To the west of the arboretum in the middle of the meadow is a grove (as shown) planted in 1994 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Rome, and the success of Monsignor Hugh O’Flaherty's humanitarian efforts running an escape line network there during WWII.
The grove placed 15th in the 2017 European Tree of the Year competition. Who knew?
Hugh O'Flaherty's Trees (Brendan Kennelly – June 1994)
There is a tree called freedom and it grows
somewhere in the hearts of men,
rain falls, ice freezes, wind blows,
the tree shivers, steadies itself again,
steadies itself like Hugh O’Flaherty’s hand,
guiding trapped and hunted people, day and night, to what all hearts love and understand,
the tree of freedom upright in the light.
Mediterranean Palm, Italian Cypress, Holm Oak, Stone Pine;
A peaceful grove in honour of that man,
commemorates all who struggle to be free.
The hurried world is a slave of time,
wise men are victims of their shrewdest plans.
Note
Gates close per times listed on the main gate - a callout fee applies if needed.
Plenty of routes to the cache, from a park and grab to a wide ranging stroll through the grounds. Either way enjoy what Muckross has to offer. The going can be quite soft across the grass.