Elder is a keystone species in many ecosystems. Some Native American peoples consider elder to be a mother of the forest, believing that it teaches other plants how to grow and what to do. Rowan is an important understorey tree in upland oakwood, mixed ashwood, and native pine woodland, which are priority habitats under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and are also especially vital in re-establishing native woodland habitat in Ireland, which has lost so much of its forests over the centuries. The tree toppled over in 2019 after too many people attached non-biodegradable offerings to its branches. According to the Tara Skryne Preservation Group, the message from the tree is clear – it no longer wants these human burdens!

Across the island of Ireland, numerous fairy trails attract tourists and locals seeking to immerse themselves in the enchanting world of fairies. One such trail is the “Glenbower Wood Fairy Trail” in County Cork, which winds through a lush forest and features delightful fairy doors and sculptures nestled among the trees. The hawthorn tree is best described as a small, bushy tree that can grow up to six metres high. The tree can also live to an impressive age of four hundred years old. The hawthorn tree is thought to be a sacred meeting place for the fairies, and cutting down a lone hawthorn fairy tree is avoided at all costs. Druids often practised rituals under these trees. Druids were high-ranking figures in ancient society, fulfilling the role of religious leader, doctor and judge. Unfortunately, druids left very little written information behind. We do know that trees symbolised the circle of life, dying each Winter only to bloom again in Spring. Celtic Tree Of Life Vectors by VecteezyIrish people take the superstitions of Faerie trees very seriously. In fact, there was even a delay in building a motorway for over 10 years because people didn’t want to harm one of the fairy trees. You can read more about the story of this Irish Fairy tree here. The Tree of Life represented the interconnectivity of everything in nature and the connection of our world with the Otherworld. The Otherworld was a supernatural place which belonged to deities and the dead. My heart starts up thundering and the faerie tree buzzes behind me, and I realize I don’t want to move. I hate the faeries much as I hate that beanpole, but I feel safer touching the faerie tree and curling the boning knife in my hand. I’m afraid to go get that damned blanket. As a result, the weight and amount of offerings attached to the tree “has caused a sail effect in high winds,” resulting in it toppling over.

These superstitions may seem outlandish, but there’s evidence to suggest there might be some truth to the rumors. When I wake up, it’s almost dark. I’m hungry and scared stiff of going through the house without Momma to protect me, without Sister to protect me, with the beanpole still here. But I need a knife and some fruit, so I compromise. I crawl out the window, scurry down the roof to the gutter, climb down, and sneak through the porch to the kitchen. I grab an apple from the table and Momma’s boning knife, then hurry out to the faerie tree like that man might show up any minute. I curl close between the faerie tree’s legs and try to think while more tears leak hot down my face. Mamaw said faeries are crafty little shits, and words are important, and hard sacrifice. I make myself eat but save some for the faeries. In Proto-Celtic the words for "oak" were * * daru and * * derwā; Old Irish and Modern Irish, dair; Scottish Gaelic, darach; Manx, daragh; Welsh, derwen, dâr; Cornish derowen; Breton, dervenn. [2] Ash [ edit ] Fairies are often said to possess magical powers and can bestow blessings or curses upon humans. They are known to engage in both benevolent and generous acts, depending on their mood and the actions of humans.Fairy trees in Ireland are Hawthorn trees or Ash trees. What makes these Irish Fairy trees different from other trees is their location. They stand alone in the centre of the field, usually with large stone circles surrounding their base. Why do Fairy Trees Stand Alone in the Centre of a Field? For locals and tourists alike, exploring fairy trails provides an opportunity to engage with the rich history of Irish mythology and folklore. Additionally, these trails invite a sense of wonder as visitors embark on a journey to seek out the hidden and ethereal world of the fairies.

Another charming aspect of the decoration of Fairy Trees in Ireland is the addition of fairy doors. These miniature, intricately designed doors are often attached to the base of the tree trunk or nestled within the roots. Some fairy trees are decorated with tiny doors near the roots. The “Fairy Forts” in Ireland are also known as Ring forts. They are circular, enclosed surroundings covered by an earthen or stone bank. Fairy lights, also known as “fairy garlands” or “fairy ribbons,” are a common and enchanting way to decorate Fairy Trees in Ireland. These delicate, twinkling strands of lights are carefully wrapped around the branches of the chosen tree, creating a mesmerizing spectacle, especially when lit up during the evening hours. A changeling was a fairy that took the place of a human, usually a child. The changeling could alter their appearance to become nearly identical to the person that was stolen. It was only through their unusual behaviours that the changeling showed when they thought that they were alone that their true nature would be revealed. And I look at the hole in the tree like the hole inside me, and I think, “I wish I could miss them,” and it gets real quiet, and when I look at Sister I know I said it, and she heard it, ’cause she’s looking at me: Different. Wrong. Not a real girl. Like I’m a stranger, and she’s seeing me for the first time, and she just don’t understand. I clear my throat, say, “I wish I could miss them less,” like I just talked too soft and the evening wind stole the last word.

He makes me sit down at the table and then he says, “I’m afraid your momma’s passed, your momma and your pa. Last night they both passed in their sleep.” Fairy trees in Ireland are special and full of wonder, but they are not the only trees that have an interesting folklore. The Celts recognised the importance of trees to their survival, so much so that the tree of life became a common Celtic symbol. Visiting these while you are here will hopefully be a rewarding experience, as they are unique to Ireland. Decoration of Fairy Trees in Ireland Doon Hill is the home of the fairies. It is also the final resting place of a local minister, Robert Kirk, who lived in Aberfoyle in the 17th century. The minister would hold service and explain the virtues of God as well as describing the secret lives of the fairies. Robert Kirk believed that Doon Hill was enchanted with fairies living among the local population. Such was Kirk’s commitment and belief in the fairies he published a book called The Secret Commonwealth where he describes Doon Hill as being the gateway to the land of the fairies. The leprechaun’s greatest passion is shoemaking. They can appear as kind or mischievous, depending on the tale you read, but they are usually anti-social creatures. Unless provoked by humans, they prefer to spend their time alone making shoes. The Cluricaune is more focused on drinking stout and ale, however. They can be found haunting breweries.