Holly

About the Holly

Scattered around the Park, Holly is one of two native broadleaf trees that retains its leaves throughout the winter – making it a magnificent example of an evergreen broadleaf.

That same trait meant the plant was popular as a decoration inside people’s homes around Christmas, along with Ivy – hence the saying, Holly and Ivy – though it was also used to ward off evil spirits.

An attractive and small tree, Holly is found entwined in some of Ireland’s oldest woods and only female Holly plants bear the famous red berries. As a result, it’s advisable to grow the trees in pairs, though both have small, cream-coloured flowers and green, waxy leaves.