Turf fires are part of our Irish cultural inheritance and are a symbol of Ireland.
How many Irish childhood's involved raking up ashes of the previous night’s turf fire?
How many of us have inhaled the special earthy herbal aroma of burning sods of turf?
And how often did we warm ourselves by the hearth, the very heart of Irish homes in days gone by?
Table of Contents
Memories of Turf Fires
Irish thatched cottages had a fireplace in every room and when autumn or fall days began to get a little nippy, a turf fire was set in each hearth.
This week's Irish American Mom giveaway is one that should stir memories of the hearths and homes of our Irish childhoods, or rekindle fond thoughts of heartwarming travels in Ireland.
Now that summer is over, I thought it would be the perfect time to host a giveaway for some Irish turf so you can be stocked up before the days turn cold.
One lucky reader will win an Irish Turf Gift Basket containing about 30 pounds of naturally dried Irish turf or Irish fire logs. There are about 14 to 16 sods in this gift basket. Irish American Mom will purchase the turf from the Food Ireland website for the winner.
Please note this post contains affiliate links.
These sods of peat were harvested from County Clare, in the Cappabane Mountain Bog and were seasoned for one year after being cut.
Burning this turf in an open fire will fill your room with a distinctive scent that is truly Irish.
Regulations Limiting Turf Cutting in Ireland
New regulations limit the amount of turf being cut in Ireland each year, and vast stretches of bogs have now been declared as Special Areas of Conservation.
And so, before Irish turf is as scarce as hen's teeth or feathers on a fish, let's experience burning a few of these old sods and enjoying the amazing aromatics associated with a real Irish turf fire.
Before I share the giveaway details, let's first enjoy a few more photos of Irish turf and a few sayings and proverbs to go along with them.
Turf was a vital commodity in Ireland in years gone by. Without turf harvested by the autumn, a family in centuries past would have a long, cold winter ahead of them.
Old Irish Sayings About Turf
Here's a saying that highlights how much the Irish valued turf.
"He who has water and peat on his own farm
has the world his own way."
This is sometimes expressed slightly differently and goes like this...
"He who has water and turf on his own land
has the world sitting square."
The photo above shows how turf was loaded on to boats to be brought to the Aran Islands for winter fuel.
There is no fuel on these isolated islands in the Atlantic ocean, so inhabitants had to bring the turf home from the mainland.
They were keenly aware of this old saying ....
"Talking never brought the turf home."
This next saying highlights how the rich are often considered wiser than the poor...
"Two thing that go to loss:
turf on a mountain
and the wisdom of a poor man."
Here's an expression from Ulster and Ireland's northern counties.
A waen is a child in the north, and is pronounced wane. It comes from a combination of the two words wee and one.
"Six o'clock
and not a waen in the house washed,
nor a turf turned."
Here's one of my favorites and it exemplifies the Irish way of looking on the bright side of life.
"It could be worse now if the ass died
and the turf still in the bog."
You could be abandoned by your wife or husband, but life would be worse if you had no turf in for the winter.
Turf or peat must have been scarce in Kilmallock, County Limerick or else they were a stingy bunch, because there's an old saying used when a small fire is built and it goes like this...
"A Kilmallock fire - two sods and a ciarán.
( Pronounced kee-rawn, a ciarán is a small broken piece of turf).
There's an old Irish superstition that if a sod of turf falls out of the fire it's a sign that someone is coming to the house.
And if that stranger appears at your door, there's another saying that instructs us to always show them a welcome ...
"May the blessing of Light be on you
Light without and light within,
May the blessed sunlight shine on you
And warm your heart till it glows like
A great peat fire, so that the stranger
May come and warm himself at it."
Keeping Emigrant Fires Burning
In parts of Ireland there was an old custom that when a family was forced to emigrate, usually to America, they would bring a few burning sods of turf from their fire, to the nearest neighbor's house.
Their request would be that their neighbor would keep their fire safe and alive until they returned.
