Irish Turf Candle vs Irish Peat Incense – Which One’s Right for You?
By Dawn, Founder of Tenfire
There’s something unmistakably Irish about the scent of burning turf. It’s earthy, comforting, and for many, deeply nostalgic—like stepping into a grandparent’s cottage in the west or walking into a pub with a real fire burning in the hearth. At Tenfire, we offer two ways to bring that familiar scent home: our Irish Turf Candle, made with a natural essential oil blend, and our Irish Peat Incense, crafted from real turf.
They both honour the same tradition, but the experience they offer is quite different. If you’re trying to choose between them, here’s what you need to know.
TL;DR – Turf Candle or Peat Incense?
- Turf Candle: Long-lasting with a gentle, warming scent. Made using essential oils to evoke the feeling of a turf fire—without the smoke.
- Peat Incense: Bolder, smokier, and more traditional—made using real Irish turf for an authentic aroma.
- Best For: Candles are perfect for a soft, everyday scent. Incense offers a moment of Irish ritual and a stronger scent experience.
Still unsure? Many of our customers in the US use the candle for everyday cosiness, and save the incense for those moments when they really want to feel back in Ireland.
What Is Irish Turf?
Turf (known in the US as peat) is a traditional Irish fuel. It’s formed from ancient plant material found in bogs, cut into bricks, and dried for burning. For generations, it’s warmed Irish homes and cottages, filling them with a distinctive smoky scent that many of us associate with family, heritage, and the Irish countryside.
It’s that very scent that inspired these two products.
Irish Turf Candle – Subtle, Safe, and Scented by Nature
- ✅ Clean, long-lasting burn
- ✅ Made with essential oils (not synthetic fragrance)
- ✅ Flame adds warmth and comfort
- ✅ Great for smaller rooms or sensitive noses
Irish Peat Incense – Real Turf, Real Smoke
- ✅ Made with real turf
- ✅ Smoky and intense
- ✅ No open flame—just smouldering scent
- ✅ Ideal for setting a scene or marking a moment
What’s the Difference?
| Irish Turf Candle | Irish Peat Incense | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | Soy wax | Real Irish turf |
| Scent Source | Essential oil blend | Real smoke |
| Burn Time | ~30 - 40 hours | ~30 minutes |
| Use | Everyday ambiance | Ritual moments or deep scent |
| Mess | None | Light ash |
Pros and Cons
Turf Candle
- ✅ Safer for homes with kids/pets
- ✅ Subtle and consistent scent
- ✅ No ash or cleanup
- ❌ Less intense than the real smoke of burning turf
Peat Incense
- ✅ Real turf = real nostalgia
- ✅ Deeper, smokier aroma
- ✅ Compact and portable
- ❌ Can be too strong for small or enclosed spaces
- ❌ Leaves ash behind
So, Which One Should You Choose?
Want a calm, subtle Irish scent in the background? Go for the Turf Candle. It’s safe, stylish, and softly scented.
Craving that authentic smell of a peat fire? The Peat Incense will take you right back to the Irish countryside.
Gifting someone with Irish roots? Either will make them smile—but pairing both gives them the best of both worlds.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re in Boston, Belfast, or somewhere in between, both of these products help you reconnect with that familiar Irish scent. Our Irish Turf Candle brings warmth and subtlety with every flicker. Our Peat Incense brings the smoke and nostalgia, just like the fireside.
Can’t pick? Light the candle, then burn the incense. Layer them. Mix them. Make a ritual of it. However you use them, you’re bringing Ireland home.
