B&B Ireland Bed and Breakfast Travel Blog

B&B Ireland signs up to The Gathering 2013

Bed and Breakfast Ireland — Mon, 14 May 2012 12:48:56 +0000

B&B Ireland have announced that they will be fully supporting The Gathering Ireland 2013 – the biggest tourism event ever held in Ireland, which aims to bring an extra 325,000 visitors here next year.

“Our B&B members are based right around the island, in city, urban and rural districts and so we are very well placed to take a co-ordinated response to this exciting tourism initiative,” says chief executive Helena Healy, who attended the launch by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste in Dublin at the weekend.

At the launch, the Taoiseach said that The Gathering aims to engage with “our global Diaspora, to entice them to come home in 2013. It’s not just about encouraging anyone with Irish heritage – it is also addressed to those who love or have an interest in Ireland.”

“We welcome the Minister for Tourism’s comment that this initiative is not just for big cities but is for everyone,” says Helena Healy, “and we will harness our considerable online marketing power to promote the range of festivals and special events lined up for 2013.”

“Our website www.bandbireland.com and the websites of many of our members already promote a wide range of the activities and events which take place in B&Bs local areas. We also work closely with tour operators and the travel industry and have an international network of contacts which we can tap into.”

For more information on The Gathering 2013 click here

On the Streets of Galway for Saint Patrick’s Day

Keith Corcoran — Thu, 10 May 2012 14:10:30 +0000

We arrived at Lios Inis B&B just before midday. After we got settled into our guest bedroom, I mentioned to our host, Joan, that we were going to walk in to see the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. “Not at all my dear, we will drive you in as we wouldn’t want you to be late!”, was her bubbly reply. Over breakfast the next morning, Joan told me how they often collect guests from the bus or train station, if they arrive in Galway without a car. This is the kind of genuine Irish B&B hospitality that helps make visitors feel so special and which many B&B’s hosts still do so well. They have time for their guests.

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Joan’s husband knew all the easy access back roads into the city centre and even told us a good location to view the parade. We could hear the sounds of a cheering crowd and marching band coming from a nearby street and soon joined the throngs of spectators that lined the narrow streets of Galway. Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated, not only in Ireland, but in towns and cities across the world on the 17th March. Colourful parades are organised to celebrate the best of Irish culture and increasingly, cultures from other parts of the world are invited to take part. I suppose you could call it modern Ireland’s version of a Mardi Gras!

Everyone was in a festive mood, greatly enhanced by the unexpectedly warm spring sunshine. We joined the crowds as a farmer chugged by in his vintage tractor, followed by a local youth sports team, decked out in their tribal colours. One of the most popular entrants in the parade was a drama group who took a satirical approach to the banking and debt crisis in Ireland. Young men and women, painted and dressed like zombies, and wearing placards around their necks, dragged their feet through the crowds with outstretched arms groaning, “I want your money, give me some money!” Saint Patrick, the ancient protector of Ireland, then appeared to cheers and applause from the crowds and proceeded to chase the zombie bankers up the street with his crosier!

Galway City is famous as a creative centre for Irish culture and arts, which was reflected in many of the floats. A local girls dancing school gave a fine example of traditional Irish dancing while kilted bagpipe players filled the streets with their rousing music to the delight of locals and visiting tourists alike. Many ethnic groups living in Galway also took part and added greatly to the overall colour and multi-cultural flavour of the parade. These included groups from Ghana, Poland and China. Other novel floats in this year’s parade included a giant Irish dragon and an even large soccer ball that made its way up through he crowd to the energetic pulse of dance music.

We decided to take a walk down to the Quay after the parade, and ambled along the cobble stones through the 16th century Spanish Arch, which gives a clue to the city’s historic trade connections with Spain. It is also said that Christopher Columbus visited Galway shortly before he decided to embark on his history making voyage to the New World.

Galway is without doubt the most walking friendly city in all of Ireland, with a laid back country town – seaside feeling, which helps makes it so special. There are numerous narrow pedestrian streets to explore at a relaxed pace and just a few minutes walk across the bridge at Quay Street, you can enjoy a beautiful seaside walk around by the Claddagh, where swans glide past small fishing and sailing boats.

This is a popular weekend spot for local Galwegians and connects up with the Salthill Promenade, which offers sweeping views of Galway Bay and across to the slate blue hills of County Clare and The Burren. Joan, Our B&B host, informed us that she regularly walks this route with friends and shared with us the local tradition of kicking the wall at the end of the promenade before turning on one’s heel!

