The Dark Hedges

Hidden away in a small village in Northern Ireland is a fairly famous set of trees called the Dark Hedges. Now, you probably wouldn't know what I was talking about based on the name alone - but when I associate them a little TV show called Game of Thrones, then those fans instantly know what I'm talking about.

Now, the sign located at the entrance of the tree grove says that this particular grove has been voted in the top five tree groves in the world. Who does the voting? No idea. I, for one, didn't get a vote. However, if I were to vote, I'd definitely include these trees in my top five. So, I guess they got it right. 

I would not have attempted to get here by car. Sure, I suppose GPS would lead me directly here, but there were lots of turns as we were taken to a pretty secluded area. 

I was with a tour group. It was the very first time that I've ever been part of a tour group. I normally don't like the confines of a strictly managed group, nor do I enjoy paying an arm and a leg for things that Google can tell me.

This time, however, was different. I was based in Dublin for the week, hoping to make a day trip to Northern Ireland to explore some sites. Upon doing some research, I discovered the Paddywagon Tour Group. Yeah, I'll give them a shoutout. For only around $10-15 extra than what I would have paid to get there myself, the people of Paddywagon chauffeured me around all day and I didn't have to worry about getting lost.

The first stop on the tour - The Dark Hedges. 

I had a friend that had visited this grove of trees just months before. So, I had been intrigued to visit them myself. Upon arriving I noticed one thing - it was packed with tourists. I went early in the tourist season - at the very beginning of May. We were there first thing in the morning as well. It was nonetheless covered in tourists.

I didn't mind the crowds all that much. I just couldn't get a people-free picture. The experience was worth it though. 

Pro tip: If there are cars coming through - move out of the way. More than likely they are locals just trying to get through. They can get really mad...and aggressive. Or so my tour guide mentioned to us.