Many a fire was kept alive for decades, but alas the original fire stokers never returned. Emigration was cruel in centuries past, with little hope of ever returning home. This poignant practice brings a tear to my eye.
And so with this little giveaway, we'll send Irish turf to America and light our fires on the other side of the Atlantic, all the while remembering those who left Ireland, never to make it home.
Buying Irish Turf In America
Notice: The affiliate links below mean I will earn a small commission should you buy something. This helps me keep the lights on in this little corner of the world wide web. Many thanks if you choose to use one of my Food Ireland links.
Irish turf is available from Food Ireland, a company I have no hesitation in recommending for purchases of Irish foods and gifts. They're based in Mount Vernon, New York and ship all over the United States.
Peat Briquettes
They have compressed Irish peat briquettes
They also have gift packs of just 4 sods of Irish turf, which I think is a great, inexpensive, novelty gift for anyone who loves Ireland.
And then they have gift boxes of turf.
I especially like this Irish turf gift basket, which is our giveaway prize this week.
How To Enter The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a gift basket of Irish turf with about 30 pounds of naturally dried turf sods, perfect for open fires. Now be very careful and no burnt fingers if you win.
To enter just leave a comment on this blog post by noon on Sunday, September 23rd, 2018.
Any comment will do. What you write does not affect your chance of winning, but if you need inspiration why not tell us if you have ever experienced an Irish turf fire and its amazing aroma.
A winning comment will be chosen randomly. Remember to leave your e-mail so that I can contact you should you win. Your e-mail won’t be published, just used to contact our lucky contestant for mailing of the prize.
The winner will be announced Sunday, September 23rd, 2018, at the bottom of this blog post.
You may check out Irish American Mom’s complete terms and conditions for sweepstakes’ entries by clicking here.
Many thanks to everyone who supports this little Irish giveaway and to those who share it with loved ones and friends, who might enjoy a nice, warm, Irish fire this fall.
I'm looking forward to reading all your comments and memories of Irish turf fires.
Update: Winner Chosen
Many thanks to everyone who took the time to comment and enter our little giveaway for a gift basket of real Irish turf. I so enjoyed reading all your comments and learning how many of us love the aroma of a turf fire.
Our winner was chosen randomly using the Wordpress Pick Giveaway Winner plug-in tool.
And the lucky reader who will be warming their toes by a turf fire this fall is ...
Ginger Veach
I'll send Ginger an email to let her know the good news and to arrange mailing of her prize.
Hi Ginger - Please contact me by email at mom@irishamericanmom.com so that I can organize mailing of your prize. I tried to contact you by email, but I did not get a response. Looking forward to hearing from you. My emails may be landing in your spam folder.
Thanks again to everyone who supported this Irish American Mom giveaway and for all your kind words about this little blog of ours.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Mairéad -Irish American Mom
Pronunciation - slawn ah-gus ban-ock-th
Mairéad - rhymes with parade
If you enjoyed this collection of blessings and sayings from Ireland, here are some more you may enjoy....
Audrey Stewart
I love all things Irish. My mother's maiden name is Welsh.
Irish American Mom
Hi Audrey - I'm so glad you found my website where we can explore our Irish heritage together. Welsh is a very Irish last name.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Sharon Need
We’ve been to Ireland 8 times over the last 8 years and each time have found a place to stay where we were able to have peat fires. I even bought one of those touristy ceramic little cottages with bits of peat so we could enjoy the smell of it at home.
Irish American Mom
Hi Sharon - There's nothing like the warmth and comfort of a turf fire. So glad to hear you've found places to stay in Ireland where you can enjoy a good blazing fire. Your little ceramic cottage sounds lovely - even if some may think it touristy. How wonderful you've been able to visit Ireland so often.
Thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Traci
What a lovely blog post! I've always heard about peat fires and always wanted to experience one, so thank you for the giveaway and the links. I'll definitely be checking them out!
