Once upon a time in Ireland, trees were considered gods — ancient ancestors of humankind and elder beings of wisdom. They were gateways to the spirit world and doorways into the Otherworld. They offered shelter and protection, nourishment and medicine. A tree was not merely a plant; it was the soul of the community — a spiritual focus and source of wellbeing.
Ireland was once wrapped in forest. Today, trees cover just 11% of the country, and native woodland accounts for only 2%.
We felt called to change that.
Our Land, Our Intention
In 2018, we purchased 8 acres near Feakle in East Clare with a clear vision:
- 6.5 acres dedicated to native Irish trees
- A smaller area for food crops, medicinal plants, and wild meadow
Our dream is that this land will grow into a lush sanctuary for Irish wildlife — a living, breathing ecosystem rooted in ancient tradition and guided by regenerative practices.
So far, we have planted over 3000 trees. Alongside this, we are restoring the land using permaculture, biodynamic, and homeopathic agricultural methods.
And now — it is tree planting time again. This year we aim to plant another 200 trees.
“Trees are poems that the earth writes upon the sky.”
— Kahlil Gibran
The Trees We Are Growing & Planting
In the old Irish tree lore, trees were divided into Nobles, Commoners, and the Lower Divisions of the Wood — each with its own spirit and symbolism.
Oak — Dair
Noble of the Wood | Chieftain Tree
One of the most sacred trees, the Oak was seen as the door to the Otherworld. It symbolised strength and courage and was associated with faeries and the Green Man. The Druids would eat acorns before prophesying.
- Can live up to 1,000 years
- Planted: 300
Hawthorn — Sceach Gheal
Commoner of the Wood
The humble Hawthorn holds immense power in Irish folklore. Sacred to the faeries and linked to fertility and Bealtaine, it appears throughout Celtic mythology.
- Lives over 700 years
- Planted: 300 (many already on site)
Holly — Cuileann
Noble of the Wood | Chieftain Tree
Known as the Spiritual Warrior, Holly symbolises courage and protection. It is closely tied to the Winter Solstice and themes of death and rebirth.
- Lives up to 300 years
- Planted: 40
Birch — Beith
Commoner of the Wood
A symbol of birth, renewal, and purity. Birch was traditionally used as spring medicine and to drive out evil spirits from livestock.
- Lives up to 150 years
- Planted: 250 (plus many mature trees already thriving and loads of self seeded saplings coming along)
Yew — Iur
Noble of the Wood | Chieftain Tree
The Yew symbolises eternal life. Druids used it in divination rituals and saw it as a bridge to the Otherworld. Yew wood was prized for making weapons.
- Lives up to 5,000 years
- Planted: 5 (with 1 very large Yew on site already)
Alder — Fearnóg
Commoner of the Wood
Associated with water, balance, and the ancestors. Alder was believed to house fairy spirits and was widely used in Celtic weapon-making.
- Lives up to 60 years
- Planted: 150
Trees you will find in Dronagiri
Airig Fedo — Nobles of the Wood
- Oak
- Hazel
- Holly
- Yew
- Scots Pine
- Wild Apple
- Ash (many mature trees on site, currently being treated for ash dieback)
Aithig Fedo — Commoners of the Wood
- Alder
- Willow (multiple varieties)
- Hawthorn
- Rowan
- Birch
- Wild Cherry
Fodla Fedo — Lower Divisions
- Blackthorn (established hedgerows)
- Elder
- Spindle
- Aspen
- Juniper
- Whitebeam
- Strawberry Tree
Iosa Fedo — Bushes of the Wood
- Bracken (abundant)
- Gorse (abundant)
- Bramble (abundant)
- Heather
- Broom
- Wild Rose (abundant)
“Trees are sanctuaries. Whoever knows how to speak to them, whoever knows how to listen to them, can learn the truth.”
— Herman Hesse
Join Us in Growing the Future
Planting trees is a quiet act of rebellion. It is faith in the future. It is an offering to generations we will never meet. Each tree planted reconnects us to ancient memory and living soil. Each sapling is a promise — to wildlife, to biodiversity, to spirit.
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