Peat is an organic fuel formed by the accumulation and partial decomposition of vegetable matter in areas where the climate is wet and mild, and the drainage is poor. Peat deposition is the first step in the formation of coal. If the climate was drier the peat would decompose further. As it is, the moisture in the ground does not allow the vegetable matter to completely decompose. Peatland or bogland covers about 15% of Ireland. There are large expanses of "blanket" bog in County Mayo.

Peat in its natural state is 90 to 95 per cent water. In the summer time peat or "turf" is cut into blocks with a spade and set in stacks to dry. When dry, the blocks weigh from three quarters of a pound to two pounds each. Dried peat burns easily with a smoky flame and a very distinct (and pleasant) odor.

Peat was the source of heating and cooking in Ireland for centuries. It is still used in some areas of Ireland for heating. The following pictures depict the cutting, drying, carrying and selling of "turf" or peat. Turf burns without tending and remains lit even if moved.

When we were in Ireland in 2000, every pub we went into had a peat fire and we could smell the pleasant aroma of burning peat everywhere we went. Alas, on our trip in June 2004 most of the pubs had artificial fires (if they had any at all) and while you could frequently smell a peat fire it was not as common as it had been just four years before.

In September 2007 Robert McLoughlin wrote about the changes in the frequency of the peat fires in pups,

"One of the possibilities could be a change in pub ownership. For instance if a pub is family run it is much more likely to have a real fire - a family member will tend the fire etc. A pub that is owned by business partners will be more 'efficiently' run - a fire is to labour intensive (my brother owns a pub and can't get his staff to keep it going when the place is busy).

Another point is that engulfing 'affluence' which has swept the country caused the demise or the traditional pub.Many actually closed down because the trend now is buying at the 'off license' (liquor store) and drinking at home. There was a slogan on Irish radio a few years ago that "staying home is the new going out". Anecdotally I hear from many people at home that the smoking ban wasn't a major factor on pub attendance as fewer people smoke in Ireland now than ever before. The affluence has brought more interest in amenities and people are generally fairly active by comparison with other countries who share a similar climate."

Robert McLoughlin, September 6,2007

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This postcard was clearly based on the above picture.

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Postmarked 1939

This card was clearly based on the above photo.

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The picture on the left shows the surface of the bog. The picture on the right, shows the dark brown layer of peat.

"Bridey and her Da cut the turf. I took the photo in 1973, but I do not remember exactly where in Ireland, just the name of the girl."

Christine Twycross, August 2007