Peat Bogs

Peat has been a source of fuel for many people especially in Rural Ireland for centuries and it continues to this day,

The Suck Valley Way trail passes through numerous bogs along its 5 sections and in most of them you can see that these bogs are still being worked by the landowners who have a section of the bogs attached to their land. It used to all be done by hand but now its mostly done by machine, although there are some who remain true to the tradition of hand cutting the turf

Peat is composed of organic matter from partially decayed plants. Peat has accumulated over a large number of years in waterlogged conditions. It consists mainly of sphagnum moss as well as leaves, roots, and seeds of other plants, including grasses, sedges, shrubs and trees. 

Peat contains a high level of moisture and organic matter but is low in nutrients and is acidic. An area where peat forms is known as  Peatland or Bog.

There are three types of Bog in Ireland:

Blanket Bog

Blanket Bogs are areas of peat that form a carpet over a large area. Those found in mountainous areas above 200m  are know as Mountain blanket Bog. 

Lowland blanket Bog is found below 200m , particularly in western areas.

Raised Bog

Raised Bogs are areas of peat that have formed in former lake basins. They are domed shaped and the peat can be several meters deep.

Fen Bog

Fens are areas of flat bog that occur around lake margins and in waterlogged areas with a supply of mineral rich waters.