Game of Thrones location is defaced with pro-Russian graffiti: Dark Hedges road in Northern Ireland is daubed with chalk ‘Z’ symbol seen on Putin’s tanks
- An iconic road in Northern Ireland was defaced by pro-Russian graffiti this week
- The Dark Hedges route, North Antrim, was had ‘Glory to Russia’ painted on it
- The tree-lined road is known for featuring in season two of Game of Thrones
Pro-Russian graffiti has defaced one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic roads, and has been slammed as ‘completely at odds’ with the local community.
It appeared at the Dark Hedges, a route in North Antrim which was made famous worldwide after being featured in Game Of Thrones.
The incident comes as a number of Ukrainian refugees fleeing the Russian invasion of their country have started to arrive in Northern Ireland.
DUP North Antrim Assembly Candidate Mervyn Storey condemned those behind the graffiti.
He said the sentiment of the graffiti is completely at odds with the welcome that arriving Ukrainian refugees have received to the area.
Graffiti in support of Russia and the invasion of Ukraine has appeared on one of Northern Ireland’s most recognisable roads, the Dark Hedges route in North Antrim (pictured)
The Dark Hedges outside Ballymoney (pictured) provided the backdrop to this season two Game of Thrones scene
‘This is a wanton act of vandalism at one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic locations,’ he said.
‘It is completely at odds with the warm welcome our local community provide to tourists from all over the world who come to see what the Dark Hedges and the North Coast have to offer.’
Mr Storey said he has recently been able to welcome refugees from Ukraine into his church community.
DUP North Antrim Assembly election candidate Mervyn Storey (pictured) has condemned pro-Russian graffiti
‘It is despicable that they should have to encounter this type of behaviour glorifying Russia’s oppressive campaign of terror in their homeland.
‘Our support must be with the people of Ukraine,’ he said.
‘I will be working closely with local authorities and the PSNI to ensure this graffiti is removed immediately and those responsible held to account.’
The Police Service of Northern Ireland have been contacted for a response.
The site featured in Game of Thrones series two, doubling as the Kingsroad which a young Arya Stark travelled on in the back of a cart along with Yoren, Gendry and Hot Pie.
Earlier this month in Ireland a similar incident of support for the Russian invasion of Ukraine was spotted.
Some of the cars were spotted flying the Irish tricolour alongside the Russian insignia this month in Dublin, with users condemning the two being put side by side
A convoy of cars waving Russian flags marked with the pro-war Z symbol has been spotted in Ireland, with the Ukrainian embassy slamming the ‘disgusting disrespect’ against the ‘Irish people who stand against Russia’s war on Ukraine’.
Pro-Russia protesters rallied on Irish roads earlier this month, with a line of cars spotted on the M50, in Dublin, Ireland’s busiest motorway, with huge Russian flags waving from the windows.
Some of the cars had various other flags on display, with others having the letter ‘Z’ written across the windows.