Demise of Irish thatching is the last straw

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Archiseek / Ireland / News / 1999 / November 25 1999: Demise of Irish thatching is the last straw

Don't get carried away the next time you spy a traditional thatched cottage or pub - the chances are it is an imposter. It is likely the thatch or reeds were imported from the Czech Republic, Poland or Hungary, and so were the willow rods, which were probably driven into the roof by a thatcher imported from England. You would probably have to travel miles into rural Ireland to find the last genuine examples of an Irish thatched roof. Last week in Athlone, the Heritage Council hosted a oneday seminar on the future of the most powerful symbol of traditional Irish architecture.

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