Mount Caulfield House in Bessbrook Co. Armagh is the home of an astonishing ash tree. In one of the paddocks is a large ash, at first sight tall, broad (21’ 6” round) and strong, a fine tree – but there are others like it.
Walk round and its special nature is revealed. The large, slightly twisted, single trunk may be seen as two sections, rising from the ground to join forces over a gap, from which emerges a steady flow of water. The effect is remarkable. Above the water there is a space – once used as a secret place by children in which to hide treasures, also used by a fox as his lair.
There used to be a mill close by, now ruined, and the mill race may be connected with this tree-embraced stream. Never mind the explanation, this ash has a touch of magic.