Ireland's Native Trees

Trees are interesting for many reasons: their height, circumference and age.  They provide necessary statistical information, but they may also have historical and folklore associations, or they may define their local landscape.  The Tree Council of Ireland is a voluntary non-governmental organisation formed in 1985 to promote the planting, care and conservation of trees in both urban and rural areas.  In1999, The Tree Council of Ireland and The Irish Tree Society initiated the Tree Register of Ireland (TROI) to compile a database of trees throughout Ireland. Over 860 species and varieties are included in the register with 7,500 trees measured and recorded. The register is the first comprehensive study of Ireland's Champion Trees. 

Heritage Trees in County Donegal (from The Heritage Tree Database, Tree Council of Ireland)  

Below are some short videos on Ireland’s Native Trees, a series of short movies funded by the Creative Ireland Programme. Different trees have been selected and a short film created focusing on each individual tree species. In each movie, we explore how to identify the tree, what role the tree plays in supporting biodiversity and what the tree does for us - eco-system services. The movie’s are for anyone with an interest in Ireland’s native trees to learn how to identify them and on their importance in the Irish landscape. The movie is shot by Charlie Joe Gallagher in the wonderful Glenveagh National Park and narrated by Aengus Kennedy of NatureNorthWest. 

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 1 OAK 

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 2 SCOTS PINE 

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 3 WYCH ELM 

Ireland's Native Trees - EPISODE 4 BIRCH 

Ireland's Native Trees - EPISODE 5 ROWAN 

Ireland's Native Trees - EPISODE 6 ASPEN 

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 7 HAZEL 

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 8 HOLLY  

Ireland’s Native Trees - EPISODE 9 ALDER