New climate-action project celebrating peatlands launched in Clara

The Irish Architecture Foundation (IAF) and architects 12th Field are proud to announce the national launch of Bog Bothy, a transformative new placemaking climate-action project that reimagines Ireland’s relationship with its peatlands through architecture, community and creativity.

The project was launched in Clara today to coincide with the Bog Trotters Festival, which runs from June 20–22. Bog Bothy includes a purpose-built mobile shelter designed by the architects in 12th Field and co-created with local communities; a curated exhibition; an artist in residence; and a public programme of walks, workshops, and panel discussions with local and international speakers. Designed by 12th Field in collaboration with communities across Offaly, Louth, and Meath, the bothy tours into August with a second installation at Girley Bog, Co. Meath.

"Bog Bothy is an important national project that positions architecture as a vital tool for cultural and environmental dialogue,” said Emmett Scanlon, Director of the IAF. “At a time when Ireland’s peatlands are transforming from places of extraction to sites of restoration, this project opens up a necessary national conversation. It invites us all, including creatives, local communities, and policymakers to reflect on our built relationship with the peatlands and to reimagine a sustainable, inclusive future for these remarkable living landscapes.”

Following over two years of research, consultation, planning and design, the bothy structure blends vernacular inspiration with forward-looking design. It serves as a gathering space for storytelling, reflection, and community exchange, rooted in the peatland's past while looking to its ecological and cultural future.

“Bog Bothy has come about through a deep engagement process with communities living within and alongside bogs,” said Evelyn D’Arcy and David Jameson, co-founders of 12th Field Architects. “Architecture has the ability to empower and connect. Through this project, we wanted to honour local knowledge and invite participation in shaping the future of these fragile spaces. It’s about returning to the bog and rebuilding our relationship with these living cultural landscapes.”

Bog Bothy reasserts that people and peatlands are not mutually exclusive, presenting a new model of climate action and engagement, one that is rooted in creativity, future heritage and stewardship.

“Creative Ireland is proud to support Bog Bothy as part of our Creative Climate Action II – Agents for Change programme,” said Tania Banotti, Director of Creative Ireland. “This is exactly the kind of project that inspires hope and imagination in the face of climate change. By weaving together community voices, artistic practice, and architectural innovation, Bog Bothy offers a compelling model for how we can live with our changing landscapes.”

The opening weekend in Clara will feature expert panel discussions, artist-led walks, live performances, and workshops creating a dynamic and inclusive platform for both national dialogue and local connection.

For more information visit: www.architecturefoundation.ie

For tickets visit: Bog Bothy Programme Schedule here.