The History and Cultural Legacy or Irish Peat Bogs

These precious boglands, which cover roughly one-sixth of the country, have played a significant role in Irish history, culture, and daily life. Formed over thousands of years since the end of the last Ice Age, Irish peat bogs are made of layers of partially decomposed vegetation that accumulated in waterlogged, acidic conditions. They are divided into two main types: raised bogs, which are more common in the Midlands, and blanket bogs, typically found in the west and along the Atlantic coast.

The harvesting of peat, often referred to as cutting turf, dates back as far as the early medieval period, around the 9th century AD, though it likely began even earlier in some parts of Ireland. Turf was an accessible and reliable fuel source, especially in rural communities where coal or firewood was scarce or expensive. By the 17th and 18th centuries, turf had become a household staple, with families cutting it by hand using a special spade called a slan, then stacking it to dry in the sun before burning it for warmth and cooking.

The love for turf runs deep in Irish tradition. Even today, the distinctive scent of burning turf evokes a sense of nostalgia for many Irish people, often associated with rural life, family hearths, and cozy evenings. For generations, turf fires were the centre of the home, providing both heat and a place for storytelling, music, and connection. The cultural image of a turf fire remains strong, even as modern heating options have largely replaced it in urban areas.

In the 20th century, the role of peat expanded with the establishment of Bord na Móna in 1946, a semi-state company tasked with developing the bogs for industrial-scale peat harvesting. Peat briquettes became a popular alternative to traditional sods, and peat-fuelled power stations contributed to the national energy supply. However, environmental concerns about carbon emissions and the ecological importance of bogs have led to a significant shift in recent years. Many bogs are now protected habitats, and turf cutting is increasingly restricted to preserve biodiversity and help combat climate change.

Despite the environmental shift, the emotional and historical connection to turf remains strong. In many parts of Ireland, particularly the West and Midlands, families still cut their own turf from private or communal bogs, maintaining a centuries-old tradition. Peat is more than just fuel—it’s a symbol of resilience, self-sufficiency, and cultural heritage. While its role may continue to evolve, the story of Irish peat and the love of turf fires remains a cherished chapter in the island’s living history.

These days, the memory of the wonderful Peat bogs and burning of Turf is captured and readily available in the form of small Turf Incense Packs for anyone to experience at home!

A perfect example of this can be found at www.turfincense.com