Landmark tree-lined avenue made famous by Game of Thrones damaged in storm

A landmark tree-lined avenue made famous by fantasy drama Game Of Thrones has been damaged in Storm Doris.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Feb 2017, 13:26 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2017, 12:45 BST
Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm DorisWorkmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris
Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris

One of the beech trees that make up the spectacular Dark Hedges in Co Antrim has fallen victim to high winds that have battered Northern Ireland.

The avenue is one the region's top tourist attractions, with Game of Thrones fans from all over the world travelling to the isolated location to get a picture in front of the haunting backdrop.

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Work was already under way to remove the felled tree, which had blocked the road.

Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.
Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.

The trees were planted in the 18th century by a local family, the Stuarts, with the intention of creating a grand entrance to their nearby Georgian mansion, Gracehill House.

Already one of the most photographed natural landmarks on the island of Ireland, the tourist attraction achieved global prominence after it appeared on the hit HBO series.

The Dark Hedges featured in Season Two of the award-winning TV drama.

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Much of Game Of Thrones has been shot in Northern Ireland, either on location or in studios in Belfast.

Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.
Workmen clear a fallen tree from the Dark Hedges in County Antrim, after the tree-lined avenue was damaged in Storm Doris.

The Dark Hedges and other locations featured in the series have seen visitor numbers surge due to the growing popularity of Game Of Thrones-themed tourist tours.

The tree was one of many to fall across Northern Ireland during Storm Doris.

Traffic has been disrupted in a number of areas, with thousands of homes also left without electricity.

Related topics:Northern IrelandWorkIrelandGeorgianBelfast