We made our way back into the city via the very pleasant Corrib Bank Walk and stopped by a salmon weir to gaze across at the patina green dome of Galway Cathedral, against a soft evening sky. The final stop of our walking tour was Eyre Square where brightly coloured flags, representing the fourteen ancient tribes (families) of Galway, fluttered in a freshening sea breeze. Back at our B&B, we relaxed for a few hours and watched the RTE News at 6pm which had extended highlights from St Patrick’s Day parades around the world.

It was then time to go out on the town. Galway was voted as one of the most romantic cities in the world a few years ago in a travel poll and still lives up to this reputation with a great selection of intimate restaurants to wine and dine the night away. We chose the Thai Garden Restaurant down by the Spanish Arch, who were only too happy to organise a surprise happy birthday surprise treat for Jana. Then there is the vibrant nightlife around Galway with everything from traditional music sessions in pubs to House DJ’s spinning the latest funky dance tunes in friendly venues. We both agreed it was our best Saint Patrick’s Day ever. Thank you Galway!

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Check out our Video of Saint Patrick’s Day Images from Galway City

Embracing the rain in Ireland!

Keith Corcoran — Wed, 09 May 2012 09:09:46 +0000

Lets face facts, Ireland is in no danger of turning into a desert anytime soon and yes, we do get our fair share of rainy days and more besides. But if our climate wasn’t so rainy and mild, we wouldn’t have those magnificent rich shades of green in the Irish countryside all year round, nor could we proudly promote ourselves as ‘The Emerald Isle’. Ireland is a wonderful place for an activity holiday.

The general impression is that it rains quite a lot of the time in Ireland, but two out of three hourly observations will not report any measurable rainfall. The weather in Ireland is ever changing which often makes for breathtaking skies while the fresh Atlantic air is simply invigorating. You can never get bored with the Irish climate, which is why the weather is an endless source of conversation when two people meet and greet each other.

The temperate Irish weather is also great for the skin. Just think of all the money you are saving on moisturiser and sun protection lotions! Showery days also make for spectacular rainbows that stretch across the sky. Sometimes double or triple rainbows form and it is a magic experience for kids, especially if you share with them the legend that a pot of gold is often buried beneath a rainbow arch – jealously guarded by a fairy shoemaker or leprechaun.

Rainy days also make for mighty waterfalls that spill and tumble down the misty mountainsides and churn up foam and spray from deep rock pools. Rivers and streams also become a powerful force of nature as they flow loudly through countryside, village and town, carrying their rain swollen waters to the ocean and sea.

The Sami People of northern Scandinavia have over a hundred different words in their language for snow and the Irish language has nearly as many words to describe rain! Even nowadays, Irish people have many slang words to define the different types of rainy weather.

A ‘soft’ day is used to describe a mild, misty day with very light rain. A ‘hardy’ day is used to describe a day of wind and cold rain. A ‘smurry’ day has its origin in an Irish word and describes a day of steady light rain and hill fog. If the rain is ‘bucketing down’, then even an umbrella won’t save you, while a ‘wild, wet’ day speaks for itself!

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Discover Lough Corrib’s Wild Spaces in County Galway

Keith Corcoran — Tue, 08 May 2012 10:27:49 +0000

It was after dark when the winding Connemara road brought us into the small town of Oughterard. Our B&B hosts for the night, Donal and Connie Connolly, had recommended a pub restaurant called Brethnach’s. It was the eve of Saint Patrick’s Day and the village was a buzz of excitement. Many country people return from the bigger cities like Dublin to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in their home town. The restaurant manager confirmed to us that Oughterard was preparing for a parade the following afternoon. When we asked him was he taking part he replied, “there are rumours that I may be playing a piano on the back of a float dressed in a gorilla suit but I cannot comment further!” The food and service was excellent and feeling recharged, we set off in search of our B&B.

We soon left the street-lights of Oughterard in County Galway behind and even in the dark, noticed the landscape become gradually wilder with less house lights. There was no light pollution and the planets Venus and Jupiter shone together like a pair of sparkling jewels in the bright starry night. We had to stop the car and get out to better observe this once in a lifetime celestial event. We crossed an old narrow stone bridge and were soon in the driveway of Nonaim Lodge Bed and Breakfast. Our host, Donal, opened the door and welcomed us inside. The rooms were modern and spacious and Donal had lit a cosy fire in the sitting room stove for us. I noticed a small guest library on one wall, stocked with walking and fishing guides and an impressive selection of books penned by various Irish authors.

