Many time I get asked travel questions about Ireland. When it comes to where to stay I always quickly respond with a local BnB. My reasons for this are always that you are getting to know those who know Ireland best…they were born and raised there. A favorite stay of mine was in Tipperary at a BnB called Old Farm hosted by Margaret & Alfie McCaffrey.
While spending a few days, Alfie took me to visit several local sites, foraging for mushrooms and answered absolutely any question this American Artist could come up with, in regards to Ireland and her ancestors. I have to say one of my favorite sites was the Redwood Bog. While walking the bog Alfie explained the process of owning part of the bog, harvesting turf, what makes the bog and the different plants that were in the bog.
Being a gardener I was totally attracted to several of the plants. One of the plants that really caught my eye is the bog asphodel. This plant produces spikes of beautiful bright yellow flowers in the Summer and the foliage turns a stunning burnt rust in the Fall. This rusty orange color plays off beautifully against the lavender heather that also grows in the bog. So if you can imagine the two colors together it will quite literally make you stop your car to take a look! Along with these plants are also the bog cotton. It is as its name would imply a plant which appears as a wispy boll of cotton. When you see this plant there will be wetland and acidic soil beneath.
These waterlogged, nutrient rich patches of land are layers and layers of plant material that have decomposed over years and years of time. It creates an entire ecosystem for wildlife and plants which has been a source of fuel for the residence for many years. Between the layers of the bog are the stories of time.
The remains of animals and humans have been discovered, along with swords, ornaments, bog oak and many other wonderful gems can be found accidentally deposited over the years in the bogs. Due to the properties of Sphagnum moss in the bogs, which has preservatives built into it’s cells, whatever dies or is covered in it will decay much more slowly and therefore have many more stories to tell of the past when discovered.
I have found the bogs to be inspirational because of their history, intense beauty and significance to the people of Ireland over the years. If you make it to Ireland please take the time to walk and discover these pieces of ground steeped in history and significance throughout the West and midlands of Ireland.