After a successful first year in 2023, the “Treasures in our Bogs” project is set to continue for the forseeable future.
The project, run by members of Donegal GAP Heritage and History Group, earlier this year began a multi-year community project exploring the bogs and peatlands of south-west Donegal.
This began with this year’s objective, of documenting, recording and presenting the traditional methods of turf-cutting in the area, as well as the hosting of a one-day community exhibition and concert held in August during National Heritage Week in Glenties.
A spokesperson for the group said, “Recongising the dwindling number of traditional hand cutters left in our area, we felt it was incumbent to document the traditional methods for posterity. We were fortunate that Tony Breslin assisted by Colm Breslin were so giving of their time and knowledge which allowed videographer Desmond Gallagher to capture so elegantly the essence of the turf cutting process. We are also grateful to Hugh McMahon and Pat Rice for their help in re-creating and recording the transportation of turf by currach across Loughros Mór estuary.”
But this year’s activities were only the beginning of a multi-year project celebrating and preserving the heritage, culture and historical artifacts of the area.
The project is aiming to become a “…lasting legacy representative of three of the 35 Natura 2000 sites in the northwest of Ireland identified by the Wild Atlantic Nature LIFE Integrated Project (2021-2029) who are collaborating on this initiative. A focal point in the next few years will be on bog bodies, especially that of the 10th century Meenybradden woman (Ardara) who was unearthed in 1978, and whose remains are in the National Museum of Ireland. Bogs have been sites of archaeological significance throughout prehistory and into historic times. The nature of their environment, preservative and curative powers makes boglands a source of human activity and provides us with an insight to life throughout the ages.”
In the next stages of the project, they also wish to focus on “…the rich folklore of the region, belief systems, and the archaeological, cultural and historical context to these environments.”
“The project will continue to discover the many facets of our community’s past and present, thus building community participation and integration and making possible safe and managed access to our boglands, their landscape settings and cultural heritage for the local community and visitors.”
