Turf/Peat Incense is manufactured by a family run Business in Co. Tipperary in Ireland for the past 18 years. John O Brien, and Joannes Berkery immigrated to Boston after their marriage in 1986. At that time many young Irish people had gone to USA to start a new life.

Joannes and John remained in Boston for 4 years. During their time there they came to value more deeply the ways and traditions of Irish Life. At many Irish gatherings, a sod of turf would be lit and wafted around the room. John added "The aroma of the turf would bring me back to my childhood in Puckane and I would long for home" .

The idea of Irish Turf/Peat Incense was born. After returning home John & Joannes set up a business partnership in 1990. Business studies, planning economics were studied at length. However the biggest work was the manufacturing of the incense sod.

John and his father Paddy O Brien developed the process of incensing this elusive, natural component. Irish Turf Incense was introduced to the Irish market in Jan 1994 on a national TV show: The Late Late Show (then hosted by Gay Byrne) and was hailed as one of the great innovative products of the year.

Irish Turf Incense was introduced to the Irish market in Jan 1994 on a national TV show: The Late Late Show (then hosted by Gay Byrne) and was hailed as one of the great innovative products of the year.

Since 1994 Irish turf/peat incense has been exhibited every year at Showcase Ireland, An internationally recognised trade show selling Irish products to the home market and export. The Gifted Hand has two major markets, selling to Retailers and mail order companies and also direct to the public on this website and by phone. The turf incense range is also exhibited at the Ireland Show New Jersey, Milwaukee Irish Fest and Celtic Marketplace Illinois each year.

Joannes adds "it is remarkable to witness how this small company manufacturing Turf/peat Incense, has withstood all the economic upheavals of the past decade. People worldwide love the scent of a turf fire. It brings them back to their roots and keeps them grounded in theses uncertain times".