Dublin has many famous landmarks, but The Hungry Tree is certainly one of the most interesting.
What was largely considered an “unremarkable” tree in Dublin quickly became a quirky sight to see on the grounds of the King’s Inn when it consumed a nearby park bench.
Many of Dublin’s famous attractions are as classic as they come, like the Guinness Storehouse, the EPIC Museum, and the bars and restaurants of the Temple Bar area.
However, Dublin also has some seriously unique attractions that tourists don’t often think about, too. The Hungry Tree is a prime example of such an attraction. Read on to find out interesting facts and all you need to know before you visit.
Our top tips for visiting The Hungry Tree:
- If you can, plan your visit to The Hungry Tree around sunset. Golden Hour at this location is a pretty magical experience.
- There are lots of local coffee shops and establishments nearby, like the Good Vibrations coffee truck on Henrietta Street. Grab a coffee for your walk through the park!
- We recommend visiting on a weekday where possible. This way, you’ll avoid large crowds and get a proper look at this famous tree.
- Don’t let the rain stop you from visiting! It rains a lot in Ireland, so just bring an umbrella along in case the weather takes a turn.
- This visit can be as quick or as long as you wish, so explore the surrounding area while you’re at it.
IB4UD’s interesting facts about The Hungry Tree:
- The Hungry Tree is a famous 80 to 120-year-old London plane tree located on the grounds of the King’s Inn in Dublin.
- The tree became famous and a prime tourist attraction for having partially consumed a nearby park bench that dates back to the early 1800s.
- To ensure its preservation, The Hungry Tree became the subject of a campaign by Green Party politician Ciaran Cuffe.
- Thanks to the Tree Council of Ireland, the tree is listed as one of Ireland’s ‘Heritage Trees’. This is not because it is particularly remarkable or rare, but rather the curiosity it musters as a tourist attraction.
- This is a great attraction for anyone visiting Dublin and is often included in walking tours and sightseeing itineraries.
What’s nearby
Food: Krewe (New Orleans cuisine), Boco (Pizza), Salsa Authentic Mexican Food (Mexican), Declan & Donal’s Deli (Irish cuisine)
Drink: Bonobo, Smithfield, The Cobblestone, Cumiskeys, Bar 1661
Other attractions: Jameson Distillery Bow Street, Hugh Lane Gallery, Ha’penny Bridge
Your questions answered about The Hungry Tree
How old is The Hungry Tree?
It is not known exactly how old the tree is, but it is predicted to be between 80 and 120 years old.
What is the famous bench in Dublin?
The bench that has become the meal of The Hungry Tree is just one famous bench in Dublin. Perhaps the best-known bench in Dublin is the statue of Patrick Kavanagh on a bench on Wilton Terrace on Grand Canal Dock.
What is the famous tree in Ireland?
There are a lot of famous trees in Ireland, like the various fairy trees dotted around the country.
Other famous trees include the Muckross Friary Yew Tree in Killarney, one of Ireland’s most ancient trees, and the King Oak Tree on the grounds of Charleville Castle in County Offaly.
