“Peat cakes” stacked outside houses around Galway Bay and the Connemara region. These are traditional Irish turf stacks (also called peat sods or turf clamps).

For generations, rural families in County Galway have harvested peat from local bogs to heat their homes and cook. This cannot be sold. Only consumed what you get from your own property.

In the spring, peat is cut from the bog using a traditional spade called a sleán (or by modern machinery). The wet, brick-like blocks are then laid out in the sun. To dry them thoroughly, the blocks are leaned against one another in small, sculptural upright heaps—a process known as “footing” the turf. Once completely dried by the Atlantic winds, they are brought back to the houses and neatly stacked outside or in sheds.