The Dark Hedges - Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland

The Dark Hedges is a relatively short avenue (about half a mile long) in Northern Ireland's county Antrim, and about two centuries old. The 150 trees - beech trees - were planted in the 18th century by James Stuart to impress those who came to visit them in or at their home, Gracehill House - which, by the way, was named after James's wife Grace Lynd. The trees are now protected by the Northern Ireland planning service. However, it is said that the beauty of the avenue is somewhat disturbed by the sheep wire fence that was planted on both sides recently.

Legend goes that the Dark Hedges is haunted by a "Grey Lady". One story says the lady is the ghost of a maid who died under mysterious circumstances centuries ago, another story says she is a lost spirit from a nearby hidden graveyard. She appears at dusk and glides along the trees, only to disappear as she passes the last tree. I will see this one day.

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