A windy day is no day for thatching! Ní hé lá na gaoithe lá na scoilbe!

Houses were typically built by the families that lived in them. It took about a month to put on a thatched roof that if well done would last about twenty years. Animals frequently slept under the thatching. When a huge downpour came, the animals would slide off the roofs thus the expression "it's raining cats and dogs". Plaster was put over walls made of rough stones to keep out the damp. The whole house was then covered with white wash (a thick paint). If there were a floor it was made of big flat stones set on the bare ground. Windows were taxed so Dutch doors were often used instead to let light in and keep animals out. Candles or lanterns were used to light the rooms at night. The home was heated by burning turf in a big open fire place called a hearth. The hearth was also used to cook meals and to heat water brought in from a well for cooking, washing, and bathing. The man of the house had the first privilege of getting in the bath tub full of hot water, then the sons, men, women and finally the children - last of all the babies. The water was so dirty by then you could actually loose someone in it, thus the expression "don't throw the baby out with the bath water" G. Price 05- 11- 2005
- WELCOME
- CELTIC
- TRAVEL
- GENEALOGY
- TYRONE
- FERMANAGH
  - STRANAFELY
    - HOMESTEAD
    - JORDAN
    - THE SCHOOL
  - AGHAVEA
  - AGHALURCHER
  - LISNASKEA
  - BROOKEBORO
  - ENNISKILLEN
  - FAMILY ALBUM
  - BILIOGRAPHY
  - GUESTBOOK 11