Preserving Irish Heritage, Why does it Matter?

‘A Letter from Pat in America' (c.1902) - Library of Congress: stereo.1s28039.

As the new year opens, Friends of An Taisce is working to support An Taisce, the National Trust for Ireland, to find a property in Ireland that embodies the heritage and history of our ancestors, and that is in danger of being lost forever. Although many avenues for the Heritage Properties Redevelopment Program are being explored, one of our focal points is to get to the heart of our ancestral connections, by preserving and supporting the Traditional Thatched Cottages our relatives left behind so long ago, and are on the cusp of being forgotten forever. Our aim is to find a traditional cottage that we will help to save, to renovate using traditional skills, and have you follow along with the story. We will launch our campaign to support Traditional Thatched Irish Cottages soon, but here is why we think these cottages matter, and ask that you support us by following, liking, and sharing our content as far and wide as possible:

Why Ireland’s Thatched Cottages Matter – Preserving Irish Heritage for Future Generations

Ireland’s traditional thatched cottages are among the most iconic and meaningful symbols of Irish heritage. Recognized worldwide for their charm and authenticity, these historic buildings represent centuries of vernacular architecture, traditional craftsmanship, and cultural identity. Today, however, Ireland’s thatched cottages are disappearing at an alarming rate, placing an irreplaceable part of Ireland’s built heritage at risk.

A Living Tradition of Irish Vernacular Architecture

Thatched cottages are a cornerstone of Ireland’s vernacular architecture. Built using local materials such as straw, reed, stone, and lime, these structures evolved in response to regional landscapes, farming traditions, and climate. Each thatched roof reflects generations of traditional skills passed down through families and communities, making every surviving cottage a living record of Irish rural life.

Why Ireland’s Thatched Cottages Are Under Threat

Despite their cultural importance, historic thatched cottages face significant challenges. Rising maintenance costs, difficulty securing insurance, a shortage of skilled thatchers, and limited access to traditional materials have all contributed to their decline. Many historic thatched roofs remain hidden beneath corrugated metal or modern coverings, masking heritage that could still be conserved.

Beyond Nostalgia: Thatch as Sustainable Built Heritage

While often romanticised by visitors and the Irish diaspora, thatched cottages are increasingly recognised as living heritage rather than relics of the past. Thatch is a renewable, environmentally sustainable material, and its conservation supports biodiversity, traditional land management, and low-impact construction. Preserving thatch also ensures the survival of traditional Irish building crafts.

Why Irish American’s Have a Vital Role to Play

For Irish-Americans, thatched cottages are powerful symbols of ancestry, emigration, and identity. These buildings connect diaspora communities to the landscapes their families left behind. Supporting the preservation of Ireland’s thatched cottages allows Irish-Americans to protect a shared cultural heritage and ensure its survival for future generations on both sides of the Atlantic.

How Friends of An Taisce is helping Protect Irish Heritage

Friends of An Taisce supports the mission of An Taisce – The National Trust for Ireland by protecting Ireland’s natural and built heritage. Conservation of traditional thatched cottages aligns directly with this mission, helping to safeguard rural landscapes, sustain traditional skills, and preserve Ireland’s cultural identity.

How you Can Help Preserve Ireland’s Thatched Cottages

Friends of An Taisce invites supporters in the United States to take action. You can help by supporting Friends of An Taisce, advocating for the protection of Irish vernacular heritage, raising awareness of traditional crafts, and engaging with our heritage campaigns and events. Together, we can ensure Ireland’s thatched cottages remain part of a living, evolving cultural landscape.

Preserving Ireland’s thatched cottages is about more than architecture. It is about protecting Irish heritage, supporting sustainable traditional crafts, and maintaining authentic cultural landscapes. With transatlantic support from the Irish-American community, Friends of An Taisce is helping ensure that this unique element of Ireland’s built heritage survives for generations to come.