In Ireland, most homes are heated with peat, a natural organic compound renowned for its energy and fuel potential… Although slightly fragrant, this substance is a wonderful way to heat your home on a budget, and adds to the charm of a cosy Irish home.
Derrygimlagh bog – Dermot O’Halloran cc
When talking about Ireland, it’s impossible not to evoke an evening by a roaring peat fire, with its distinctive smell. Nor is it possible to miss these long mounds in the peatlands, most of which are located in the western counties of the island (mainly Connemara).
Peatlands cover almost 16% of Ireland (20,000 km²), and only 3 countries surpass it in terms of percentage: Finland, Canada and Indonesia. A peat bog is generally particularly humid: this is why Ireland is one of the countries with so many peat bogs; rainfall here is regular and abundant, helping to maintain a high level of humidity in natural environments.
In wet countries such as Ireland (250 days of rain a year), soggy soil favors the development of hydrophilic plants (rushes, moss sedges, etc.) and especially sphagnum moss, which can absorb huge quantities of liquid.) It is this plant, sphagnum moss, which is at the origin of the creation of peat bogs…
By absorbing water, sphagnum moss draws in oxygen, preventing dead matter from decomposing. Sphagnum moss actually grows on top of dead organic waste, forming an ever-thickening layer of peat over time. It is this peat which, when exploited by the Irish, is used as fuel in Irish chimneys.
A peat bog varies in depth from 45 cm to 13 metres, and is essentially made up of :
Ireland is home to some of the world’s most important peat bogs. Here’s an overview of some of the most important:
Before it can be used, peat needs to be extracted over a period of several months (the time it takes to extract and shape the clumps of peat and let them dry).
Bord na Móna
is one of the main companies responsible for extracting peat from Irish peat bogs… The company then resells the peat to consumers at prices lower than the cost of firewood…
However, peat harvesting can be dangerous if carried out at breakneck speed… Indeed, overexploitation of peatlands can become a real threat to their survival, as they are no longer able to preserve the organic balance of their plant compounds…
Let’s face it: the smell of peat is Ireland in a nutshell! That’s why so many travellers want to take a piece of “Ireland” home with them.
But are you really allowed to take peat home? What do the regulations say?
First of all, peat is a non-renewable natural resource that plays a crucial role in the local ecosystem. The harvesting and use of peat is therefore strictly regulated to preserve peat bogs (over-exploitation has already caused considerable damage).
Legally, the export of peat is subject to restrictions. According to European and international laws on the protection of species and habitats, peat is considered a sensitive material. So, before slipping a piece of peat into your suitcase, it’s imperative to find out about the specific regulations in your country of residence and check customs rules.
What’s more, some countries impose restrictions on the import of plant products to prevent the introduction of diseases or invasive species. Irish peat may therefore be subject to sanitary and phytosanitary controls. Check with your country’s customs authorities to avoid any unpleasant surprises on your return.
If you’d still like to take home a peat souvenir without breaking the law, there are alternatives. Many stores in Ireland sell handicrafts made from peat, such as sculptures and jewelry. These products, often already processed and ready for export, can be an excellent option for bringing home a little piece of the Irish soul… while respecting the law.
In conclusion, although peat is an authentic symbol of Ireland, its transport outside Irish borders is subject to strict rules to protect this precious natural resource. Before you pack your bags, find out about the regulations in force to ensure your safe return, and why not opt for a souvenir made from peat to take a little Irish magic home with you?
4.00/5 (4 votes)
