Decayed Remains of Macduaghs Tree

Part of the monastic complex at Kilmacduagh. Described by O’Donovan in the OS Letters (O'Flanagan 1927, Vol. 2, 168-9) as an ash tree which was held in great veneration; people carried small pieces of it about as 'preservatives against accidents'. Its precise location is unclear. O’Donovan (ibid.) states it was located ‘a short distance to the north west of the Cathedral’ (GA128-034004-) and that it was ‘built up in a stone, Cloidhe, ditch’. It is depicted at this location on his site plan (ibid., facing p. 65, no. 9). Fahey (1893, 111), who referred to it as a yew tree, believed that it was to the W of the cathedral. However, on the OS 6-inch maps it is located c. 65m to the SW of this building. No visible surface trace survives. Compiled by: Olive Alcock Date of upload: 24 October 2016 This monument is subject to a preservation order made under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 (PO no. 3/2009). The monument was taken into Ownership under the National Monuments Acts 1930 to 2014 - National Monument 51.

Linked to St. Duag, the 7th-century founder of the Kilmacduagh monastery, the tree was believed to have healing properties and was venerated as a holy site. Locals carried pieces of it as protective amulets, reflecting a tradition where sacred trees were associated with spiritual and physical cure.