Connie and Donal have been living in the area since 1992 and started doing B&B in 1999. As well as a keen walker, Donal is an experienced boatman and guide for anglers wishing to find the best fishing spots on Lough Corrib. The advantage of staying in a local B&B such as Nonaim Lodge is you can avail of expert local knowledge and advice and as Donal pointed out to me, “I like to let guest’s know about special places in the area that they might otherwise miss.” Lough Corrib boasts one of the best wild trout fisheries in all of Europe.

Nonaim Lodge may be 11km from Oughterard but the advantage is that you are in the heart of a very special part of south Connemara, with easy access to a host of outdoor activities. The Western Way hiking trail goes right past Nonaim Lodge. Donal explained, “you have quite simple walks for people wishing to take a leisure stroll and enjoy the beautiful surroundings and more demanding walks for the more adventurous hill walker”.

Derroura Mountain is nearby and offers an incredible mountain biking experience on 18km of trails. Guests also have the option of taking a trip out on Lough Corrib with Donal. This offers the opportunity to go out on a small boat and land on a deserted cove before exploring the ancient monasteries on Inchaquill Island, which has some of the oldest Christian inscriptions in the world.

Donal informed me that St Patrick’s nephew is reputed to have been buried on the island in the 5th Century. Donal created an element of wonder through his knowledge of old local stories and folklore and clearly has a deep love for this special part of Ireland.

Nonaim Lodge is well prepared for growing numbers of visitors seeking an activity based holiday experience and have a large drying room. Donal explained, “it’s a very important facility for fishermen as well as walkers as they can get quite wet out on the boat with the spray from the waves on certain days.” They also provide packed lunches, adding, “if we are given some advanced notice we can also provide evening meals. We won’t let people go hungry!” For more information visit www.nonaimcorrib.com

The next morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast of scrambled eggs, cooked by Connie, while we gazed out through the large glass windows of the dining room, at a mountain stream tumbling down past their garden and a woodland of mature broadleaf trees. The wood is home to a healthy population of red deer, badgers, red squirrels and pine martins, while in the winter-time, salmon weave and leap their way from rock pool to rock pool to spawn.

From our guesthouse patio, we had a birds eye view looking out over Lough Corrib and watched a white mist rise from its waters, revealing a string of wooded islands. We set off after breakfast for a short walk along the shores of Lough Corrib and walked past moss covered stone walls and hazel woods, where small wild birds sang sweetly – on the look out for a mate. We soon came to a viewing point and fell silent as we looked across the lake at the Hill of Dun, cloaked by ancient oak forest, against the backdrop of the Maamturk mountains. The Western Way trail continued on into the heart of Connemara but we had to get back on a busier road. We will just have to return again to this unique area and hopefully sometime soon.

Five Golden Rules for a Great Traditional Irish Pub Night Out!

Keith Corcoran — Fri, 04 May 2012 14:41:46 +0000

The traditional Irish pub is still a cultural institution in Ireland and something to be experienced while visiting here. A pint of Guinness and a packet of Tayto cheese and onion crisps (potato chips), must be sampled at least once and preferably at the same time. The traditional Irish pub has many components that make it a unique experience – the soft lighting and old world furnishings, the friendly and easy conversation, sporadic bursts of laughter, a cosy fire in the corner, the lively toe tapping music of a free flowing traditional Irish session. Irish people love to make visitors feel welcome in a pub and enjoy entertaining guests with jokes, anecdotes, songs and music. There are, however, a few ground rules worth mentioning for the first-time Irish pub goer.

Firstly don’t arrive at the pub at 8pm and wonder if everyone in the village or town has mysteriously vanished without trace. Most Irish people tend to go out for a drink later rather than earlier and 10pm is a much safer bet to walk into an atmosphere charged pub.

Secondly if a local buys you a drink and you accept, it is customary to buy a drink back and best not to wait until you’ve finished your drink first. If you don’t, you could be undermining international relations for generations to come!

Thirdly, bring along a sense of humour. Irish people love to tease and joke with one another and if you can give as good as you take, you will be enthusiastically adopted as an honorary Irish person for the night.

