In our grandparents' time people cut and saved turf for their own use if they lived near a suitable bog.   Others bought it by the bag or lorry load from merchants.  The work of cutting turf began in early summer by skimming the top layer of growth from the bog's surface.   Then the sods of turf were cut the exposed bank, using a special kind of spade called a slane.  The wet sods were left on top of the nearby bank to dry in the wind and sun.

After several weeks, when they were dry enough to be lifted,   the sods are placed upright in small heaps to dry further. Towards the end of the summer the dry turf was carried home by the horse and cart, perhaps to be stacked up against the gable - end of the house.

Long ago in rural areas a cart load of turf was given to the parish priest and the local national school by each family in the area.

People cutting turf with a slain

Slane