In Ireland, peat, which is also commonly called turf once it
has been cut, is harvested from the bogs as a source of fuel; this practice has
been an integral part of Irish history for centuries and continues today.Peat is an accumulation of partially decayed vegetation that is cut from the land. Traditionally, turf was hand cut with a sharp hoe that produced thick, muddy bricks that were stacked during the summer months to dry.
Until the 20th century, peat's principal uses as an alternative to wood were heat along with fuel for cooking. Peat continues to be used for heat and cooking in homes and business throughout Ireland; however, typically the milled peat is dried and compressed into briquettes.
In modern times the peat is scraped with heavy equipment as
part of an industrialized process with much of the peat fired at electric
generating stations. The Irish government established Bord na Móna as the agency
that oversees the peat resources for the economic benefit of Ireland.
For centuries peat or turf has been an integral part of
Irish history with the boglands possessing a rugged beauty that has inspired
generations. Turf is a wonderful and unique product of the land that has
evolved into a fine medium of artistic expression that enriches the links of
our Celtic heritage and cultural identity.
The Irish Gift House is proud to offer a collection of
carved ornaments and figurines that we have assembled in our new Irish peat gifts section.