Fourthly, when someone begins to sing a song or recite a poem at a traditional music session, even if they are not a paid performer, it is customary to simply suspend your conversation until the performance has finished.

Last but not least, if by chance you are tired and your B&B host or an Irish acquaintance invites you to the local pub for ‘just the one’, its ok to politely refuse. Never in over 1,000 years of Irish pub culture, have two people gone into a pub and only ordered one round of drink, even if they are both drinking lemonade – but remember, if you don’t go, you might also regret it the following morning when you hear what you missed over breakfast!

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Blaiseadh Gaeltachta – A Gaeltacht Experience within B&Bs in Gaeltacht areas of Ireland

Failte Ireland — Thu, 26 Apr 2012 14:01:50 +0000

Fáilte Ireland has been working closely with Irish B&Bs to revitalise the sector. A new classification and categorisation system was introduced to ensure potential customers can make an informed choice based on quality assurance. B&B’s can be categorised with up to 3 categories of their choice plus the Pet Friendly category or the Eco Friendly category allowing even greater scope to market to consumers. Blaiseadh Gaeltachta, A Gaeltacht Experience, is a category aimed specifically at B&Bs in Gaeltacht areas in Ireland.

We caught up with Nora Breathnach, proprietor of the Dan O’ Hara Farmhouse in Clifden to find out how the Blaiseadh Gaeltachta categorisation has impacted on her business. If you are located in a Gaeltacht area or wish to share your knowledge of the Irish language and culture with visitors, read on to find out more about welcoming visitors seeking A Gaeltacht Experience.

A Case Study – Dan O’Hara’s B&B in Clifden, County Galway

Why did you sign up to the Blaiseadh Gaeltachta Categorisation?

Tá muid suite san nGaeltacht anseo agus bíonn an suim ag daoine nuair a chloiseann siad muid ag labhairt Gaeilge.

We heard about the category from TSA. We were already fulfilling much of the criteria necessary for the categorisation so it was an easy decision for us – and an easy process.

I’ve always believed that it’s important to have a sense of pride in your local area and to give guests the opportunity to experience all aspects of our culture and heritage. Now we have official recognition as a Gaeltacht B&B.

How is the Blaiseadh Gaeltachta scheme benefitting your B&B?

Our categorisation as a Blaiseadh Gaeltachta B&B has led to enquiries and I believe it will lead to more business. The categorisation makes it easier for people with an interest in learning Irish to find us and enables us to package offerings and make their stay with us more appealing and more memorable.

There is a huge interest in the Irish language and people are trying out their ‘cúpla focal’ whether it’s Stephen Fry’s cameo appearance in Ros na Rún; Bernard Dunne’s Bród Club and even Queen Elizabeth and Barack Obama! There are people all over the world learning Irish so there is a big market out there.

How have your guests reacted to the Blaiseadh Gaeltachta Scheme?

Tá a lán rudaí ceangailte le dúchas na hÉireann mar shampla ceol, amhráin, spórt, teanga, damhsa, litríocht, stair agus seo iad na rudaí a bhfuil suim ag daoine foghlaim faoi. Is teanga í an Ghaeilge a bhfuil a háit féin aici i gcultúr agus stair na hÉireann. Is cuid dár n-oidhreacht í.

People who stay are really interested in the culture and heritage and many want to learn and try out a ‘cúpla focal’.

What advice would you give to other B&Bs eligible for the Categorisation?

It’s very straightforward to sign up to and if you are the owner of a B&B in a Gaeltacht area, you have something so special to offer.

B&B hosts are most likely already providing most or all the services in the categorisation criteria so, why not get the recognition for it and let prospective guests know about the unique experience you can offer?

Nora Breathnach, Proprietor, Dan O’Hara’s Farmhouse, Clifden, Co.Galway

If you are a B&B and you would like to learn more about the criteria required for categorisation as a Blaiseadh Gaeltachta B&B, click here.

The Donegal Gathering – a tourism initiative proud to showcase County Donegal

Guest Blogger — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 13:44:15 +0000

The Donegal Gathering is a tourism initiative aimed at raising the profile of this wonderful part of Ireland by proudly showcasing the huge range of cultural festivals and events that are held annually throughout Donegal.

The initiative is a key output of the Donegal Diaspora Project which has been established to reach out and connect to our broad global Diaspora – defined as those people with a connection to, or an interest in Donegal.

The Gathering will showcase the best that Donegal has to offer, encouraging friends and family abroad to remember us. County Donegal has a jam-packed calendar of events in 2012 with something to please every visitor.

