'Game of Thrones' road to be closed to traffic
Part of one of Northern Ireland's most iconic roads is to be shut.
The Dark Hedges avenue of beech trees near Armoy in County Antrim was planted by the Stuart family in the eighteenth century.
It was intended to impress visitors as they approached the entrance to their Georgian mansion, Gracehill House.
Two hundred years later the trees have become one of the most photographed natural phenomena in Northern Ireland.
Their fame rocketed in recent years, becoming known around the world after the iconic trees were used as a filming location in HBO's epic series Game of Thrones, representing the King's Road.
Last year two of the beeches were lost to Storm Gertrude, while another was damaged when a rotten branch fell onto the road.
Through traffic and tour busses have also increased greatly recently, leading to fears for the trees.
After a public consultation the Department of Infrastructure has therefore decided to restrict access to the site.
From the 30th October a stretch of the Bregagh Road will only be accessible to agricultural and emergency vehicles.
The new arrangements will be enforced from the Bregagh Road's junction with the Ballinlea Road to its junction with Ballykenver Road.
A £1000 fine could be issued to anyone who ignores the restrictions.