Researchers Unveil Unique Beer Mats Celebrating Ireland’s Peatlands

Researchers have introduced a distinctive series of beer mats designed to raise awareness about Ireland’s peatlands. These mats, featuring intricate artwork and informative facts, have been launched in pubs throughout Dublin and Cork in anticipation of the festive season. The initiative is spearheaded by academics from University College Dublin (UCD) and University College Cork (UCC) in collaboration with artist Eleanor Brayden.

The beer mats aim to highlight the biodiversity and cultural significance of Ireland’s bogs. They showcase ancient artefacts such as the Brockagh Bronze Age axe and the Ralaghan figurine, alongside ecological wonders like the carnivorous Sundew and Devil’s Matchstick lichen. Each mat includes a QR code that links to more comprehensive narratives and visuals about Ireland’s peatlands.

Eight pubs have initially received these mats, including Dublin’s Cobblestone, O’Neills (Pearse Street), Anseo, and John Fallon’s (The Capstan Bar), as well as Cork’s The Fountain, Intermission, Rising Sons Brewery, and Sin É. This project is a joint effort involving the UCD Earth Institute, the Irish Peatland Archaeology Across Time (IPeAAT) project at UCC, and Peatland Finance Ireland.

Promoting Environmental Awareness

During the launch at Dublin’s Cobblestone pub, Dr Shane Mc Guinness, Assistant Professor in Sustainability and UCD Climate Fellow, emphasized the changing perception of peatlands. “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,” he stated.

In addition, Dr Benjamin Gearey, Lecturer in Environmental Archaeology at UCC and Principal Investigator of IPeAAT, expressed hope that the project would encourage a shift in how people view these ancient landscapes. “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,” he remarked.

Significance of Peatlands

Peatlands cover approximately 20 percent of Ireland’s land area and represent one of the nation’s most valuable, albeit damaged, natural resources. These ecosystems play a crucial role in supporting biodiversity, sustaining local economies, and preserving both natural and cultural heritage.

As the festive season approaches, the beer mats serve not only as a conversation starter in local pubs but also as a tool for education about the importance of conserving Ireland’s peatlands for future generations.