Irish American Mom
Hi Traci - I'm so glad this giveaway is something you would enjoy. I think many Americans love turf fires, since they are so very, very Irish and part of our cultural heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Peggy Coleman
Love to hear the facts from Ireland . Having irish ancestry it nice hear the stories of the old country.
Irish American Mom
Hi Peggy - This little corner of the internet is all about stories of the old country. Thanks for checking out this post.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Susan Zibi
When I think of peat, think of staying at a friend’s cottage in Leitrim. A most damp cottage. The peat fire help to warm my bones and drive away the awful moisture that clung to everything. Plus, the aroma of a peat fire is right up there with whiskey- another wonderful way to warm one’s self!
Irish American Mom
Hi Susan - Old Irish cottages could be very damp, especially in the winter. The only solution to warm our hearts and bones is a turf fire. I have lovely memories of warming myself by my granny's turf fire on cold, wet winter evenings. I was too you for a hot whiskey back then, 🙂 🙂 🙂
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
kathy mcbride kopcinski
The smell of Irish Turf is the one thing, that instantly makes me feel and believe that I am in Ireland. I wish I could buy enough to burn it all day, every day, as there is nothing better.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathy - I think some Irish candle makers are creating turf scented candles since so many of us love the aroma of burning turf. How creative is that. Like you I would love to have a turf fire burning in my home all day long.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Donna
I used to be able to go to Ireland every fall with my mom, and the smell of peat fires brings back all sorts of fond memories.
Irish American Mom
Hi Donna - How wonderful you got to visit Ireland with your mom every fall. So glad the thoughts of peat fires stir fond memories for you.
Thanks for checking out this post.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Deborah
I love the aroma and even use Irish turf to smoke meats in my smoker.
Irish American Mom
Hi Deborah - I've heard that a sod of turf on a barbecue or a smoker adds wonderful flavor to the meat. Thanks for sharing this wonderful tip here.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Maureen O Hanlon
Thank you Mairead, i enjoyed this post, i was reared up with turf fires.
Regards
Maureen.
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - And I'm sure you have memories of stacking turf in the bog too. That was tough work.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Katie (Craig) Hermanson
I studied at Limerick and always loved the smell of peat when the weather turned chilly and we traveled the countryside! Makes me want to curl up with a pint of Guinness and bowl of soup, while listening to a good session!
Irish American Mom
Hi Katie - Now that's the perfect way to enjoy a blazing turf fire. Thanks for entering this little giveaway,
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Anne Parsons
We found a small peat bog in County Kerry. We had a special feeling of closeness to the old sod.
My grandmother received a small box of live shamrock every St. Patricks Day from her niece in Killarney. She always shared half of it with me.
Irish American Mom
Hi Anne - I remember my mother sending shamrock by mail to our American relatives before St. Patrick's Day. It was a tradition in our house too. I'm happy to hear you too received an annual shamrock gift all the way from Ireland.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Maureen
Thank you for doing this !
Irish American Mom
Hi Maureen - I'm delighted to do this. It's a great way to share a little bit of Ireland with readers.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Brandon Johnson
A tumbled down shack in Athlone
Irish American Mom
Thanks for supporting this giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Geraldine McGovern
I can smell that turf burning! Reminds me of my childhood winters in Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Geraldine - Turf was part of our Irish childhood memories, and much needed to ward away the cold in the 1960's and 1970's when I was young. Central heating was not what it is today, and a turf fire was the only way to stay warm.
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Michele
I, actually, have never smelled Irish peat, but would love to!
Irish American Mom
Hi Michele - This giveaway is perfect for you. Irish peat has a very unique aroma, and for those of us who experienced it as part of our childhood, it is very nostalgic.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Timothy Magnuson
oh my... one of our best memories of our several trips to Ireland, was the peat fires, and the fragrance. We visited Bunratty park twice, and all the cottages had peat fires. There was a pub in Ennis that had a fire, and, my great grandmother was from county Clare. Born Timothy Michael Conroy, I have always had a love for 'my country'... We stayed at a B&B in Dungarvan- The Seaview Guest house. The pub across the road-Seanachai- a pub from the early 19th century- had a great peat fire, and, the best Guinness beef stew I have ever had....
