Presidential visit in Birr today!

President Higgins is to launch Birr Giants Grove – the largest grove of giant redwoods outside California today, Friday April 21.

Birr Castle Gardens and Crann – Trees for Ireland - are deeply honoured that President Michael D Higgins will visit Birr to launch the ambitious plans to create, through public participation, the largest grove of giant redwoods outside of California, within the historic gardens of Birr Castle Demesne.
There will be a small ceremony with music from the school children in attendance followed by a reception in the Pavilion.

President Higgins will be greeted by Lord and Lady Rosse, Mark Wilkinson, Chair of Crann, Diarmuid McAree, Director of Crann, pupils

from Gaelscoil na Laochra, Birr and Kildorrery National School, Cork, who have been nurturing seedlings for the project.

The project is in association with Crann – Trees for Ireland. Each giant or coastal Redwood tree will be sponsored in the name or names of one or more Irish people living abroad as well as people here at home.
A certificate will be provided with GPS details of your place in the redwood forest.
In addition to planting costs these sponsorships, starting at €500 will provide a trust fund for the care and maintenance of the trees.
As well as a certificate of dedication, the names of these diaspora would be inscribed in a book of honour at Birr Castle.