Thatched houses are one of the most beautiful features of Ireland and we are very fortunate here in Co. Waterford to have many fine examples. I suspect that this is in large part due to the fact that we have a Master Thatcher, Hugh O’Neill, living in the area.
Here are some of the thatched houses in Co. Waterford that I find most appealing:
Thatched pubs tend to be very picturesque and evocative. I am always saddened when I pass one particular thatched pub that I used to frequent which has now fallen into disrepair. It clings to its former glory and shows the extent to which thatched buildings need to be maintained:
Here are some of the thriving thatched pubs in Co. Waterford that have special meaning for me:
The Sweep Bar, Kilmeaden, Co. Waterford.
Hayes’ Bar, Killea, Dunmore East, Co. Waterford
Florrie’s Off-License and The Ritz Bar, Tramore, Co. Waterford.
SOCIAL BRIDGE ~ Jean Tubridy connecting with you from Ireland 
Ah lovely Jean. Wonderful to see al these gathered together. I have a watercolour in progress of The Ritz, its taking me a while to finish it…
Thanks Clare. It’s pretty amazing how many thatched places we have in Co. Waterford, isn’t it? I have to say that I have never, ever been happy with any photograph I have taken of the The Ritz so I can’t even begin to imagine trying to capture its essence in watercolour. I’m sure you’ll do it the justice it deserves!
I just adore thatched things and am lucky to frequently pass through Adare in County Limerick that has a number of thatched houses in the main street. So sad to see the pub you love falling into disrepair, but on the other hand, your image of a thatched modern looking house with conservatory does not sit well with me! I understand that all thatched buildings in Ireland are protected structures – even long after the roof has caved in. We have one such here in my local village,… roofless, A lovely post that I enjoyed a lot – thanks a million!
Hi SV, many thanks for writing. Yes, I have great memories of Adare and the stunning thatched houses there. Time to make a return visit, I think!
I can see where you are coming from about the modern thatched house BUT it has lots of character and you should see its location ~ overlooking the sea.
I’m just hoping that the pub in disrepair can be saved as it is a wonderful building ~ also in a very historic location.
Lovely post Jean – I hope someone decides to renovate that pub if it’s not too late. We have very few proper thatched roofs over here and I believe they need to get a mainland tradesman in from time to time to keep them in good order.
Oh, I hope so too, Roy! It was a wonderful place ~ quite near Mount Congreve ~ and seemed to have ‘it all’ in terms of character and ‘fare.’
I haven’t heard the term ‘mainland’ for a while now! Maybe our man here in Waterford would be happy to work on the thatched places in Jersey. He’s a genius!
I fell in love with thatched roofs in South Africa, where I saw them for the first time. I was just amazed at their function and beauty. I am particularly enamoured of the lovely yellow house.
How interesting, Suz, that it was in South Africa that you first ‘met’ with thatched roofs!
Yes, the yellow house is a true gem!
So beautiful just how I remember it.
Thanks Willow.
🙂
It’s a part of our heritage I hope we always hold onto and yet, I have every sympathy for people who live under thatch. There must be mice in there too….
Hi RH, how interesting that you view thatched houses as you do. I’ve always yearned to live in one. (I hadn’t thought of the mice aspect, but no doubt they have found a way of dealing with them after all the centuries!)