Northern Ireland

Fallen tree from Dark Hedges to be auctioned off to highest bidder

The Dark Hedges in Co Antrim featured in the second series of hit TV show Game of Thrones
The Dark Hedges in Co Antrim featured in the second series of hit TV show Game of Thrones The Dark Hedges in Co Antrim featured in the second series of hit TV show Game of Thrones

FANS of hit TV show Game of Thrones may soon be able to own a unique souvenir from the series.

A felled beech tree from the famous Dark Hedges in Co Antrim, which was used to represent the King's Road in the fantasy drama series, is to be put up for auction.

The tree, which was uprooted following severe gales earlier this week, was one dozens which were planted more than 200 years ago on the Bregagh Road near Armoy.

The avenue of trees became known as the Dark Hedges and featured in the second series of Game of Thrones.

The avenue has since become a major tourist destination in Northern Ireland and has been photographed countless times by visitors from around the world.

Now an auctioneer is offering fans of the show the chance to own a genuine part of its history.

Auctioneer Daniel McAlister, from Daniel McAlister and Son Estate Agents and Auctioneers in Cushendall, said the tree fell onto land owned by his client James Laverty.

He said Mr Laverty had instructed him to sell the tree to the "highest bidder".

"Whoever wants to buy it, can take it," he said.

"It's a massive big beech tree and thousands of people have seen it.

"It has fallen in James Laverty's land. It's obviously his tree because it is on his ditch and the trees down the left would belong to him."

Trees from the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim were damaged in severe gales earlier this week. Picture by Kevin McAuley, McAuley Multimedia
Trees from the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim were damaged in severe gales earlier this week. Picture by Kevin McAuley, McAuley Multimedia Trees from the Dark Hedges in Co Antrim were damaged in severe gales earlier this week. Picture by Kevin McAuley, McAuley Multimedia

Mr McAlister said the tree auction would be advertised on the firm's Facebook page and website in the coming days.

The auctioneer said the item was the "most unusual thing ever we were asked to sell".

"At one time maybe a tree house but never a tree," he said.

"My reaction was a wee bit taken back. At the same time, there is a lot of people who see them and there may be someone who wants to do something with the timber. There might be someone with a unique talent to do something with it.

"We are open to offers from the highest bidder."

The Dark Hedges featured in season two of Game of Thrones
The Dark Hedges featured in season two of Game of Thrones The Dark Hedges featured in season two of Game of Thrones