Sneem Ogham Tree Trail
The Ogham Tree project aims to create an Ogham Tree Trail to increase awareness and appreciation of the importance of our native trees and their connection with the Ancient Ogham alphabet and Brehon Laws. The Ogham alphabet was deciphered by local Bishop Charles Graves (of Parknasilla, Sneem) in the 19th century. Bishop Graves also played a key role in promoting understanding of the Brehon Laws. The connection with Bishop Graves will also be exploited and used to promote the connection of the Ogham alphabet and the Brehon Laws to Sneem and the surrounding areas.
The Ogham alphabet is linked to a range of Native Irish Trees. We seek to create a sculpture for each tree using found wood from the tree and incorporating an Ogham letter in iron along with carved/wrought iron seeds and leaves. Each sculpture will have a sign giving the origins of the Ogham letter and the importance in which the tree was held in Brehon Law. The sculptures will be erected close to the living trees. Where possible, we will select veteran trees.
We began this trail in 2023 by erecting an Alder sculpture in the Wild Garden. A piece of local alder was found and carved by local woodworker Adrian Cauldwell, the ironwork designed and created by local blacksmith, Tom Allison and the graphics and signage completed by arts graduate, Ella Allison. This graphic introduces the Alder sculpture
This year, we are commissioning another Ogham Tree Sculpture with the support of Creative Communities Programme 2025.
Sneem TidyTowns is working with Féilte na Snadhma and Sneem Story House to develop the Ogham Tree Trail which will eventually contain a mix of sculptures, videos and talks.
The Artists
Adrian Caudwell is a passionate sculptor, carpenter and woodsman. His heart is in the woods, reforesting, growing, maintaining and harvesting native woodland for sustainable silviculture. With over 40 years experience of working with wood, he’d still prefer to be standing under the trees.
Thomas Allison is an experienced Blacksmith with 27 years experience. He has been the resident blacksmith at Muckross Traditional Farms for over 15 yrs. Over the years he has completed a wide body of work from tool making to art pieces and loves making organic forms from metal.
Ella Allison is a recent graduate from Limerick School of Art and Design working in both traditional and digital mediums, curious about new modern technologies and combining them with older crafts. A passion for social design underpins her practice with keen interest in raising awareness on social issues, sustainability and circular economic theory. Work has previously been included in the Bolivia Poster Biennial main exhibition and shortlisted for award.
Niall Mac Coitir is author of “Ireland’s Trees: Myths, Legends & Folklore” as well as “Ireland’s Plants”, “Ireland’s Wild Birds” and “Ireland’s Animals”. Niall has given two talks in Sneem Story House about the Ogham alphabet and Trees and we have video footage from these.
