Time to Replant The Naul Village Chestnut Tree

Joe Curtis 2001

Fingal County Council is now working on preparing the site at The Naul to replace the iconic and much loved Red Chestnut Tree which grew for many years beside the Seamus Ennis Centre in The Naul. Despite efforts to save it the tree had become dangerous and for safety reasons has been felled and removed by Fingal County Council.

The Red Chestnut Tree (Aesculus x carnea) famed for its big red flowers is an important

local landmark and has featured in many photographs of The Naul. These photographs, some dating back to the 1800’s, have featured local people and visitors to the area including more recently President Michael D. Higgins in 2015, as well as many visiting musicians performing in the Seamus Ennis Centre.

Speaking about the work about to be undertaken Kevin Halpenny, Senior Parks Superintendent, Fingal County Council said “We are very aware of the importance of the tree to the local community and it will be replaced by a new specimen chestnut tree. The large planting pit which is itself a prominent feature in the village will also be repaired and improved by Council staff. Fresh soil and a built in watering system will be provided for the new tree.”

Details of the replanting event will be provided closer to the date.

For details of events in the Seamus Ennis Centre see http://www.tseac.ie/

Selection of images of The Naul Tree submitted by readers