Portach
What is a bog?
A bog is a type of wetland. It is covered in mosses, plants and pools of water, and below the surface is all made of peat. Although it looks like solid land, it is more like a spongy carpet! This is because the peat contains about 90% water and only 10% solid material. Peat is made up of the dead remains of plants that have built up on top of one another over thousands of years.
Irish Bog
Courtesy of the EPA
Courtesy of the EPA
In Ireland, there are two types of boglands: raised bogs and blanket bogs. Raised bogs are composed of dead parts of the sphagnum moss plant and are found in the midlands. Blanket bogs are made up of the remains of grasses and sedges and are found along the westcoast mountainous areas.
If visiting a bog, be very careful as it is very easy sink and they can be anything from two to twelve metres deep!
The Importance of Bogs
Bogs are important environments for all kinds of reasons! They are one of the most ancient habitats in Ireland and are home to birds, frogs and countless insects and small creatures. They are also home to many rare plants, such as the sphagnum moss.
Plants that grow on bogs, like the sphagnum moss or sedges, are very unique. Most plants get their nutrients from the soil underneath them, but these plants have evolved to get most of their nutrients from the rainwater.
Peat-stacks
Peat-stacks
Courtesy of the EPAPeat-stacks
Courtesy of the EPA
Courtesy of the EPA
Peat-stacks
Peat-stacks
Courtesy of the EPA
Bogs are also a very important source of fossil fuel. The peat can be harvested, dried and then processed to be used as fuel. It can also be to make charcoal, which artists can use as drawing material.
Bogs are one of the archaeologist's favourite places to visit! Archaeologists have discovered many ancient objects in our bogs that are in perfect condition. This is because the chemical properties of bogs help to preserve them. One of the most famous finds in and Irish bog is the Ceidi Fields in Co. Mayo. Here you can see the outline of the ancient fields of Ireland , which helps us to understand how the countryside was organised long ago.
Swords and jewellery have been found in bogs, as well as some more gruesome discoveries like perfectly preserved bodies of our ancestors. So, if you visit one of Ireland 's bogs, be careful where you step!