Introduction
“It is clear that there is a real crisis in the survival of historic thatch in Ireland and without action it is possible to say that outside of folk museums, very little historic thatch will soon be left. This is ironic considering that thatch in new house construction is fast becoming a status symbol, breaking with recent perceptions of thatch being associated with poverty.A thatched roof is one of the greatest symbols of Irish heritage. “It has long been an icon of rural life in Ireland. The thatched roof was, and still is too many people, the symbol of rural Ireland embodying in a very particular way of local distinctiveness and a true vernacular tradition”. (Environ, Web, 2010)
“The thatched roof was once a common sight in Ireland, not just in the countryside but also in towns and villages. These modest yet aesthetically pleasing buildings, sitting snugly in their surroundings, gave character and identity to their locality. The thatched house is an important part of our vernacular heritage and as such represents the end of a long tradition that goes back to centauries.” (Sleeman, M. 2004 p.2).
It is clear that the use of thatch in Ireland is in huge decline throughout the Irish countryside. In my report I intend to research the history of thatch in Ireland. Focusing on what brought about thatching in Ireland in latter centauries, the type of dwellings that were constructed and materials that were used. I will investigate what is causing the demise in the thatching industry of Ireland and what may be done to improve this body. I will look to draw conclusions from what is being done in other countries to facilitate a revival of the industry in Ireland.
“The thatched roof was once a common sight in Ireland, not just in the countryside but also in towns and villages. These modest yet aesthetically pleasing buildings, sitting snugly in their surroundings, gave character and identity to their locality. The thatched house is an important part of our vernacular heritage and as such represents the end of a long tradition that goes back to centauries.” (Sleeman, M. 2004 p.2).
It is clear that the use of thatch in Ireland is in huge decline throughout the Irish countryside. In my report I intend to research the history of thatch in Ireland. Focusing on what brought about thatching in Ireland in latter centauries, the type of dwellings that were constructed and materials that were used. I will investigate what is causing the demise in the thatching industry of Ireland and what may be done to improve this body. I will look to draw conclusions from what is being done in other countries to facilitate a revival of the industry in Ireland.