At Fiadh and Finn Fine Art Keepsakes, every illustration tells a story, and our Irish Woodland & Hedgerow Animals print is no exception. Nestled beneath a majestic hawthorn tree, this piece brings to life the charm and wonder of Ireland’s natural world, lovingly illustrated by artist Tanya Ryan.
The Meaning Behind the Animals
Each woodland creature and bird featured holds a special significance, offering a sense of connection to Ireland’s landscapes:
Red Fox (sionnach or madra rua): Symbolizing cleverness and adaptability, the fox is a reminder of resourcefulness and the beauty of balance in nature. Foxes are found in farmlands, woodlands, sand dunes, sea cliffs and mountaintops. They make their homes by digging their den in the ground. Dens provide foxes with a cool area to sleep, to store food and a safe place to have their pups. Dens have several exits so that the fox can flee if it feels threatened.
Badger (broc): Known for its determination and grounding energy, the badger represents resilience and the protective spirit of the earth. Although common throughout Ireland, they are rarely seen because they are mostly active at night. They live in family groups and make their home in large networks of underground tunnels and chambers known as a sett. A male is called a boar, a female is a sow, and a young badger is a cub. They are clean animals, regularly changing the bedding in their sleeping area.
Red Fawn (oisin): A symbol of gentleness and grace, the young deer embodies the innocence and new beginnings celebrated in this keepsake. Red Deer are Ireland’s largest land mammal and the only deer native to Ireland. They have a reddish-brown coat, which changes to a brownish grey in winter. Females are called Hinds, males are known as Stags and a baby deer is called a Calf. Stags have antlers which grow in early Summer, reaching their maximum size by the end of September. These antlers are shed again in Spring of the following year. Antlers are a way for Stags to show off how big and strong they are!
Rabbit (coinín): The rabbit is a token of hope and playful energy. Rabbits were introduced to Ireland by the Normans in the 12th century and are now common throughout Ireland, living in open grassland, meadows, sand dunes and light deciduous woodlands. The female rabbit is called a doe, the male is a buck, and the young rabbit is called a kit or kitten. They are herbivores (plant eaters), living on soft grasses, weeds, clover, wildflowers and vegetable plants. Rabbits are social creatures and live in groups, making their homes underground, in burrows. A group of burrows is known as a warren.
Hedgehog (gráinneog): With its humble yet resourceful nature, the hedgehog is a guardian of the hedgerows, signifying curiosity and protection. Hedgehogs are famous for their prickly spines which they depend on for defence while they sleep or if they feel threatened. By curling into a tight ball and tucking in their heads, tail and legs, they protect their vulnerable body parts. Hedgehogs are mostly active at night when they search for food and although they mainly stay on the ground, hedgehogs are quite good swimmers and can climb trees too. Female hedgehogs are called sows, males are boars and baby hedgehogs are called hoglets.
Red Squirrel (iora) : A lively and industrious friend, the red squirrel encourages us to prepare for the future while savouring the present. Unlike the larger Grey Squirrel, the Red Squirrel (Iora Rua) is native to Ireland’s woodland areas and spends most of its time high up in the trees. Red Squirrels leap from tree to tree and scamper along branches at high speed. They use twigs, bark and leaves to build rounded nests called dreys and generally have between three and six young each year, usually in the Summer. They mainly feed on tree seeds and nuts, although they can also eat fungi and fruits as they become available in the woodland.
Jay Bird (scéachóg choille) : This vibrant bird, often seen flitting through Irish woodlands, symbolizes clarity and the voice of the forest. Ireland’s species of Jay tend to be shyer and more elusive than those found in Britain and the Continent. They are found in most parts of Ireland wherever there is suitable woodland habitat. Although they are secretive birds, they become more conspicuous in the autumn, while out gathering and storing acorns and other large seeds for consumption during winter. One Jay can bury several thousand acorns each autumn, many of which will be left to germinate, thereby helping to restore Oak forests.
A Keepsake with Heart
This illustration isn’t just art; it’s a timeless keepsake designed to celebrate life’s most precious moments. Whether it’s to mark the arrival of a new baby, a christening, a birthday, or simply to bring a touch of nature to a nursery or playroom, this piece weaves together Ireland’s rich biodiversity with the joy of childhood.
Why Choose This Print?
Crafted with Love: Each detail reflects Tanya’s dedication to capturing the spirit of Ireland’s wildlife.
Personalised Touch: Make it uniquely yours with customisation options to suit your special occasion.
Celebrate Ireland’s natural beauty.
Bring a piece of the Irish woodland into your home and let it inspire wonder for generations to come. Discover more animal themed illustrations here.
