Irish Gothic Podcast

Irish Gothic Bites : The Dark Hedges

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This week, Chris bites into the mystery that surrounds Ireland's Dark Hedges. Listen in to learn more about the iconic beech trees which formed the epic Kingsroad in HBO's Game of Thrones. 

The Irish Gothic Podcast explores the origins of Irish Folk tales. myths and legends in all their dark, fantastical glory and how these vivid yarns continue to resonate across the world to this very day. 

Join Hosts Chris Patterson and Spence Wright as they fuse their love for all thing's horror with a wellspring of Irish lore. 

From the terrifying figure of the Dullahan to the origins of Halloween itself, if it’s a yarn you’re after, pull up a chair and let ‘Irish Gothic’ fill your ears. 


Hosts: Chris Patterson & Spence Wright 

Producer: Rebecca Alcorn 

Production Company: Causeway Pictures 


Visit the Dark Hedges here !

https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/the-dark-hedges-p703291


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Website: https://irishgothicpod.buzzsprout.com

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Checkout our other podcast - Hostage to the Devil, real life stories of exorcism and possession. Wherever you get your podcasts.


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I know all the folks round these arts and parts. Can't say I know you. Leastways. Not yet. But I dare say I know what you'll be wanting. Some of the crack, maybe. How we yarn with your sup, is it? No harm in that. Come on over. Warm yourself, hmm? I'll warn you though. If it's the old Begara and Blarney shenanigans you're after, you'll not hear them from me. Well, if such, like, pleases you, you sit on. I'll fill your ears. And see what story is meant for you. On this dark old night.

chris-patterson_2_10-23-2024_181531:

I'm Chris

spencey-guest437_2_10-23-2024_181541:

I'm Spence

chris-patterson_2_10-23-2024_181531:

And this is the Irish Gothic Podcast.

Welcome to Gothic Bites. The dark edges is an avenue of beach trees in county antrum, Northern Ireland. The trees form an atmospheric tunnel that has been used as a location by Game of Thrones. But where did it start? Well, in 1775, James Stewart built a new house called Grace Hill House after his wife, Grace Lind. Over 150 beech trees were planted along the entrance to the road and created an auspicious approach. This is fantastic because you'll see this in any photograph, this tunnel of trees. According to legend, the hedges are visited by a ghost called the Gray Lady, who travels the road and flits across it from tree to tree. She is claimed to be either the spirit of James Stewart's daughter named Cross Peggy, or one of the house's mates who died mysteriously or a spirit from an abandoned graveyard beneath the fields who on Halloween is joined on her visitation by other spirits from the graveyard. As these trees are basically now old age pensioners, only 90 remain of the original 150 and those remaining are considered past maturity. This means that in previous years when we've had storms and wind a lot of them have blown down. In 2017, due to the damage of tourism, the road itself was closed to vehicular traffic. This has managed to keep a number of the trees still intact. It also means that you can go and visit the Dark Ages today and walk up the road amongst the trees and imagine what it was like the Dark Hedges is most definitely a place to visit if you come to our neck of the woods. See you next week. Looks like your story has found you. I wish It were another. But what's meant for you, won't go by you. I'm sorry. Ach, now. No need to look so scared, eh? Enjoy the fire. Have a sop. Sure. Is it all just Irish Gothic? All just Irish Gothic.

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You can find us at iris gothic pod on Instagram or X, or if you want to support us, please buy us a coffee

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and look, while you're there, give us a follow to keep up with all things in the Irish Gothic Podcast. Send us any Irish myths, legends, stories that you'd like us to delve into next.

chris-patterson_10_10-23-2024_190653:

The Irish Gothic Podcast was brought to you by Causeway Pictures. It's hosted by Chris Patterson and Spence Wright. And was produced by Rebecca Alcorn. All rights reserved.

chris-patterson_10_10-17-2024_205438:

Check out our other podcast, Hostage to the Devil, which delves into the dark world of possession and exorcism. You can get it wherever you get your podcasts.

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