Hazel

About the Hazel

Another native species, Hazel’s role in Irish history goes back quite some distance – beginning as a source of food and timber for early human settlers.

The plant is widespread in woodland areas throughout the country and can often be found interspersed and under the canopy of other oak and ash woods or as part of true Hazel woods in its own right.

A shrub rather than a tree, it grows to a height of about 5 metres and will re-grow again, even if cut right back to its stump. The Hazelnut is a good source of protein and its thought to keep away lumbago and rheumatism.

The plant’s leaves are wrinkled, about 10 cm long and are oval even round in shape. Practical uses for its timber include fences, fuel, hurdles and barrel hoops, before they were replaced with metal bands. Found at various locations around the Park.