New beer mats to give public a taste of Ireland’s peatland heritage

UCD Climate Fellow Dr Shane Mc Guinness is one of the researchers behind a specially commissioned series of beer mats about Ireland’s peatlands being distributed to pubs across Dublin and Cork ahead of the festive season.

The development of the mats, which feature detailed artwork and facts focusing on the biodiversity and cultural history preserved in the country’s bogs, was led by researchers at UCD and UCC in collaboration with artist Eleanor Brayden.

Bringing peatland heritage to the pub, the project showcases ancient artefacts including the Brockagh Bronze Age axe and Ralaghan figurine, as well as ecological gems such as the carnivorous Sundew and Devil’s Matchstick lichen.

The beer mats feature detailed artwork and facts about the biodiversity and cultural history of Ireland's bogs. Images: Eleanor Brayden

The mats, which include a QR code that links to more detailed stories, images and insights into Ireland’s peatlands, have been initially distributed to eight pubs across the two cities – namely the Cobblestone, O’Neills (Pearse Street), Anseo and John Fallon’s (The Capstan Bar) in Dublin, and The Fountain, Intermission, Rising Sons Brewery and Sin É in Cork.

A collaboration between UCD Earth Institute, the Irish Peatland Archaeology Across Time (IPeAAT) project at UCC and Peatland Finance Ireland, the initiative aims to promote the rich archaeological and environmental history held by Ireland's peatlands.

Dr Benjamin Gearey, Lecturer in Environmental Archaeology at UCC and Principal Investigator of IPeAAT; Nell Ward, Executive Director of Peatland Finance Ireland, artist Eleanor Brayden, and Dr Mc Guinness at the launch. Photo: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland

Launching the beer mats in Dublin’s Cobblestone pub, Dr Mc Guinness, who is also Assistant Professor in Sustainability, said: “While peatlands have been seen as wastelands or a source of fuel in the past, they’re becoming increasingly valued for climate action, biodiversity and water. We’re delighted to be bringing this message to an unconventional venue – giving the public a snapshot of the wealth and wonder of Ireland’s peatlands during the festive season.”

Dr Benjamin Gearey, Lecturer in Environmental Archaeology at UCC and Principal Investigator of IPeAAT, said: “By bringing archaeology and biodiversity into the pub, we’re hoping the project encourages people to see these ancient landscapes differently, not just as remote or forgotten bogs, but as living landscapes rich in history, biodiversity, and cultural value.”

Around 20% of the country’s land area is covered by peatland. It is one of Ireland’s most precious, but most damaged, natural resources – playing a crucial role in supporting biodiversity and local economies as well as preserving natural and cultural heritage.