Step Back in Time: Discover a Traditional Turf-Cutting Experience in Connemara
Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of rural Ireland with a Traditional Turf-Cutting Experience at Glengowla Mines, one of the most authentic cultural activities in Connemara, County Galway. Long before modern heating, turf cutting was an essential part of daily life, and at Glengowla Mines, this deeply rooted Irish tradition is proudly kept alive.
Set amid the wild beauty of the West of Ireland, our peat bogland tells a story shaped by nature, resilience, and generations of families who relied on turf to heat their homes.
A Tradition at the Heart of Irish Heritage
For centuries, “saving the turf” was a vital annual ritual for households across Connemara. Families worked together on the bog, cutting, stacking, and drying turf to ensure warmth throughout the long winter months. These skills were passed down from generation to generation, becoming an enduring symbol of Irish rural life.
At Glengowla Mines, our own peat bog is a living link to this past, where traditional turf-cutting methods have been practiced and preserved for generations.
Learn How Turf Is Formed and Cut
During your guided turf-cutting demonstration, you’ll discover how peat was formed over thousands of years, layer by layer, in Ireland’s unique boglands. Your knowledgeable guide will explain the importance of turf in Connemara history and demonstrate how it was traditionally harvested.
Watch as turf is cut using a slean, the traditional Irish turf spade, and learn the time-honoured techniques of cutting neat sods, stacking them to dry, and transporting them home. This practical, hands-on demonstration offers a fascinating insight into how people lived and worked in the West of Ireland.
Have a Go Yourself
Feeling adventurous? You’ll have the opportunity to hold the slean and cut a sod of turf yourself. It’s a rare chance to experience a genuine piece of Irish heritage and one that visitors often say is a highlight of their trip to Galway.
This interactive element makes the turf-cutting experience especially popular with those seeking authentic things to do in Connemara and visitors eager to connect with Ireland’s past in a meaningful way.
A Unique Cultural Experience in Galway
The traditional turf-cutting demonstration is the perfect complement to Glengowla Mines’ underground tours and farm experiences, offering a deeper understanding of traditional Connemara life. It’s ideal for history enthusiasts, cultural travellers, and anyone curious about how rural communities once survived and thrived in this rugged landscape.
Booking Information
Please note that turf-cutting demonstrations must be booked in advance, as prior notice is required. To secure your place, book through our website or contact us by telephone.
If you’re looking for a truly authentic Irish experience and a chance to step back in time, the traditional turf-cutting experience at Glengowla Mines, Galway is not to be missed.
Discover the traditions that shaped Connemara — only at Glengowla Mines.
