76. Silken Thomas Yew

An ancient yew on a university campus has played a part in Irish history since 1534.

Beyond castle ruins, copper beeches and St Mary’s Church at the end of Main Street, lies the Silken Thomas Yew. So called for Thomas FitzGerald, resident of Maynooth Castle, who led a failed 1534 revolt with his men tying distinctive silk ribbons to their attire. Before surrendering, Thomas played his harp under the yew tree that now grows on the lawn of St Patrick’s College at Maynooth University, Ireland’s oldest tree.

Species details

Yew
Taxus baccata

Where to find it

St Patrick's College, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, W23 TW77
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Other yews

38. Llangernyw Yew

31. Bungalow Tree