The Drummin Bog Project is a voluntary not-for-profit community education project focused on restoring the only raised bog in County Carlow.
Geological studies during Phase 1 of The Banner Project element of this Creative Communities programme can now link the bog directly back through time to shortly after the last Ice Age – before humans began to populate the landscape.
Over the coming months, community engagements around these findings will include installations, entertainment, and an Open Day event in October 2021.
The good folks from the Drummin Bog Project gave us an update on how things are progressing in this historic corner of County Carlow and how Creative Ireland’s funding has helped:
“Postponed due to Covid, County Carlow’s Drummin Bog Project committee and artists Jules Michael and Cathy Fitzgerald were delighted to finally host two paleo-archaeologists – Benjamin Gearey and Rosie Everett – from Wet Futures UCC on Drummin Bog last week, for Phase 1 of the Banner Project.
The gouge auger surveys carried out by Ben and Rosie on their visit and their mini-lab examinations in Drummond Hall the following day, will inform the trajectory of these Creative Ireland-funded community engagements over the next three months.”
![sphagnum moss under a microscope](https://www.creativeireland.gov.ie/app/uploads/2021/07/10.-cell-structure-of-sphagnum-moss_-img-source_Cathy-Fitzgerald-scaled-1024x683.jpg)
Cell structure of sphagnum moss, approximately 6,000 years old
“These paleo peat samples will be presented as part of the Open Day event due to take place in Drummond Hall, County Carlow, in October 2021. Visual material from the microscopic samples now provide sources for the Banner Project. Members of the community and artist Jules will set up an installation in Drummond Hall based on Rosie’s report.
The Open Day will combine Drummond Hall and Drummin Bog itself, giving the opportunity to present talks on the bog, its ancient formations, its unique flora and fauna, and its importance as a habitat and wildlife sanctuary. The Bog Rosemary Song will be performed, and the Banners will be paraded. Eoin Donnelly, the historical woodwright, will also run a workshop on the day – making fascinating ancient tools and utensils.”
"These finds were tremendously exciting, linking Drummin Bog directly back through time to shortly after the last Ice Age - before humans were even starting to populate the landscape"