peatland world

For centuries, peat has been a vital part of rural life in Ireland. Cutting and 'bringing home the turf' was a community activity. A cheap and efficient fuel in bad times and good, it provided a focal point in the hearths of cottages and farmhouses. Stories were told, songs were sung, music and games were played and school homework was done in the glow of turf fires.l At Peatland World, you can discover the social impact of turf production through recreations, samples, models and photographs. You will see: Pre-historic artefacts that were preserved in bogland, A typical Irish Cottage Kitchen from the early 1900's with a turf fire and traditional hearth, Mementoes of turf-cutting camps and competitions, Examples of turf-cutting implements and equipment, As the 20th century progressed, peat became an important energy and employment source. Milled peat provided fuel for electric power generation. Smokeless compressed peat 'briquettes' reduced domestic fuel pollution problems. Peat moss won international acclaim as a growth medium for garden plants. Ireland's peat enterprise and technology became a model for the world. At Peatland World, you can follow the progress of these achievements through displays featuring: detailed scale models of briquette factories and peatfuelled power stations, peat fuel samples from all over the world, examples of experimental peat-based products - from cosmetics to clothing, and from insulation to postcards, peat technology presentations.

The sponsors of Peatland World are committed to maintaining bogland as a well-managed natural habitat for animal and plant life, and returning areas where peat has been harvested to productive use or conservation. At Peatland World, you can investigate the flora and fauna of Ireland's Boglands through exhibits showing: - Over 600 species of plants, including insect-eating types; - Formation and make-up of the Bog of Allen and blanket bogs; - Animal, bird and insect life, often shown in scale models of their natural environment. - The organic life and habitats of Pollardstown Fen, a notable conservation area 10 km from Peatland World; - After-use of bogs for forestry, grassland, horticulture and recreation.

Robertstown/Grand Canal Barge Trips School Groups, tour parties and social occasions catered for: Phone 45 860808 Ardkill Farm, Carbury: Experience the sights, sounds and smells of a real farm. Phone Aideen 405 53009 Peatland World - winner of Ford European Heritage Award 1994