An important native tree, the Ash is the most common tree in Irish hedgerows, and is a traditional woodland species. It is a traditional woodland species. It is sometimes called the 'Venus of the woods'' due to its attractive shape and beautiful foliage. Ash was thought to have power over water and was often planed near sacred springs know as Clootie wells which were places of pilgrimage for Celts. The woods of the Ash is light, tough and flexible and is commonly used in Ireland to make furniture, walking stick and hurleys for the Irish sport of hurling. Historically, it was also used to build boats, and Irish emigrants to America often took pieces of Ash with them for protection against the sea.