National Tree Week March 1st -7th

Have you ever wondered why people say ‘touch wood’ to ward off bad luck? The answer is that the Celts worshipped trees and believed they could ward off evil spirits by touching the wood of the tree.

The theme of this year’s national Tree Week is ‘Our Trees – Our Culture’, celebrating the important role trees have played in Irish culture throughout history. Over 500,000 trees have been planted as part of National Tree Week during the last 25 years and once again, this year, Coillte has supplied an additional 15,000 trees for planting, which will be distributed to schools and community groups by every local authority nationwide.

The theme ‘Our Trees – Our Culture’ was chosen in celebration of the often-forgotten role that trees play in creating who we are. From place names and people’s names associated with trees, to poetry, ancient writing and phraseology revering them, trees have played a unique part in forming the rich tapestry of Irish culture.”

Today the importance of trees in protecting our environment, and repairing some of the damage that has been done to the earth is even more relevant. The aim of National Tree Week is to highlight the role trees play in cleaning the air, preventing the build-up of greenhouse gases, providing renewable energy and a material source for buildings and furniture.”

The earliest form of writing in Ireland was Ogham, a tree alphabet, which can be found carved on standing stones. This had twenty letters, each corresponding to a native Irish species of tree. The protection of trees also formed a core part of the ancient Irish legal system, the Brehon Laws.

Names in Irish such as Cullen or Cullinane come from Cuillen – holly, Darragh or Mc Darragh from Dair (oak), Quill from Coill (wood) as well as Irish names in the English language, Ashe and, Woods.

The ash is of course inextricably linked with Ireland’s National Sport - Hurling and is annually celebrated in the All Ireland finals. Up to 500,000 hurleys are used each year and the ash is one of our most prized trees.

Throughout the week there are events taking place in each county in Ireland, For details of events in your area visit http://www.treecouncil.ie/