Forgotten Irish Folklore: Take a Journey Through the Mythical Midlands
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Present in all cultures around the world, folklore is made up of the traditions, customs and heritage of different lands.
These lands are made up of different communities with variations in aspects of folklore such as music, dance and craftsmanship.
In traditional Celtic and Irish folklore, the landscape plays an extremely important role. Each region of Ireland contains its own unique landscape. For example, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, the forests and mountains of South East Ireland, and the lakes and bogs of the Irish Midlands.
Landscape is integral to the development and preservation of many aspects of folklore such as myth, occupation and land use.
Both types of bog - raised and covered - are found in many parts of Ireland, but are more common in the Midlands. Blanket bogs can be found in areas where there are hills and mountains. Raised bogs are found along large stretches of flat land.
Traditions and culture involving harvesting, preservation and restoration have become closely associated with bog folklore in the Irish Midlands.
A good relationship between people and the landscape was essential to get a good harvest of grass.
The bog work has involved generations of families harvesting peat and caring for the beloved bog lands. Peat harvesting, whether by traditional or modern methods, requires community and family efforts. Each individual plays their own important role in harvesting their vital fuel source.
Previously, grass was cut and harvested by hand using a slane. The sod cutter used this vital tool, usually made by a local blacksmith or ironworker, to cut the sod. Another person would place the sod blocks on the bog bank.
A third person stacked them in baskets or on a cart. The carts were then carried by horses or donkeys and could easily travel along the alleys and bumpy roads.
Lawn cutter
The three workers formed a sacred triad and often helped to strengthen family ties. Additionally, the peatland work has involved community efforts in communal peatland areas. Turf blocks would be placed in long lines by many people.
The newly harvested black and dark brown peat would be placed in a tower on the ground or in small piles.
Finally, the crop would be left out in the open for the rest of the summer or covered in case of heavy rains.
Many people in the Midlands, North West and West of Ireland have fond memories of growing up near bogs and working there every summer. Older generations spent most of the day in the bog, especially all summer, and ate their meals there.
Open fires were often present where tea was brewed and pots of stew prepared. Cold tea was a popular beverage that brought refreshment to bog workers.
In traditional folklore, it is said that...
Go World Travel is supported by readers and may earn a commission on purchases made through the links in this article.
Present in all cultures around the world, folklore is made up of the traditions, customs and heritage of different lands.
These lands are made up of different communities with variations in aspects of folklore such as music, dance and craftsmanship.
In traditional Celtic and Irish folklore, the landscape plays an extremely important role. Each region of Ireland contains its own unique landscape. For example, the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland, the forests and mountains of South East Ireland, and the lakes and bogs of the Irish Midlands.
Landscape is integral to the development and preservation of many aspects of folklore such as myth, occupation and land use.
Both types of bog - raised and covered - are found in many parts of Ireland, but are more common in the Midlands. Blanket bogs can be found in areas where there are hills and mountains. Raised bogs are found along large stretches of flat land.
Traditions and culture involving harvesting, preservation and restoration have become closely associated with bog folklore in the Irish Midlands.
A good relationship between people and the landscape was essential to get a good harvest of grass.
The bog work has involved generations of families harvesting peat and caring for the beloved bog lands. Peat harvesting, whether by traditional or modern methods, requires community and family efforts. Each individual plays their own important role in harvesting their vital fuel source.
Previously, grass was cut and harvested by hand using a slane. The sod cutter used this vital tool, usually made by a local blacksmith or ironworker, to cut the sod. Another person would place the sod blocks on the bog bank.
A third person stacked them in baskets or on a cart. The carts were then carried by horses or donkeys and could easily travel along the alleys and bumpy roads.
Lawn cutter
The three workers formed a sacred triad and often helped to strengthen family ties. Additionally, the peatland work has involved community efforts in communal peatland areas. Turf blocks would be placed in long lines by many people.
The newly harvested black and dark brown peat would be placed in a tower on the ground or in small piles.
Finally, the crop would be left out in the open for the rest of the summer or covered in case of heavy rains.
Many people in the Midlands, North West and West of Ireland have fond memories of growing up near bogs and working there every summer. Older generations spent most of the day in the bog, especially all summer, and ate their meals there.
Open fires were often present where tea was brewed and pots of stew prepared. Cold tea was a popular beverage that brought refreshment to bog workers.
In traditional folklore, it is said that...
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