Six 'Dark Hedges' trees to be cut down later this month
A number of trees in Northern Ireland's famous Dark Hedges are to be removed amid concerns they could pose a risk to the public.
Stormont's Department of Infrastructure said removal and remedial work will begin at the site in Co Antrim on November 20th.
Six of the trees will be removed and remedial work will be carried out on several others.
The tunnel of trees became famous when it was featured in the HBO fantasy series Game Of Thrones and now attracts significant numbers of tourists from around the world.
However, concerns have been raised about the state of several of the beech trees and a number have blown down during storms in recent years.
The trees in Bregagh Road, near Stranocum, are on privately owned land.
A spokesman from the department said: "Following concerns about the condition of some of the trees, the department commissioned an independent specialist survey which found that 11 trees, out of a total of 86, along this route are in a poor condition and could pose a potential risk to the public.
"The department immediately liaised with the relevant landowners and other stakeholders; however, given the urgency of the work required, arrangements have now been made to remove six of the trees (stump retained) and carry out remedial work to four trees, to reduce the risk to the wider public.
"The condition of one further tree will be assessed on site.
"This decision has not been made lightly and, whilst the amenity value afforded by the corridor of trees is acknowledged, the safety of road users is paramount.
"The department will continue to engage with landowners and other stakeholders regarding their implementation of a suitable management strategy to protect the future of the other 75 trees."
The spokesman added: "Completion of the works on or before 24 November 2023 is dependent on favourable weather conditions; however the department will keep the public informed of any change.
"All work will be carried out in line with current public health and health and safety advice, with safe systems of working in place for staff and contractors.
"The Bregagh Road, which is already closed to traffic at this location, will also be closed to pedestrians during these planned works.
"The department apologises for any inconvenience. In order to ensure the safety for the contractors and the public, everyone is asked to comply with the road closures and restrictions."
The trees were planted to line the Bregagh Road to Gracehill House, which was built around 1775.
Originally, there were about 150 trees, but only 86 remain.
There were roughly 25 different locations across Northern Ireland used in the hit show Game of Thrones.
Did you notice any familiar filming locations?
Warning: spoilers ahead 👇
Larrybane Quarry, Larne
The Stormlands
This retired quarry first introduced us to Brienne of Tarth, King Renly and his wife Margery Tyrell in season two.
Fairhead, Ballycastle
Dragonstone
Northern Ireland's tallest cliff face worked perfectly for Dragonstone. Jon Snow finally met Daenerys and her dragons here.
Saintfield, Co. Down
Battle of the Bastards/Battle of Winterfell
Hidden amongst the lush green pastures in the peaceful village of Saintfield, sits two landmark spots - specifically, the battlefields for the Battle of the Bastards and the Battle of Winterfell. Empty aside from a few barns, with a little imagination and a lot of CGI, these fields were once filled with giants and White Walkers.
Sallagh Braes, Antrim
You'll recognise the landscape from season 6, episode 7: The Broken Man, when the Hound was rescued by a band of villagers in the Riverlands after his brutal beating/stabbing by Brienne of Tarth and Arya Stark.
Shillanavoghy Valley, Antrim
Dothraki Sea
Just beneath Slemish Mountain the Khalasar departs Pentos and rides to Vaes Dothrak.
Ballintoy Harbour, Causeway Coast
The Iron Islands
Home to House Greyjoy – Theon Greyjoy returned home to the Iron Islands and this is where we first meet his sister Yara. Ballintoy also featured as the Free Cities where Varys was born.
Tollymore Forest, Newcastle
Throwback to the first season, fans will recognise this woodland where the Nightwalkers were first spotted and also where the Stark kids found the Direwolf pups. Numerous woodland/snowy forest shots were captured here too.
The Dark Hedges, Ballymoney
Kingsroad
A popular tourist attraction even before the Game of Thrones, this spot features as the grandest highway in Westeros. It runs from Castle Black at the Wall all the way south to the capital, King's Landing.
Murlough Bay, Antrim
Slavers' Bay
Davos Seaworth was shipwrecked and later rescued after the Battle of Blackwater Bay here at Murlough. This is also where Tyrion and Jorah come ashore on Slavers' Bay, only to be accosted by slavers
Quintin Bay, Portaferry
Stokeworth
One of the forgotten filming locations, Jamie Lannister tracks down Bronn at Stokeworth here before asking him to travel with him to Dorne.
Mageramorne Quarry, Antrim
Castle Black and Hardhome
This is the backdrop to Castle Black and Hardhome - while the entrances are real, the huge ice wall and snow were of course created digitally.
Binevenagh, Limavady
Dothraki Grasslands
In season five, Daenerys encounters a horde of house warriors here - the vast landscape and towering cliffs made for a menacing backdrop.
Inch Abbey, Downpatrick
Riverlands
Robb Stark's army set up camp here, as they waited at the Trident to cross. He was also crowned 'King of the North' here after the battle in the Whispering Wood.
Cushendun Caves, Antrim
The Stormlands
Fans will recognise the caves where the Red Priestess Melisandre gives birth to the shadow creature which ultimately kills Renly.
Downhill Strand, Castlerock
Dragonstone
Cast and crew transformed Downhill beach into the shores of Dragonstone, where those who defied the Lord Of Light were sacrificed by Lady Melisandre.
Glenariff, Antrim
Runestone
Littlefinger journeys through Glenarrif with Sansa to meet with Lord Royce and watch Robin Arryn training in The Vale.
Cairncastle, Ballygally
The North
The rugged scenery from the ruins of Cairncastle are used a couple of times throughout the show. In the first episode of season 1, Ned Stark beheads a deserter of the Night's Watch. The team returned in season 3 when Jaime Lannister is released from captivity and on the road back to King's Landing. Baelish also travels through the rolling hills with Sansa, on their way to marry Ramsey Bolton.
Quoile River, Downpatrick
River Run
The Riverlands are home to the Tully's and the scenes of Hoster Tully's funeral were shot along the River Quoile.
Portstewart Strand, North Coast
Dorne Coast
With miles of golden sands, Portstewart Strand was the perfect spot to recreate the most southern region of Westeros. Jaime Lannister and Bronn disguised themselves as Martell soldiers amongst the scenic dunes, to rescue Myrcella Baratheon.
Castle Ward, Strangford
Winterfell
One of the most iconic locations in the Seven Kingdoms, the 820-acre walled demesne of Castle Ward, County Down, provided a prime location for House Stark.
Pollnagollum Cave, Fermanagh
Beric Dondarrion's Hideout
Think back to season 3...this is the 'Brotherhood without Banners' secret hideaway.
Audley’s Castle, Downpatrick
Audleys Castle at Strangford Lough was chosen as a filming location for several scenes from season 1 and season 2. It is the backdrop for King Robert Baratheon's arrival at Winterfell in season 1 and Robb's Camp in season 2.
Toome Canal, Lough Neagh
Old Valyrian Canal
In Season 5, disgraced Jorah Mormont takes Tyrion prisoner, throwing him bound and gagged into a stolen boat and setting sail for Meereen.
Leitrim Lodge, Newry
North of Winterfell
Bran and Rickon Stark take refuge at Leitrim Lodge, in the crypts after Theon seizes Winterfell.
Dunluce Castle, Bushmills
Pyke Castle
The ruins of the medieval Dunluce Castle were used for many of the scenes for Pyke Castle - the House of Greyjoy in the Iron Islands.
Titanic Studios, Belfast
It is here that most of the fixed sets and indoor shoots are made and filmed.
Titanic Quarter, Belfast
On occasion, larger sets were constructed outdoors, including Kings Landing in season 8.
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