In a perfect world, we shall one day be back there....
Irish American Mom
Hi Timothy - The turf fires in the Bunratty Folk Park are wonderful. It's such a great experience to witness how life was for our ancestors. It's wonderful to learn how much you love Ireland and that you have been lucky to visit the land of your ancestors a few times. It sounds like you have lovely memories of your times in Ireland. I hope you do make it back there again someday.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Lynn Abbott-McCloud
What a fabulous blog post. I learned so much. I love Ireland! Can't wait to go back. xx
Irish American Mom
Hi Lynn - I'm so glad you enjoyed this post about turf. It's great to hear from readers who find these ramblings informative.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Linda Antunes
I would love to smell the peat burning. I went to Ireland with my daughter and son in law. Just love the country side. Can't wait to go back. Thank you for your recipes and blogo
Irish American Mom
Hi Linda - I'm so glad you got to enjoy Ireland with your daughter and her husband. Like you, I think the Irish countryside is very special. I always enjoy getting away from the cities and enjoying all that rural Ireland has to offer.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Robert Moore
Dhia dhuit Mairéad,
Here's a funny story: My great-uncle Bill Pearson emigrated from Donegal in 1906 because peat smoke made him ill. Then he came to Canada and worked for the rest of his life in the smokiest, smoggiest steel mill in Hamilton, Ontario!
Slán go fóill
Irish American Mom
Dia is Muire duit, a Robert.
Thanks for sharing your great-uncle's story. How ironic that he ended working in a smokey, smoggy steel mill. I wonder if he suffered as much from steel mill smoke as peat smoke. A turf fire can be choking in a badly ventilated room. I love to hear stories of the places people left behind in Ireland and where they ended up in Canada and America.
Slán agus beannacht,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Kathleen Dempsey
The smell of turf burning reminds me of my Aunt Agnes in Galway. Sadly she passed away two years ago. As a child spending summer in Ireland she turned out soda bread from an open fire that, to this day, I've never had as good. I can still see her in front of the fire with the pots hanging from the crane. Even as she got older and the open fire was replaced by a cooker, she was first up in the morning bringing in the turf to start the fire. I could never beat her out of bed no matter how hard I tried. It's amazing that one single smell can evoke so many memories.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kathleen - Sorry to hear your Aunt Agnes passed away just a few short years ago. Your story of your aunt reminds me of my granny. She too was up at the crack of dawn every morning, clearing the ashes and stoking the fire. I remember she would sit on a chair in the kitchen before anyone else was awake and whisk her long, snow white hair up into a bun. If I ever awakened early enough I would sneak up to the kitchen to watch the miracle of her long hair disappearing into a bun. And once that bun was perched on the back of her head, her work day began. She brought in turf, washed clothes, baked bread and never once complained. Our Irish forebears were made of tough stuff. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely memories with us here.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Jean MacCoy
The smell of burning turf immediately takes me back to Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jean - I'm delighted this little post could take you back to Ireland on this September Sunday.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Cara
Tea in jam jars.
Irish American Mom
Hi Cara - Oh my! Tea in jam jars, especially sweet milky tea is such a memory of Ireland. And in my father's time they would take tea in a brown bottle to school and sit it by the fire to heat it up before drinking it.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Nancy Schafer
We were so entranced with a turf fire when we visited 20 years ago, and then saw men cutting turf a few days later. Thank you for bringing back the memories.
