Did you know that the Celts believed that many trees held sacred properties. Which trees, dotted around Ireland today, are said to have special powers?

The ancient trio of ash, oak and thorn are well known in Ireland as being the ‘magical trio’ and have been mentioned in poems and literature over the years.


The fruit-bearing apple, hazel and the holly, alder, willow and elder were all said to have had particular characteristics and in some cases, were the homes of the fairies.

The ancient druids were said to have only made their wands from yew trees, oak trees and apple trees.  

Oak Tree
The huge, powerful Oak tree is one of the most evocative symbols of Ireland and there are many sacred associations with the Oak, including Saint Brigit’s monastic foundation at Cill Dara, otherwise known as the ‘church of the oak’ (Kildare). It’s strength was its main feature.

Ash Tree
The Ash Tree has special resonance also in Ireland and as tradition went, people would refuse to cut an ash tree in case their houses went up in flames. It was believed to have healing qualities and was one of a trilogy of sacred trees along with the hawthorn and oak.  

Hazel Tree
W.B. Yeats described the hazel as the Irish ‘tree of life’. Hazel wood and nuts are mentioned frequently in Irish literature even as far back as the time of Fionn Mac Cumhaill when the salmon of wisdom was said to have consumed hazel nuts, indicated by the number of spots on its back.

Apple Tree
The fruit of the apple tree, the ul, is mentioned in Celtic mythology and legend. It is known as a symbol of rebirth and youthfulness.

Yew Tree
Still regularly seen in graveyards, the evergreen yew was and still is the symbol for immortality. Known for resurrection and longevity, it had importance for both Druids and Christians.

Elder Tree
The white-flowered Elder tree with its berries was best known as a fairy tree and thought to have very special powers. The Celts thought that it protected them from evilness but the Christians disagreed.

Alder Tree
The Alder tree was particularly respected in Ireland because when the tree is cut it changes from white to red and it was thought to have powers of divination. Alder was used in the traditional rod for measuring corpses and graves in pre-Christian Ireland.

From Birth to Blackthorn, from Gorse to Rowan, trees continue to be one of the most meaningful symbols of the mythical past of Ireland.