the most attention online. The trees here were planted in 1775 by James Stuart to make the approach to his Georgian estate more impressive. The Dark Hedges were used Season 2, episode 1: On the King’ s Road to depict, unsurprisingly enough, the King’s Road. The scene that they feature in shows Arya Stark escaping from the King’s Landing and travelling with the Night’s Watch, dressed as a boy. …” #GoT #Kingsroad #Westeros

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The imposing beech avenue Dark Hedges has been voted one of the most beautiful places in Northern Ireland by many travellers. This is not surprising, since these mighty trees have developed their unique appearance over the centuries. They majestically line the way to the Gregorian mansion Gracehill and enchant visitors from all over the world. They even made it onto the cult series Game of Thrones.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What types of attractions can I explore around Ballyknock (Little)?

The Ballyknock (Little) area offers a diverse mix of historical sites, natural features, and cultural points of interest. You can discover ancient monuments like Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb, impressive natural landmarks such as The Dark Hedges, and historical buildings like Gracehill House. The region also features tranquil forest areas and scenic trails.

Are there historical sites to visit in the Ballyknock (Little) area?

Yes, the area is rich in history. You can visit Gracehill House, a stately home built in 1775, or explore the ancient Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb, which dates back to 4000-2000 BC. Additionally, the 19th-century Gosford Castle and the historic Scarva Village, with its WWII pilbox and historic bridges, offer further glimpses into the region's past.

What natural attractions are there around Ballyknock (Little)?

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy The Dark Hedges, an impressive avenue of over 300-year-old beech trees. The tranquil Cusher River forest area provides signed trails, some suitable for pushchairs, and the wider region boasts diverse natural landscapes including rivers, forests, and lakes, perfect for scenic walks and cycling.

Are there family-friendly activities or attractions in Ballyknock (Little)?

Absolutely. The Dark Hedges is a popular spot for all ages. Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb is also considered family-friendly. The Cusher River forest area offers easy trails suitable for pushchairs, making it a great option for families with young children. For a treat, Tea at Tilly's is a highly-rated family-friendly cafe.

Can I find dog-friendly trails or attractions near Ballyknock (Little)?

Yes, the area offers options for you and your dog. Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb is a dog-friendly attraction. Many of the natural trails and forest areas, such as those along the Cusher River, are suitable for walks with dogs, allowing you to explore the scenic landscape together.

What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, can I do near Ballyknock (Little)?

The gentle rolling terrain around Ballyknock (Little) is ideal for outdoor activities. You can find various hiking routes, including easy options like the Gracehill House – The Dark Hedges loop. For cycling, there are routes such as the Dunluce Castle Ruins – Gracehill House loop. Explore more options on the hiking guide and cycling guide for the area.

Are there easy hiking trails around Ballyknock (Little)?

Yes, there are several easy hiking trails available. Examples include the Gracehill House – The Dark Hedges loop and the Hiking loop from Slieveanorra. The Cusher River forest area also features signed trails, some of which are suitable for pushchairs, offering gentle paths for exploration. You can find more easy options in the Easy hikes around Ballyknock (Little) guide.

Where can I find cafes or pubs near the attractions in Ballyknock (Little)?

For refreshments, Tea at Tilly's is a highly-rated cafe known for its coffee and food. It's a great spot to relax after exploring the nearby attractions. Scarva Village, located along the Newry cycle path, also offers local amenities where you might find places to eat or drink.

What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Ballyknock (Little)?

Visitors particularly appreciate the unique natural beauty of The Dark Hedges, often noting its impressive avenue of ancient beech trees. The historical significance of sites like Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb and Gracehill House is also highly valued. The komoot community has shared over 60 photos and given more than 25 upvotes, highlighting the visual appeal and engaging experiences available.

Is Gosford Castle accessible to visitors?

Gosford Castle is a significant 19th-century landmark in the region. While it's currently undergoing refurbishment into multiple flats, its exterior and grounds may still be appreciated. It's advisable to check local information for current access details, as public access might be limited during the renovation period.

Are there any Game of Thrones filming locations near Ballyknock (Little)?

Yes, the area has a connection to Game of Thrones. The Dark Hedges served as a filming location for the King's Road. Additionally, Game of Thrones Door at Gracehill House is another specific site related to the series, located inside Gracehill House.

Can I find wheelchair accessible attractions or trails in the area?

Yes, there are some accessible options. The Game of Thrones Door at Gracehill House is noted as wheelchair accessible. Additionally, some of the signed trails in the Cusher River forest area are suitable for pushchairs, which may also accommodate some wheelchair users, though it's always best to verify specific trail conditions.

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