Bog Bothy 2026: Open Call for Communities

Bog Bothy continues in 2026, working with new communities across the Midlands to explore shared futures for Ireland’s peatlands through architecture, ecology, culture and collective making.

Officially launched in 2025, Bog Bothy: A New Peatlands Architecture was a culmination of three years work by the IAF, 12th Field and local communities, resulting in a collection of new work, built outcomes, and ambitious proposals toward a new peatlands architecture.

As part of this next phase in 2026, the IAF and 12th Field are now inviting Expressions of Interest from communities who would like to host the Bog Bothy, co-design a local programme, and take part in a collaborative, place-based process rooted in their own relationship with peatland landscapes.

This opportunity is delivered in partnership with Tóchar, a major three-year wetlands restoration initiative managed by the National Parks and Wildlife Service and supported by the EU Just Transition Fund. Together, we are interested in how creative, community-led engagement can deepen public connection with landscapes currently undergoing ecological and cultural transition.

In 2026, Bog Bothy will collaborate with new host communities across the Midlands.

We are seeking Expressions of Interest from groups who feel a strong connection to their local peatlands and who would like to:

• Host the Bog Bothy

• Co-design a public programme rooted in ecology, culture, creativity or community learning

• Take part in a supported, funded process that centres local knowledge and ambition

You do not need to be a formal organisation to apply. Applications are welcome from:

• Community groups and voluntary organisations

• Informal networks and emerging groups

• Partnerships or cohorts of organisations wishing to steward the Bothy together

This is a funded opportunity, including support for community-led programming that brings local ideas for peatlands to life.

Apply online via the Expression of Interest form by 6 February, 5pm.

The application is structured around four main sections:

1. Eligibility: site suitability, permissions, environmental considerations (Pass/Fail)

2. Community Group(s): your story, relationships with local bogs, ambition and capacity (30%, Score out of 10)

3. Proposed Site: location, ownership, meaning for the community (30%, Score out of 10)

4. Programme Idea: what you would like to do and how it might be delivered (40%, Score out of 10)

You can download a copy of the questions to help prepare your application, but please note that all applications must be submitted through the online form.

Key dates:

• Online Information Session: 23 January 2026, 4pm. Register for the zoom meeting.

• EOI Submission Deadline: 6 February 2026, 5pm

• Final Selections: End of February 2026

• Hosting Period: Spring–Summer 2026

For questions or clarifications, please contact:

Dean Black, Placemaking Manager, Irish Architecture Foundation via dean.black@iaf.ie.

We look forward to learning about your community, your peatlands, and your ideas.

Photo: Bog Bothy in Girley Bog, Co. Meath, August 2025: folk games with Friends of Ardee Bog. Photo by Ste Murray.