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The Big Tree, Kilcurry, Dundalk.
The Big Tree stands at the junction of three townlands, Carrickedmond, Balriggan and Kilcurry. It is estimated that this Sycamore is now (2010) about 195 years old*. It was planted by Margaret Grant, who was born in 1812, as a sapling given to her by her father. It has survived a fire which destroyed the old hall on the opposite side of the road in 1977, numerous automobile collisions, and, more recently, the threat of removal to facilitate road realignment in 2005.
It is recorded that a meeting to organise the Land League (1879) in Co. Louth was held "under the Big Tree in Kilcurry"
The photo, taken on 1 May 2006 as the tree was coming into leaf, shows it to be in good health. The very large 'population' of insects which it supports provides feeding for birds and bats.
Co-ordinates : 54 deg 02' 36.20'' N : 6 deg 25' 28.09'' W
.*"Estimating the Age of Large and Veteran Trees in Britain". John White, former Curator, Westonbirt National Arboretum, Gloucestershire, GB.