The launch of The Donegal Gathering took place on Wednesday 8th February at 6pm in the Radisson Hotel, Letterkenny and was viewed by more than 4,000 people worldwide.

The Gathering offers something for everyone, bringing young and old together for a truly unique experience! If you are planning a trip to Donegal, be sure to check out the events we are showcasing!

To connect to the Gathering contact www.donegalgathering.com

The Gathering 2013 launch is well under way worldwide!

Guest Blogger — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:25:35 +0000

Preparations are well under way to officially launch The Gathering Ireland 2013 at home and around the world later this year. An Taoiseach and Government Ministers helped spread the word of The Gathering amongst Ireland’s global diaspora at the worldwide St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Reaching in excess of 17,000 influential members of Ireland’s diaspora, in 27 cities around the world at 40 different events, the support received was overwhelming. Furthermore, on April 17th and 18th over 700 Industry Partners, domestic and overseas, were invited to be part of it as details of this unprecedented year were announced at Meitheal.

So what is The Gathering?

The Gathering presents an opportunity to experience Ireland at its very best as the people of Ireland host an unprecedented year-long celebration of everything that is unique and great about Ireland.

Communities, villages, towns and businesses throughout Ireland are organising special gatherings and events to attract people with Irish connections from all over the world in 2013. With the focus on Ireland’s vibrant, living culture, heritage and people it is a chance for everyone to experience Ireland like never before.

Everyone in Ireland is asked to reach out to their family, friends, colleagues and connections around the world and invite them home to be a part of specially organised events in their honour. Irish people everywhere are already thinking about what they can do to be part of The Gathering.

So what can you do to be part of it?

1) The Gathering will only be as successful as the people in Ireland make it. So spread the word and make sure your family, friends and colleagues at home and abroad know about it.

2) Special gatherings will be taking place near you in 2013 so link in with your community and support the events that are taking place in your area.

3) A local steering group will soon be in place in every county in Ireland to inform and help anyone with an interest in being involved. A public meeting will also be held in your area over the coming months so make sure you link in with your local steering group.

4) The Gathering presents you with an opportunity to organise your own gathering in 2013. Why not plan an event that taps into your own networks overseas and invite them to Ireland to be part of it.

5) You are encouraged to embrace The Gathering brand. It is your brand to use and we want everyone to have ownership of it. Email info@gatheringireland.com for more information or to the request The Gathering logo.

6) While the success of The Gathering will depend on the people of Ireland getting behind it, it will be supported by a packed calendar of national and international events. Some of these will be entirely new events and some will be enhanced realisations of existing ones. 2013 presents you with an opportunity to prepare special packages around some of these events in your area.

7) Finally, please follow us online by:

Checking out our website (www.thegatheringireland.com) and sign up to our newsletter
Finding us on Facebook, like our page and share it with friends (www.facebook.com/thegatheringireland)
Following us on Twitter (www.twitter.com/gatheringIRL)
Watching our new videos (www.youtube.com/gathering2013)

B&B Ireland – Welcome for International Travel Trade at Meitheal 2012

Bed and Breakfast Ireland — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:57:04 +0000

Over 300 Tour Operators from 23 countries around the world got a taste of real Irish B&B hospitality at the Meitheal 2012 event in Dublin’s RDS this week. A 12-strong B&B Ireland team travelled to Dublin for the 2-day event to showcase the food, welcome and hospitality given to customers when they stay in a bed and breakfast.

Meitheal – one of the biggest trade events in the Irish tourism calendar – is organised by Fáilte Ireland in conjunction with Tourism Ireland. The event is open to Fáilte Ireland approved operators, such as owners of approved B&Bs. B&B Ireland, the largest promotional organisation for the B&B sector in Ireland, represented its 1,000 members at the event. “Members from Donegal, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, Westmeath, Dublin, Kerry and Cork came to Meitheal to give a warm Irish B&B welcome to the travel trade,” says B&B Ireland chief executive Helena Healy.

“Over the last 18 months, more and more Irish B&Bs have gone through the new Failte Ireland rating system to be registered as Approved or as 3, 4 or 5 Star accommodation. It gives customers the assurance of quality and service when they stay in a bed and breakfast,” she adds.

