Peatland experts from around the world will gather in the midlands this June.

Canadians, Malaysians, Swedes, Irish and Finnish are some of those meeting to discuss opportunities for peatlands in Ireland and around the world.

The international group will be talking about everything from moss, ants and birds, to emissions, energy, restoration, farming and people - reflecting the many dimensions of peatland research and management.

The International Peatland Conference 2026 will take place in Ireland from June 8-11, 2026, based in the Irish midlands across Offaly, Westmeath and Kildare.

Hosted by the Irish Peatland Society (IrPS), this field-based international event will bring together global experts, policymakers, practitioners and innovators to explore transitions in peatland use, from agriculture to post-industrial opportunities, with a strong focus on renewable energy and climate action.

Event

As part of the gathering this June, nine different site visits organised by the society will showcase the latest developments taking place across Irish peatlands.

These visits will highlight real-world examples of innovation, networking, partnerships and investment that can be applied in the different peatlands across the world.

The field visits will be supported by some 20 poster presentations from attending experts which will deepen our understanding of sustainable peatland management, biodiversity and local amenity.

The distinctive field-based format will see participants travel daily from Tullamore, Co. Offaly, to a range of peatland sites, where they will engage directly with land managers and subject-matter experts.

Peatland

The IrPS said that peatlands and bogs are a "global phenomen and their management sustains rural communities, contributes to local and national economy and provides renewable energy, while their wildlife and landscape provide a healing balm for the weary".

The way they are managed in Ireland is of "profound interest internationally judging by the fact that people from Malaysia and Canada are prepared to travel thousands of miles to get here to tell their peatland story".

This showcase event will take in visits to the Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin Commonage, Mount Lucas windfarm, Cloncrow Bog, Timahoe solar farm and Derrybrat Bog.

Registration for the event is open online.