Ériu, the Irish name for Ireland, is thought to derive from the Proto-Irish 'iwo', meaning Yew, making Ireland the 'Land of the #Yew tree'.

A tribe of Gauls known as the Iverni settled the #Munster region of Ireland circa 500BC. Iverni (in Irish: Érainn) means 'sons of the Yew'.

Unlike in most of Europe, the yew grows extensively in Irish woodlands. The Iverni may have taken their tribal name as a matter of prestige.

Hore Abbey, near the Rock of Cashel, Tipperary. Hore comes from 'iubhair' - yew tree. It was perhaps once the site of a sacred tree. #Tipperary

The yew tree was involved as a sign of kingship: In one tale, an aspirant king had to light a fire at #Cashel under a yew guarded by angels.

In Christian symbolism, the evergreen yew tree is associated with eternal life & Resurrection. A common tree in old church cemeteries.

The Yew tree in the cloisters of Muckross Abbey near #Killarney. Thought to be Ireland's oldest tree at 670 years old.

The lack of ancient trees in Ireland is due to deforestation. Between 1200-1700 most were cut to boost agriculture & build English fleets.

'Our Lady & child, with St Elizabeth & St Barbara' - St Mary's, Dorset Harry Clarke (1889-1931), Ireland's best known stained glass artist.

St. Brigid portrayed as a striking woman in robes of royal blue with golden embroidery - Harry Clarke, Geneva Window.

St Joan: O God that madest this beautiful earth, when will it be ready to receive Thy saints? How long O Lord, how long? - Geneva, Panel 2.

Synge’s lovers hold hands and sway against a dramatic night landscape. #moon #stars - Harry Clarke, Geneva Window, Panel 3

'The dark curtain of night moved noiselessly, and the three angels stepped nobly in the firelight.' The Demigods by James Stephens #poet

Geneva, Panel 5: #Yeats' Countess Cathleen is portrayed in ornate robes of red, purple & blue. To the left is the patriot Robert Emmet.

A magnificent angel stares at the bitter chalice before him. From 'Agony in the Garden' by Harry Clarke. Díseart Institute, #Dingle.

#Wolves lived in #Ireland long after extinction in Britain, earning the nickname 'Wolfland'. They were revered in myth until extinction 1786.

The grey #wolf stalked the ice sheets of prehistoric Ireland long before humans arrived: the earliest Irish remains date to 34,000BC.