Is it true that Irish bog mud hardens into a waterproof material?

Question

I heard it in Ireland while in a bog. I'm pretty sure I heard it from from some one who knows their facts, but I think I might have heard wrong.

Answer 1

I think you are talking about bog oak.

It is pert5ified (preserved) tree remains that are thousands of years old. They can become very tough and hard like concrete. My dad once tried to cut some with a chain saw and it was more intense for the saw than the tree

Answer 2

We use turf (as hardened bog mud is called here) for one of our open fires, it makes the house feel really homely, the smell that is.

But no, turf is in no way waterproof.... In fact, water destroys it. It's like a sponge.

Answer 3

Don't call it "bog mud".  It's peat or turf.  I don't think it's waterproof but it is used as fuel

Answer 4

not sure how waterproof it is, but it does harden and keep for the winder, and is use as fuel for cooking and heating the house...it is clean and smells great before and while it is being used...the substance comes out of the ground profusely...I brought some home to put by my fireplace...

Answer 5

yes, it's called "turf". in the old days, people used it to insulate their cottages in the winter, by putting it on the roof, as well as burning it in a fire. some people still buy turf as a household fuel, but only near Bord na Móna-run bogs. most turf is dried out and manufactured into "briquettes". these are available around the country. look out for them at petrol stations!