Peatland World, an Irish Bog Conservation Centre

Overlooked by the legendary Hill of Allen, Peatland Conservation Centre lies like an oasis in the heart of The Bog of Allen, that vast expanse of bog that once covered most of the centre of Ireland is now fast disappearing. This 'delicious bog air' so beloved of Hopkins during his visits to Monasterevin may soon be a thing of the past, consigned to memory like dinosaurs and elks.

Why is it important to conserve boglands? What is their impact on flora, fauna, irreplaceable habitat for a wide range of wild-life?

Here, you can explore the secrets of the bog's plant and animal life. Then, you can trace the history of Ireland's boglands in the Visitor Centre. Gerard Manley Hopkins enjoyed the 'delicious bog air' of Monasterevin and Kildare. You can explore the magical world of peat, of bog in Co. Kildare.

Peatland World won The Ford European Heritage Award in 1994

You can Sit at an old Irish fireside and experience how our ancestors lived and cut turf in by-gone days. More importantly, you will explore the conservation implications of bogs; seeing how modern life threatens their very survival. A variety of photographs and a collection of artifacts from the past bring the past back again.

Peat has been a vital part of rural life in Ireland

Cutting and bringing home the truf was a community activity. A cheap an efficient fuel in bad times and good, it provided a focal point in hearths of cottages and farmhouses. Stories were told, songs were sung, music and games were played and school homeword was done in the glow of turf fires.

At Peatland World, you can discover the social impact of turf production through re-creations, samples, models and photographs. You will see:

• Pre-historic artifacts that were preserved in bogland
• A typical Irish Cottage Kitchen from the early 1900s with a turf fire and a traditional hearth.
• Mementos of turf-cutting camps and competitions.
• Examples of turf-cutting implements and equipment.

A Model for the World

As the 20th century progressed, peat became an important energy and employment source.

Milled peat provided fuel fo relectric power generation. Smokeless compressed peat 'briquetttes' reuced domestic fuel pollution. Peat Moss won international acclaim as a growth medium for garden plants. Ireland's peat enterprise and technology became a model for the world. But, alas, bog is not easily a sustainable resource. Now, the bogs are under threat and conservationists are alarmed.

Nature and Conservation

The sponsors of Peatland World are committed to maintaining bogland as well managed natural natural habitat for animal nad plant life, and returning areas where peat has bene harvested to productive use of conservation.

At Peatland World, you can investigate the flora and fauna of Irleand's Boglands through exhibits showing:

• Over 600 species of plants, including insect eating plants
• Formation andmake-up of the Bog of Allen and blanket bogs.
• Animal, bird andinsect life, often shown in scale models oftheir 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.

Peatland World,where you can explore the fascinating history and science of Ireland's boglands.

Peatland World, Lullymore, Bog of Allen, Rathangan, Co. Kildare, Ireland Telephone 045 860133 Fax 045 860481

Gerard Manley Hopkins International Summer School