May 252015
In May and early June, the hedgerows throughout Ireland are brightened by the prolific white flowers of the Hawthorn trees, also known as Whitethorn and the May Tree. The hawthorn tree is very important in Irish folklore. At the festival of Bealtaine (Mayday), people would tie rags or strips of coloured cloth to a “rag tree” to grant a wish. Most of these special Hawthorn trees are beside holy wells, although there is an example on the Killary Harbour close to Leenane that is not associated with any well. The Tree Council of Ireland has a database of heritage trees which lists the trees of religious significance around Ireland.
