Around one fifth of Ireland is peatland. In addition to their ecological significance, a key archaeological feature of these environments (at least for undrained bogs) is their potential to preserve organic materials that rarely survive on dryland sites. The Irish Peatland Archaeology Across Time Project (funded by Research Ireland) has collated and analysed over 30 years of archaeological survey and excavation, largely carried out as mitigation for Bord na Móna peat extraction activities. We have identified c. 4000 sites and monuments and c. 240 artefacts from excavations. The irony of our archaeological knowledge is that it is industrial scale drainage and peat extraction which has exposed these fragile remains. These processes are also responsible for the destruction of much of the resource - with comparatively few of the identified sites excavated (less than 10%). 

The coasters show just a selection of the important prehistoric ‘bog’ finds that are on display at the National Museum of Ireland: The Coggalbeg Hoard, The Brockagh Axe and The Ralaghan Figurine (as part of the Kingship and Sacrifice exhibition). Many wooden trackways built to cross and access peatlands during prehistory have also been discovered - a detail of a fine Bronze Age ‘hurdle’ (woven from beautifully preserved hazel stems) at Annaghbeg, Mountdillon Bogs, Co. Longford is shown on another mat. This site was lost to peat extraction following its excavation.

If you want to know more - You can download a free booklet on Ireland's peatland archaeology HERE