Kerry Writers’ Museum’s will host a programme to explore the economic, social and cultural impact of bogs and turf cutting on life in rural Ireland on Saturday August 16th as part of National Heritage Week 2025.
The natural calendar of the domestic economy of farm families in North Kerry was punctuated by three communal events: the killing of a pig, saving the hay and bringing in the turf. Each created a foundation for many of the traditions associated with rural Ireland and, since the 1960s, have had a special place in home movie records created by farming communities.
Commencing at 10am, historian Tom Dillon considers the heritage and folklore associated with bogs. Aideen O’Sullivan introduces a screening of her 2011 award winning short film Home Turf at 11.30am.
Shot at Killarda Bog near Listowel, the film celebrates the ancient art of cutting turf and gives an insight into a way of rural life that is disappearing. Following the screening Paul Kennelly, veteran day-in-the-blog activist and filmmaker, will join Dillon and O’Sullivan for a discussion of the ongoing importance of bogs. The gathering moves to nearby Derra Bog at 2 pm for a walk on the bog guided by Dillon.
This is a free event for National Heritage Week but booking is required to 068 22212 or email kerrywritersmuseum@gmail.com.
