Haunted Witch's Yew Tree Wins Ireland's 'Tree of the Year' 2019

Ireland's 'Tree of the Year' 2019 is the Witch's Yew situated on the grounds of Blarney Castle. Organised by the Tree Council of Ireland, in association with the Irish Tree Society, nominations were sought for the honour. Particularly those with a story attached, along with a touch of mystery and strong connection to the community. The public voted for the Witch's Yew out of the five trees nominated. In Celtic mythology and folklore trees were thought to have special magical properties such as Oak, Holly, Apple, Hazel, Alder, Willow, Yew, Mountain Ash or Rowan and Elder. The Witch's Yew Tree at Blarney is steeped in stories of magic and is said to be haunted. This seems to fit in well with some of the criteria that the Tree Council of Ireland were looking for when deciding on the winner of the 'Tree of the Year' competition.

The ancient Witch's Yew Tree is estimated to be at least 600-year-old. It is alleged to contain the ghost of the Blarney Witch, who was the first to let it be known of the magical powers of the Blarney Stone which is built into the battlements of Ireland's Blarney Castle, Blarney. According to legend, kissing the stone grants the gift of the gab (great eloquence or skill at flattery). In the 18th century, the owners of the Blarney Estate built a tower of stone under the tree which became known as the Witch’s Kitchen. The legend goes that the Witch is imprisoned in these stones during the day but stalks the grounds during the hours of darkness. Many have claimed to see embers glowing in the Witch’s Kitchen just before dawn. 

As reported in the Irish Times, Head gardener at Blarney Castle Adam Whitbourn expressed his delight that the Witch’s Yew has won the award saying: “It’s an amazing veteran tree with a fantastic story and that’s what the competition is all about. Personally, I’m happy to see specimen trees like this getting some recognition, especially in the current climate where such devastation is happening to woodlands around the world. Trees such as this represent both our past and our future, and it is our duty to look after them.”

Image: Witch's Yew Tree, Ireland's 'Tree of the Year' 2019