Attractions and Places To See around Ballytaggart - Top 6
Best attractions and places to see around Ballytaggart, a locality near Ballymoney in Northern Ireland, include ancient historical sites and unique natural formations. The area offers a blend of cultural landmarks and picturesque landscapes, making it a notable destination for exploration. Visitors can discover several points of interest, from Neolithic tombs to iconic tree avenues.
Best attractions and places to see around Ballytaggart
- The most popular attraction is The Dark Hedges, a natural monument that features an impressive avenueโฆ
Last updated: May 3, 2026
The Dark Hedges
Highlight (Segment) โข Natural
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Gracehill House
Highlight โข Historical Site
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Game of Thrones Door at Gracehill House
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Tea at Tilly's
Highlight โข Cafe
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Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb
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Popular around Ballytaggart
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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 โhikeโ 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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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 Showโ, 2022-10-08): https://www.theirishroadtrip.com/game-of-thrones-filming-locations-northern-ireland/ โโฆ 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 Kingโ s Road to depict, unsurprisingly enough, the Kingโs Road. The scene that they feature in shows Arya Stark escaping from the Kingโs Landing and travelling with the Nightโs Watch, dressed as a boy. โฆโ #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 historical sites can I visit around Ballytaggart?
You can explore the ancient Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb, which is the best-preserved court tomb in the Causeway Coast area, dating back to 4000 to 2000 BC. Also, visit Gracehill House, a historic stately home built in 1775, linked to the creation of The Dark Hedges.
Are there any natural monuments or unique landscapes to see?
Absolutely. The most iconic natural monument is The Dark Hedges, an impressive avenue of over 300-year-old intertwined beech trees, famously featured as a filming location. While not directly in Ballytaggart, the area serves as a gateway to the renowned Giant's Causeway, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with thousands of interlocking basalt columns.
What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available near Ballytaggart?
There are several outdoor activities to enjoy. For hiking, you can find easy trails like the Gracehill House โ The Dark Hedges loop. Cycling enthusiasts can explore routes such as the Ballymoney to Dooey's Cairn loop or the longer Whiterocks Beach and Dunluce Castle loop. You can find more details on these routes in the easy hikes around Ballytaggart guide and the cycling around Ballytaggart guide.
Are there family-friendly attractions in the Ballytaggart area?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The Dark Hedges is a captivating sight for all ages, and Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb offers an educational historical experience. Additionally, Tea at Tilly's is a family-friendly cafe for refreshments.
Where can I find refreshments or a place to eat near the attractions?
For a local spot to grab coffee and food, you can visit Tea at Tilly's. Visitors have noted it as a great place for refreshments.
What is the connection between Gracehill House and The Dark Hedges?
Gracehill House, built in 1775 by James Steward, is directly linked to The Dark Hedges. James Steward was responsible for planting the original avenue of 150 beech trees that now form the iconic Dark Hedges.
Can I find any Game of Thrones related sites in the area?
Yes, The Dark Hedges gained international fame as a filming location for Game of Thrones. Additionally, within Gracehill House, you can find one of the famous Game of Thrones Doors.
What makes Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb unique?
Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb is unique for being the best-preserved court tomb in the Causeway Coast area. It features a distinctive horseshoe-shaped forecourt and, notably, a cremation passage with three pits, one of which held the remains of several individuals, making it the only one of its type found in Ireland.
Are there any wheelchair accessible attractions?
The Game of Thrones Door at Gracehill House is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering an indoor attraction for visitors with mobility needs.
What do visitors generally appreciate about the attractions around Ballytaggart?
Visitors frequently appreciate the historical significance of sites like Dooey's Cairn and the striking natural beauty of The Dark Hedges. The area's blend of ancient history and picturesque landscapes, along with local spots like Tea at Tilly's, makes for a diverse and enjoyable experience.
Are there dog-friendly places to visit near Ballytaggart?
Yes, Dooey's Cairn Neolithic Court Tomb is listed as a dog-friendly attraction, allowing you to explore this ancient site with your canine companion.
What other significant regional points of interest are accessible from Ballytaggart?
Ballytaggart serves as an excellent base to explore other famous Northern Irish attractions. These include the dramatic ruins of Dunluce Castle perched on a basalt outcropping, and the picturesque Ballintoy Harbour, another known Game of Thrones filming location.
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