THE BOG TRAIN CLONMACNOISE, OFFALY IN THE IRISH REPUBLIC
This was our third trip to the Irish Republic and each time as we drove around the countryside we saw the peat stacked neatly in rows, and wondered about it. What was peat? Why was it stacked like that? How did they dig it out? (as we had never seen it being actually dug), and did they use it for purposes other than heating?
The amazing thing about bogs is that they are not always down in the hollows, but often found on the top and slopes of hills. As one drives around it is very obvious that there is a lot of bog land in Ireland.
We were staying at a B&B near Mullingar and came across a brochure advertising the Bog Train at Clonmacnoise in Offaly- which was a tour through a commercial bog operation. Straight away we decided we should go on this train and find out all about the bogs.
The Railway itself is narrow gauge and is laid temporarily across the bogs, whenever and wherever required, so they can work it. It is a working railway. The trip takes you right out onto the bog where you learn about how they harvest it, how it is prepared and dried before being moved by the railway to the three power stations in the area that use the peat for the generation of electricity. The peat is transported there in powder form and blown into a furnace. Other uses are heating in homes, as well as for gardening fertilisers/mulches.
Right out in the middle of the bog, we stopped to detrain and observe how peat is formed and how they used to dig the peat years ago by hand. It was interesting to learn that one particular variety was used during World War I on the Western Front to treat and heal soldiers‟ wounds. This moss which was applied in a dried form to the wounds has a capacity to absorb its own mass many times.
During the bog train tour we also learnt about the ancient bodies found in the bog. Over the years several very well preserved bodies have been found dating back 5,000 years.
During the “harvesting” of the bog, they also come across tree stumps and trunks which also date back at least 5,000 years. These are sold off to various people/ businesses who in turn create a variety of souvenir items, e.g., sculptures and other knick knacks.
The Clonmacnoise Railway undertakes a regeneration project and we saw where land had been regenerated and turned into lakes for future recreation. The wildlife and flora have returned to the area. They are constantly experimenting to ensure the correct flora is planted in the area to assist its regeneration.
The factory at Clonmacnoise Railway makes its own machinery for use on the bog as it has to be specialised equipment. There is also a museum of old superseded equipment on site and visitors are encouraged to spend time looking at it.
At the end of our tour I was interviewed by Irish Television for a documentary on Nationwide RTE1. Before we left Ireland a couple of weeks later we were fortunate enough to see this documentary on TV.
Travelscene Samford would like to thank Maureen for this travel article. Stay tuned for one more on her travels in the upcoming edition.
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