Birr Historical Society talk focuses on The Cultural Significance of Trees

IT was very fitting that the topic of the Birr Historical Society talk in Dooly’s Hotel for March was the sacred trees of Offaly and the Midlands, given that the talk fell during National Tree Week.

Members and many non-members were greeted as Gaeilge (a nod to Seachtain na Gaeilge) by Chairperson Bridget Sullivan as she introduced an Australian native but no stranger to Birr, Grace Dennis-Toone to the crowd.

This illustrated talk was an engaging exploration of the folklore and deep rooted history of Ireland’s trees and traditions that have survived in Ireland’s heartlands. Grace is a PhD student at Flinders University in Australia. She began by introducing us to her research working with the intangible cultural heritage of her home country. She spoke of how nature and culture are interconnected and referenced the abundance of Irish placenames that include trees.

Grace told us of Culturally Significant Trees, such as the Boab Tree from Australia and Culturally Modified Trees, showing us examples of where a canoe had been cut from a bark. She informed us of the Burra Charter which provides guidance for the conservation and management of places of cultural significance.

Grace also cited books of relevance to her lecture notably The Sacred Trees of Ireland by A.T. Lucas 1963 and Ancient Legends, Mystic Charms and Superstitions of Ireland by Lady Wilde 1887.

READ NEXT: Law adopted in Offaly in 697AD features prominently in prestigious new book

The middle part of her talk focussed on the five great legendary trees of ancient Ireland: Eó Mugna (oak), Bile Tortan (ash), Eó Ruis (yew), Craeb Daithí (ash) and Craeb Uisnig (ash) and their locations illustrated on maps. She spoke of the connection between the human world and the otherworld. She also spoke of how in the Irish countryside at fairy trees and ring forts, offerings such as milk, coins and cloth are left. Grace explained how druids performed rituals in sacred groves where it was thought gods and people interacted.

Early Christian missionaries built churches near sacred trees. Holy wells tend to have trees that form enclosures and she gave visual examples of tree script (Ogham).

Rag trees have cloths tied to them as a petition and it is thought that as the cloth decays the problem will disappear. Many believe in cures and healing powers associated with trees, in particular the hawthorn tree.

Grace informed us that there were four classes of trees based on their economic and social value in 8^th Century texts. She presented lists of trees with cultural, ritual and legal significance.

County Westmeath has two of the great five trees of Ireland with the others located in Meath, Kildare and Carlow. County Offaly has examples of very old trees such as the old oak tree in Charleville Castle, Tullamore and the old yew tree at Clonmacnoise.

READ NEXT: Stories and songs as Offaly man presents new book on crucial decade

Grace spoke of how there is a continuance on site where communities replace decayed trees with new ones and how saints days are revered to this day. She spoke of the cultural significance of Lemanaghan and how St.Manchan’s holy well and rag tree is reputed to cure warts. There is a tradition of taking pieces of the rag tree into the home or putting it into your purse so you will always have money.

Near Killeigh there is a rag tree and holy well with a reputed cure for eye ailments. There are warnings against harming such trees as it can bring bad luck.

Grace finished her talk with a recent contemporary example when she told us about a wooden cross at the Ancient Church of St Carthage in Rahan made from the salvaged branches of a venerated hawthorn that had fallen during Storm Darragh.

Following questions from the crowd, Birr Historical Society Chairperson Bridget Sullivan, presented Grace with a bespoke bag decorated with the Birr Crest, containing a selection of local books on behalf of the committee and members. Afterwards everyone enjoyed a very sociable chat over tea and coffee.

READ NEXT: Coolderry native shares energy tech success story at Founders Friday in Tullamore