Much-loved felled alphabet trees are set to be replaced

Much-loved felled alphabet trees are set to be replaced

12 February 2025

FOUR of Killyleagh’s iconic alphabet trees which were felled during Storm Éowyn are to be replaced.

The news has been confirmed by Newry, Mourne and Down Council which owns the 150 year-old trees which line the side of the town’s historic castle at Shrigley Road.

But council officials have warned that it will take some time to clear the fallen trees and begin work on a replanting new ones as it is currently dealing with the removal of several thousand trees across the district which the recent storm brought crashing to the ground, damaged or left in a dangerous condition.

Officials say health and safety will drive the speed of this work and dealing with the most dangerous is the organisation’s immediate focus.

Rowallane councillor Terry Andrews said it was sad to see the historic trees felled during the recent storm.

The gale force winds ripped the heavy trees out of the ground like match sticks, taking with them a significant part of the town’s history.

“The alphabet trees are part of Killyleagh’s heritage and mean so much to so many people,” he said.

“Generations have grown up with these trees and literally hundreds of people pass them every day. Mention the alphabet trees to anyone in the town and they will know exactly what you are talking about.”

Cllr Andrews said given the longevity of the trees and their “majestic appearance”, their loss was felt by many people.

“The alphabet trees are an integral part of the Killyleagh landscape and I have no doubt that those which were not felled by the recent storm will be examined by council staff to make sure there are no health and safety issues,” Cllr Andrews said.

“It is really sad to see what happened during one of the most fiercest storms in a generation.”

Also known as the ABC trees because there were initially 26 of them, the first was cut down by tree surgeons in April 1993 after it was found to be in a dangerous condition.

It was the first tree and designated at the time as the letter A in the alphabet. The expectation in 1993 was that more would have to be removed.

Efforts were made at the time to plant a new tree as part of the original walk but it was not until December 2003 when the town’s community association planted a replacement tree at the front of the toilet block in the castle square. 

The lime tree is flourishing and there is a plaque giving the details.

At that stage it was estimated the original trees were over 120 years old making them around 140 to 150 years old now.

Local history buffs say that means the trees were planted after the castle was restored and enlarged, under the supervision of Sir Charles Lanyon, between 1849 and 1851.

The proper title for the row of trees was Linden Walk with the trees and the land they are on coming under the ownership of the former Down Council in 1974/75 when the castle owner, Lt Col Denys Rowan-Hamilton, handed them over along with the grass areas in front of the castle gatehouse.