Irish American Mom
Hi Nancy - Cutting turf is a skillful job and watching these talented men at work can be intriguing. I'm so glad you got to experience turf cutting and the firey warmth of their peat bog produce when you visited Ireland. There is less turf being cut in Ireland nowadays.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
mb broderick
Me grandparents and mum are from Ireland so many memories have been passed down to us and especially the winter sagas. So this would be the candles on the cake,
thanking you
Irish American Mom
I'm so glad to be able to bring this chance of winning some Irish turf to members of this little Irish American community. It's a great way to celebrate our shared heritage.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Jeff
Wow, an actual peat fire! That's something that I have never experienced. It would be something I imagine to experience.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jeff - The dancing flames of a real peat fire are definitely worth seeing, but it is the unique aroma of the burning sods that leaves lasting memories. Thanks so much for checking out this blog post and commenting. If you win, Jeff, you will be able to experience your very first Irish turf fire.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
nancy o'malley george
hello mairead!
i visited my parents homes in kilmeena & shraugh , mayo where my cousins still are. we had peat fires every evening. my cousin took me to their bog where she cut the sod and stacked it to dry. it was wonderful!!
i truly enjoy your blog. thank you.
nancy o'malley george
Irish American Mom
Hi Nancy - That's so wonderful to be able to cut turf with your Irish family in their very own bog. Saving turf has many steps and is pretty laborious - it's great that you witnessed the process with your cousin. Thanks for your kind words about my blog and thanks for stopping by this evening.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Gloria Vodicka
I so miss the smell of a turf fire. When I worked at Blarney Irish Gifts in Dundee, Illinois, we burned small pieces of turf to entice the customers and I fell in love with it. What memories it would bring to be able to enjoy them in my fireplace!
Irish American Mom
Hi Gloria - I've heard it's good to bake cookies when you showing a house for sale, so burning pieces of turf to entice customers in an Irish store, is exactly along the same lines. What a wonderful idea.
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
JENNIFER PARKER
My Irish American mother-in-law has never experienced a peat fire and I would love to share it with her! If I don't win the giveaway, I will have to consider buying some myself as a Christmas gift for her!
Irish American Mom
Hi Jennifer - What a thoughtful idea. It's a quirky gift, but would be so meaningful to anyone who is interested in Irish culture and heritage.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Jim Purcell
I've never had a peat fire here at home in New Jersey, but my favorite was the day my Dad and I walked into a small pub along Slea Head (Tig Bric) on a cold, wet day to find a chocolate lab laying in front of the peat fire. The smell was wonderful and lingers to this day in my memories.
Irish American Mom
Hi Jim - There's nothing quite like a warming turf fire in an Irish pub on a wet and windy day. I'm so glad this post brought back those lovely memories for you today.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Merryellen Towey Schulz
I just got home after two weeks in Ireland with my son, daughter-in-law and 22 month-old granddaughter. This was my third trip and we continued to see magnificent new things we hadn’t seen before. I can’t seem to get enough of this place from which my grandparents came.☘️
Irish American Mom
Hi Maryellen - I'm delighted to hear Ireland continues to surprise you. It's a relatively small island but with a rich history, storied past, and ancient treasures. I grew up in Ireland, but each and every county has hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Since your grandparents hail from Ireland you probably have a deep spiritual connection with the land of your forebears. You have to experience it by visiting Ireland to even begin to comprehend it.
All the best, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
rosie
This is so awesome of you! what i find about this site that is so kind and thoughtful is that you seem to understand the love many of us have for Ireland, and anything that comes from that beautiful land!
Our family roots like gobs of people are from Ireland, a blessing of course! I keep hoping one day to get there. i even wondered if I could find a place that I could buy some pebbles or a couple small rocks from
Ireland. might sound crazy but it is one of my dreams! Maybe i can find a way to find out....Your give away is sweet...I had never heard of this turf before,learned something new.
Thank you for all the info and news you give, It is something I look forward to!
Blessings to you!
