Dark Hedges: Six trees made famous by Game of Thrones to be cut down

The Dark Hedges were used as a filming location in HBO's Game of Thrones, representing the King's Road

Six trees at a Northern Ireland beauty spot made famous by fantasy drama Game of Thrones are to be cut down.

The Dark Hedges, a tunnel of beech trees near Armoy, County Antrim, became a popular tourist attraction after featuring in the popular HBO series.

A recent report found that the majority of the trees are in a poor state.

The Department for Infrastructure (DfI) has confirmed on Monday that "essential tree safety works" would begin at the site the Bregagh Road next week.

The department said removal and remedial works on the privately owned land would start on 20 November.

They said the work would see the removal of six of the trees, with their stump retained, as well as remedial work carried out on four trees.

The condition of one further tree would also be assessed on site, a DfI spokesperson added.

The Bregagh Road is often lined with cars and coach tour buses

The trees were planted to line the Bregagh Road to Gracehill House, which was built in about 1775.

Originally there were about 150 trees, but only 86 remain.

Many of the trees are considered past maturity, meaning branch breakages are common.

Several have been brought down by strong winds during storms in recent years.

An independent specialist survey found that 11 trees on the route were in a poor condition and could pose a potential risk to the public.

The DfI said the decision had not been made lightly and that the safety of road users was paramount.

A spokesperson said the department would engage with landowners to implement a management strategy for the future of the remaining trees.

They said completion of the works was dependent on favourable weather conditions and the department said it would keep the public informed of any change.

The Bregagh Road, which is already closed to traffic at the Dark Hedges, will also be closed to pedestrians during the works.