Irish Thatched Cottages: A Living Tradition

A celebration of Irish thatch.

The picturesque, white-washed thatched cottage is an iconic emblem of Ireland.

The tradition reaches back in history to the ancient crannóg and one-roomed labourers’ cottages. Beautiful examples of this still-living craft can be found all over the island, from bustling urban centres and quiet country roads to the wild coasts of the west.

Since moving into a thatched cottage several years ago, Emma Byrne has become fascinated by thatched houses and the craft behin...