“B&Bs are now offering a wider range of activity holidays, such as walking, golf, adventure, Gaeltacht, farmstay, food lovers, angling and eco-breaks. This allows customers to stay in rural Ireland when they take part in their chosen activity.” See www.bandbireland.com for details and bookings.

Media queries to: Trish Hegarty on 086 1740057 or trish@iniscommunications.com

View Meitheal 2012 on Flickr

Boglands and Turf Harvesting in Ireland

Keith Corcoran — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:44:13 +0000

The sight of a creel full of turf by a fireside in an Irish Bed and Breakfast or a stack of turf built next to a country home, may evoke a romantic image of the past, yet this age old fuel source has never been more practical than it is today for many west of Ireland communities that live far from gas pipelines and are adjusting to the rising price of home heating oil.

View our video on Turf Cutting in Connemara

How the boglands and turf were formed

The highland blanket bogs began to form about 4,000 years as a result of climate change and early farmers cutting down huge tracts of forests for agricultural use. The weather in Ireland back then was much warmer and wetter (if you can imagine that!) Vital minerals were washed out of the topsoil and formed a tough iron underground layer. The soil in turn became waterlogged and bog began to grow to an average depth of 2 to 3 metres. Turf is composed of the partly decayed remains of a variety of marsh/swamp plants, trees, sphagnum mosses, water-lilies, grasses and reeds and is basically 90% water and 10% vegetation before it is dried out.

How turf is harvested

From the mid 17th Century, peat or turf began to be harvested in Ireland as a fuel for heating and cooking, especially after the forests were cut down. Turf is still an important fuel resource for many people in rural Ireland. Turf are traditionally cut from St Patrick’s Day (17th March) onwards and then spread on a dry, elevated area of bog known as a turf bank. The hardest job is ‘pairing’ the bog, which literally means removing the top layer of mountain vegetation with a very sharp bladed farm spade. This tough physical work can give you soreness in muscles you never knew existed, but is better than any modern gym!

The turf was traditionally cut with a specialised tool called a turf spade or slean in Irish. This produces a uniform sized piece of turf about 15 inches long, when it is sliced off the turf bank. Nowadays, most turf are cut by a tractor drawn machine but thankfully some die hard enthusiasts still continue to cut turf in the age old fashion.

When first cut the turf have a very high water content. These rectangular bricks of turf then have to be spread out to dry and stiffen before they can be turned over to dry further and then stood upright into footings like the inside frame of an Indian tepee, to permit air circulation for further drying. By the time the turf are won, they may have shrunk to one third their original size and weight.

It is no accident that the local word for harvesting peat is ‘winning the turf’ as it is a lottery depending on the weather. If the spring and summer months are wet, the turf from even the best bog may not dry properly. Turf in these years are known as ‘half-won’ and have to be brought home and stacked in a well ventilated shed to dry properly. The smoke from a dry turf fire is like incense and still reminds many Irish people of home.

The wind and the sun are a bogman’s allies while rain and tiny blood sucking flies called midgets are his arch enemies. On calm summer evenings, these annoying flies can swarm in huge numbers and will eventually drive the most determined person from the bog in a half-crazed frenzy!

Mysteries of the Boglands

Peat bogs are very healthy place to work as there are virtually know bacteria due to its acidic composition. Indeed people have been using the bog as a type of ancient storage place for millennia. In the Iron Age, people preserved huge slabs of butter mixed with herbs in the bog. In recent years prehistoric bog bodies were dug up and found with fragments of hair, clothes and teeth still intact. Boglands are also thought to be the stronghold of ‘the wee folk’ or fairy people who can lead people astray with their strange light displays although there may be a scientific explanation such as bio-luminescence and photon emissions in some cases. The upland blanket bogs are also a haven for wildlife including frogs, lizards, dragonflies as well as rare species of orchids and birds. A special moment of any Irish summer in the bog is hearing the skylark’s uplifting song.

Up until the 1960’s, turf was brought back down from the bogs with a donkey and cart and the turf built in stacks and then thatched to keep the rain off. Nowadays turf are placed in fertiliser bags when they are fully dried and then brought home with a tractor and trailer. It takes hard work to harvest turf during the late spring and early summer months but the rewards are a relatively cheap fuel supply and a bright, cheerful fire to relax in front of during the long, dark winter nights.

Learn more about Turf Cutting in Ireland

Coillte Raised Bog Restoration in Ireland

Irish Peatland Conservation Council

Irish Bog Restoration Project

Irish Bog Wood Sculpture

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