Irish American Mom
Hi Rosie - Thank you for your kind words about my website. I try to share a little bit about Irish culture and heritage here on these pages, but I have learned over the years, that this endeavor is only strengthened and supported by the wonderful readers, like you, who stop by and join in our conversations about all things Irish. The connection and love Irish Americans have for the land of their ancestors is awe inspiring. I am humbled to be part of this growing little Irish American community of ours. I hope someday you will make it to Ireland. Your desire to have some small rocks from Ireland gives me an idea. I will research if there are any Irish arts or crafts that use sea pebbles or perhaps some Connemara marble would be a good prize for a giveaway. Thanks for this inspiration.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Solita Tullo
Would love to win! Can’t beat the smell and I am from Clare so it would be extra special!
Irish American Mom
How fantastic. This turf is from your home county, so it would be perfect for you. Many thanks for checking out this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Sinita
Hello Maire’ad!
Every since reading about peat fires weaved into stories set in Ireland, I’ve wanted to experience one! It’s one of the things I missed on my recent visit there. We heat our home exclusively with a wood burning stove, so we have the perfect set up to try it! I related to your quotes and poems about getting the peat in before winter hits, because we do the same, only with wood! My husband just finished cutting, splitting, and stacking 9 cords for this winter!
Thanks for sharing where I can buy some peat and other Irish goodies!
Bless you! Sinita
Irish American Mom
Hi Sinita - On your next trip to Ireland you'll have to find a pub with a good turf fire. They're getting harder to find these days. Unfortunately some Irish pubs have been taken over by large commercial chains, and their insurance policies often prohibit an open fire in a public place. Small, family-owned pubs are where the turf fires still burn. I hope they won't become extinct anytime soon.
I'm so glad you enjoyed this little collection of sayings. Saving the turf for the winter was a major focus in rural Ireland during the late summer and early autumn months in years gone by. Well done to your husband for getting all that wood chopped and stowed for the upcoming winter. It's a major task.
Thanks for all your support and for checking out this giveaway.
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Becca
I have no memories of peat fires, but would love to make some! Thanks for this interesting post.
Irish American Mom
Hi Becca - This prize would be a wonderful way to experience your first turf fire. So glad you found this post helpful.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Evelyn Frisby Edwards
Mairéad,
I am really glad I found your blog! I love all the information, recipes and pictures you post.
Every time I visit Ireland, the warmth and joy of the visit stays with me for years.
I’m really excited about the turf giveaway!
We were just in Ireland in June for our
25th Anniversary and didn't get to experience the turf fire because of the heatwave! Lol
Thanks for the opportunity to have one here.
Evelyn
Irish American Mom
Hi Evelyn - There weren't too many fires lit during summer 2018 in Ireland. I heard the heat wave was amazing, but the poor farmers felt the drought.
So glad you found my blog and that you had a lovely time in Ireland. I'm sure you created many more wonderful memories to sustain you for the coming years, until you make it back again.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Darla
Learning heritage is an amazing thing to do. Passing it on to kids starts a tradition.
Irish American Mom
Hi Darla - I too strive to pass on to my kids my knowledge of our Irish heritage. I hope this blog of mine will serve as a reference for them in years to come.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Wendy Smith
As fall approaches, I yearn for the smell of a turf fire.
Irish American Mom
Hi Wendy - Turf fires are definitely perfect for fall.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Kay Green
I love your site! I've visited Ireland several years ago and would love to go again.
Thank you for this taste of Ireland!
Irish American Mom
Hi Kay - Many thanks for your kind words. I hope you get to Ireland again someday soon.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Brigid Braden
Love the smell of a turf fire!! Just discovered your blog and happy to read it now!! Three cheers, Brigid
Irish American Mom
Hi Brigid - I'm delighted you discovered my blog and our Irish American Community. It's lovely to hear from others who love Ireland as we all do.
Best wishes, and thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Karen D
I would love to experience a turf fire! I might have during a trip over 20 years ago, but don't remember for sure.
Irish American Mom
Hi Karen - I hope you get to smell a turf fire someday soon. Many thanks for checking out this giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Diarmuid O' Connell
As the years pass and sight and hearing starts to fail that sense of smell often seems to become more acute. The smell of a newly baked apple transcends time and takes us back to warm glowing kitchens, patient hunger and wide smiles..
