President Michael D. Higgins launched the 'Giants Grove' project, the largest grove of giant redwood trees in the world outside of California.
The plantation of redwood trees is a collaborative initiative by the owners of Birr Castle, Lord and Lady Rosse, and 'Crann - Trees for Ireland' and will see each tree planted in the name of a member of the Irish diaspora - Irish people living abroad, as well as people living here now.
The President planted a tree and witnessed a short ceremony accompanied by music.