Peat is a dark, organic material formed from the partial decomposition of vegetation in waterlogged conditions. Peatlands cover approximately 17% of Ireland’s land area, a percentage exceeded only by a few countries globally. The widespread presence of this resource has given it unique significance in the country’s development and identity. The material, often referred to as “turf,” has a long history of use, influencing modern policy and environmental debates.
The Unique Ecology of Irish Bogs
Peat forms in environments where the rate of plant matter accumulation exceeds the rate of decomposition, a process that requires consistently waterlogged conditions. The high water table limits oxygen availability, creating an anaerobic environment that prevents the full breakdown of dead plants by microbes. High rainfall, low temperatures, and poor drainage have allowed this process to occur over thousands of years, with peat accumulating at a rate of roughly 1 centimeter per decade.
Ireland is home to two main types of peatlands, distinguished by their source of water: raised bogs and blanket bogs. Raised bogs are primarily found in the midlands and are ombrotrophic, meaning their only source of water and nutrients is rainfall. These bogs can be dome-shaped, reaching depths up to 12 meters, and are built largely by Sphagnum mosses. Blanket bogs are typically found in the wetter, mountainous regions of the west, forming a continuous layer over the landscape.
These distinctive ecosystems support a specialized biodiversity adapted to the acidic, nutrient-poor conditions, including plants like bog cotton, sundew, and various heathers. Bogs are globally significant as the most efficient long-term terrestrial carbon store. Undisturbed bogs function as carbon sinks, sequestering atmospheric carbon dioxide in the accumulated peat layer. Irish peatlands are estimated to store over 1,000 megatonnes of carbon, accounting for over half of all soil carbon in Ireland.
Peat’s Role in Irish Culture and History
The reliance on peat, or “turf,” as a domestic fuel source is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Ireland, particularly in rural areas. Peat harvesting dates back at least to the early medieval period, and its use became widespread after the depletion of Ireland’s native woodlands in the 1600s, when alternative fuel sources were scarce. For centuries, communities relied on hand-cutting peat into sods using a specialized spade called a slan, which were then stacked in open-air formations for drying, a process known as “footing turf.”
This traditional activity fostered a sense of self-sufficiency and community, as families often worked together to secure their annual fuel supply. The turf fire became a central feature of the Irish home, providing heat for cooking and warmth, and the distinctive scent of the burning fuel remains a symbol of rural heritage. Peatlands have also served as archaeological treasure troves, with their anaerobic and acidic conditions preserving ancient artifacts and “bog bodies,” offering a physical link to Ireland’s distant past.
Modern Commercial Extraction and Uses
The scale of peat extraction expanded dramatically in the 20th century with the establishment of large-scale industrial operations, most notably by the semi-state company Bord na Móna. This industrial approach utilized machinery to drain and harvest peat, primarily in the midlands, for two major commercial purposes.
The first was electricity generation, where milled peat was used to fuel power stations, providing both energy independence and rural employment for decades. The second major commercial use is in horticulture, where peat moss is valued for its water retention and structure, making it a popular component in growing mediums and compost.
The shift to industrial methods accelerated the rate of habitat destruction far beyond the pace of traditional hand-cutting. While Bord na Móna has been the dominant historical producer, private companies also engage in commercial extraction for the horticultural market, a practice that continues to draw scrutiny.
The Conservation Imperative
The large-scale drainage and harvesting of peatlands has had profound environmental consequences, transforming these natural carbon sinks into major sources of greenhouse gas emissions. When bogs are drained and the peat is exposed to the air, the formerly waterlogged, anaerobic conditions are lost, allowing the stored organic carbon to decompose and release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Degraded peatlands in Ireland are estimated to emit millions of metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually, rivaling the emissions from the country’s transport sector. Furthermore, human activities have led to the loss of over 80% of Ireland’s original raised bogs and over 70% of its blanket bogs, resulting in the destruction of unique habitats.
The environmental cost has prompted significant policy changes, with the government making commitments to phase out peat-based activities and restore damaged areas. Bord na Móna has ceased harvesting peat for electricity generation and is undertaking a major “Brown to Green” strategy, shifting its focus to bog restoration and renewable energy. This restoration work involves rewetting the drained bogs by blocking drainage ditches to raise the water table, which reduces carbon release and encourages the return of peat-forming vegetation.
Conservation efforts also include the designation of many bogs as Special Areas of Conservation under EU directives, leading to restrictions on turf cutting. The government has invested in rehabilitation schemes to protect the remaining carbon stock and enhance biodiversity. The transition remains complicated by the tradition of domestic turf cutting and the ongoing demand for peat in horticulture.