...and the smell outside when the damp mist weighed down the earthy aroma of the turf .
It was just heat back then ...now the mere thought of it is Heaven.
Irish American Mom
Hi Diarmuid - Your beautiful words are poetic and lyrical. Thanks so much for sharing your heavenly memories of turf.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Sandi O'Connor
Thank you for sharing Ireland with us! I haven't been yet, but plan to go in the future! I would love the smell the aroma from this special fire! I will definately check out the company and glad to know of a great source to buy Irish!
Irish American Mom
Hi Sandi - I hope you make it to Ireland very soon. It's a very special place indeed with a warm welcome for visitors from all over the world.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Margaret Mary Hoban
Maired,
We had a peat fire every night when visiting my son in law's parents in Achill. It was the most calming,comforting aromas ever.
Thank you for this opportunity to win a basket of comfort!!
Peggy
Irish American Mom
Hi Margaret Mary - I would love to be sitting by a turf fire in Achill right now. Nothing as calming and relaxing in the world for sure.
Many thanks for stopping by.
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Carla Cooper-Hicks
I was blessed with a 10-day tour of Ireland last May with my 2 sisters to explore our great-great-great grandfather James Ryan's and g-g-g-g grandmother Mary Sammons Ryan's homeland! I pray I can get back over but rent a car the next time to explore the local towns more personally! We got to experience a Irish turf fire on a misty, cool day in Bunratty--a heavenly scent! I would love to receive the prized turf basket and share it with my sisters (we live in 3 different states in America so I'd mail it to them)!
Irish American Mom
Hi Carla - It sounds like you had a wonderful trip to Ireland. I hope you get to return someday soon and explore the small towns. I always believe the best vacations happen when you can get off the beaten track and discover the road less traveled.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Ginger Veach
I love the smell of turf burning. It's one of my favorites memories from my travels in Ireland.
Irish American Mom
Hi Ginger - I'm so glad you were able to travel to Ireland and experience these wonderful fires.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Janice Woods
The pictures were wonderful. My daughter and I enjoyed the turf fires when we visited Ireland a few years ago. Driving through the countryside we had the experience of seeing the peat logs being stacked to dry. The smell of the turf fire in one of the sitting rooms at the Ballynahinch Castle was one of our best memories...Irish Coffee and sweet conversation! Nothing like it! And...thank you for the information on where I can purchase this product. I will be sure to get some for winter!
Irish American Mom
Hi Janice - I'm so glad you liked these photos, and that our little discussion of all things turf related, brought back lovely memories of your time at Ballynahinch Castle. Many thanks for sharing your experiences.
All the best,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Paula O’Shea
How did I not see this site before? The smell of turf burning is something that always reminds me of autumn and winter back home. What a wonderful prize!
Irish American Mom
Hi Paula - I'm delighted you landed in our little corner of the internet. Here we love to discuss Ireland and our shared heritage and culture. Many thanks for supporting this little giveaway.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Kelly Stevens
I've only gotten to visit Ireland once so far, but love that distinctive smell of a peat fire. I'm glad I found your blog - it's nice to read and well done.
Irish American Mom
Hi Kelly - Welcome to our little corner of the internet, where we talk about all things Irish and Irish American. So glad you found us.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
John Ongena
I don't think there is anything more soothing and comforting than an peat fire. I have enjoyed so many while in Ireland and I so long for peat to put on my fires here in the states. Thanks for the opportunity and keep up the great work
Irish American Mom
Hi John - Peat fires need to be experienced to fully understand our affinity for them. So glad to learn you have been blessed with the enjoyment of sitting by an Irish turf fire. Many thanks for stopping by.
Best wishes,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️
Mary Ann
Thanks for the giveaway! You always bring a smile to my Itish eyes!
Prayers for you and yours!
Irish American Mom
Many blessings to you and yours too, Mary Ann. So glad to hear you enjoy this little blog.
Take care,
Mairéad ☘️☘️☘️