Piseogs abound for the whitethorn plant

Several people have been in contact regarding the notable profusion of blossoming whitethorn, or hawthorn, since May, writes Donal Hickey. 

A wealth of folklore surrounds this tree which, in ancient times, was considered sacred and closely associated with the fairies. Even in modern times, roads have been rerouted around it because of superstition and fears of incurring the wrath of those in an unseen world.

Throughout the country, you’ll find lone ‘fairy trees’ in the middle of fields from which ditches have been removed, due to time-honoured, local beliefs similar to those concerning forts. ‘Don’t interfere’ is the message.