What is Turf?

Turf (or Peat) has been an important part of Irish culture and history for centuries, and it is still used today in many parts of the country. Turf is a sedimentary deposit made up of partially decayed plants and trees that have been harvested. It is cut from bogs, dried, and burned as a fuel source for heating and cooking.

For centuries, it has been the primary source of heat for homes in rural Ireland, particularly in the west of the country, when coal was scarce and expensive. It was and will always be seen as a symbol of Irish identity. In fact, the use of turf has inspired many famous Irish writers and artists, or used in the production of Irish Whiskey with peat fires used for roasting and imparting flavours.

Sadly, in 2018 the Irish government passed a law prohibiting the mass sale and use of turf as a fuel source for homes. This law was supposedly implemented as part of Ireland’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and promote a greener future. The messaging used for this new legislation implied that Turf was a fossil fuel, of which it clearly is not, has dealt a harsh blow to the rural communities, especially when it was fully implemented during a cost of living crisis with record fuel prices.

The smell of a Turf fire is one which is unmistakable and loved by so many the world over.