Cutting turf by hand on the Dublin and Wicklow mountain bogs.
The Dublin and Wicklow Mountains have extensive turf banks in areas such as the Featherbeds, Castlekelly, Sally Gap, Black Hill and Corriebracks. Many people rent out a plot of bog to use the turf they cut for fuel.
Taking advantage of the fine weather, a family arrives by camper van to work on their section of mountain bog.
Cutting, footing and drawing down the turf is a gruelling, physically demanding activity that calls for a group effort. A man cuts the turf with a sleán, while another foots the freshly cut sods. Even the children are involved, carrying sods of turf as required.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 28 June 1975. The footage shown here is mute.
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