THE HUNGRY TREE AT KINGS INNS NEAR WHERE I LIVE
Many years ago I photographed and when I published the photographs I referred to it as the Hungry Tree. Since then it has become a much mentioned tourist attraction and is now universally known as the “hungry tree”.
Today I was experimenting as I attached a 70-200mm lens to my Sony FX30 which is effectively 105 to 300mm. Unfortunately this lens attracts too much attention as two people accused me of invading their privacy and three young girls were upset because I refused to photograph them.
The Hungry Tree is a London plane tree located in the grounds of the King’s Inns in Dublin, Ireland. It is an otherwise unremarkable specimen of the tree, but it has become known for having partially consumed a nearby park bench. The tree’s roots have grown around the bench and its bark has enveloped the backrest, giving the appearance that the tree is eating the bench.
The Hungry Tree is a popular tourist attraction and is frequently photographed (especially by me). It was the subject of a campaign by Green Party politician Ciarán Cuffe to ensure its preservation. The tree is estimated to be between 80 and 120 years old.
Here are some other interesting facts about the Hungry Tree:
- The tree is located on Constitution Hill, which is a major thoroughfare in Dublin
- The bench that the tree is consuming is made of cast iron.
- The tree’s roots have grown around the bench so tightly that it is impossible to remove the bench without damaging the tree.
- The tree is listed as one of Ireland’s Heritage Trees.
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