By Burren Nature Sanctuary
Mary Bermingham
The Fairy Tree that moved a motorway
The Hawthorn tree (known as The Whitethorn) in Ireland has special significance to the Sidhe (the Fairies).
If you damage a fairy tree you will be cursed with a lifetime of bad luck!
The Fairy King's HouseBurren Nature Sanctuary
Fairy tree moved motorwayBurren Nature Sanctuary
Planning objection
The new motorway, the M18, from Limerick to Galway, was delayed for 10 years and eventually rerouted after an objection raised by local historian, Eddie Lenihan.
Grounds for rerouting
A Whitethorn, or 'Fairy' Tree, marks the spot where Fairies from the province of Connacht meet the Fairies of Munster, in times of battle between the two forces. Damaging the tree would bring on the wrath of the Fairies not only to the construction workers, but also to motorists driving over the location.
Tap to explore
The Fairy Tree
This small but influential tree still stands!
The Wishing Tree
The belief is that the spirit of a Hawthorn (Whitethorn) tree, found on a fairy mound, beside a holy well or alone in the middle of a field will grant your wish.
Tie a piece of torn cloth around a twig to transfer your wish and your prayer will be answered.
Berries
Hawthorn is also known as the heart tree, the flesh of the berries can be made into a decoction to provide heart medicine. It is a peripheral vasodilator and cardiac tonic that regulates the heart's electrical system.
Leaves
The Hawthorn leaves come out before the blooms and were traditionally eaten by Irish children on the way to school and known as 'bread and cheese' The pale green leaves are often the first to appear in spring followed by an explosion of white or pale pink blossom in May
Thorns
The ferocious thorns of the Hawthorn are a clue to our prehistory.
They were protection against large herbivores such as elephants and rhinos!
Discover more at Burren Nature Sanctuary
- Interact with nature in a mosaic of Burren habitats
- Listen to the audio nature discovery points in 5 languages
- Visit the Burren Botany Bubble
- Discover the Living Collection of Burren Flora
- See The Disappearing Lake
- Meet the friendly farm and rescue animals
Visit us in Galway
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