There's a 9,555-year-old raised bog hidden in County Carlow. And there's a walking trail that connects eleven villages across 100 kilometers, following in the footsteps of a 6th-century Irish monk. What do these two have in common? They're both being preserved, restored, and celebrated by ordinary people, volunteers who somehow find the time to protect the landscape that defines their home.

In this episode, host Alan Swan sits down with two remarkable people dedicated to protecting very different parts of Carlow's landscape. Jules Michael, an artist who got "sucked into the whole world of bogs" when asked to design a poster for the Drummin Bog Project. And Damian Howard, a volunteer with the Friends of Columbanus Myshall working on the Columban Way, a 100-kilometer pilgrimage route.

Their stories reveal something essential: protecting our environment isn't just about conservation. It's about connection, community, heritage, and the deep human need to belong to a place.

About Carlow's Eco Journey:

Carlow's Eco Journey shines a spotlight on the county's vibrant environmental actions quietly taking place, and the inspiring individuals and groups behind them. From conservation efforts and heritage protection to inclusive green initiatives and creative climate solutions, each episode captures the spirit of collaboration and care that defines Carlow's approach to climate action.

Credits:

Produced by Carlow County Council in association with Creative Ireland Hosted by Alan Swan Executive Producer: Dee Sewell (Carlow County Council) Sound Production, Design & Research: SwanMcG. Special thanks to: Carlow County Council Environmental & Climate Action Team, Creative Ireland Carlow & Stakeholders. For more information: https://carlow.ie/