From The Banshees of Inisherin to The Quiet Man, thatched cottages are as much part of Ireland’s pop culture as its vernacular heritage. Like the returning swallows, each summer examples get listed on portals, but just who is buying these traditional homes?
The thatched cottage is as much an emblem of Ireland as the harp and the shamrock.
As a touchpoint to our an béal bocht past, Irish buyers don’t hold the property style in the same esteem as overseas buyers, who are drawn to the dwellings like catnip.
What’s the allure?
“They're just a lovely, traditional place to live,” explains Cianan Duff of estate agents Savills.
“Generally, they're for people on their own, or a couple -- you usually wouldn't sell to families.”
While they look beautiful, the John Hinde postcard company made a fortune from this vision of Ireland in the mid-century; many buyers are put off by their roof upkeep costs, high insurance premiums, and the fact that many lenders won't grant mortgages for them.
There are barriers to buying, Duff admits.
“Lenders aren't really keen on lending for thatched cottages. You only end up selling to a cash-funded buyer.”
Most are listed, either on Buildings of Ireland: National Inventory of Architectural Heritage or on Record of Protected Structures of our city and county councils.
Insurance can be difficult to obtain. The Heritage Council has a list of nice brokers that do cover this type of property here.
Another issue is that the thatch needs to be redone every couple of decades.
The number of thatchers in Ireland is dwindling, says Duff, who adds that buyers can expect to pay between €15,000 and €25,000 for a full rethatch.
Like the return of the swallows each summer, thatched cottages appear for sale on property portals.
Here are three postcard-pretty examples:
Create a buzz in Co Donegal
Address: Bumblebee Cottage, Largysillagh, Co Donegal, F94 HY43
Estate Agent: Savills
Price: €455,000
Set on a picturesque backdrop that offers elevated and panoramic views of Fintra Beach and Donegal Bay, this 1860s-built thatched cottage has stood the test of time over the last 160 years.
The home has kept much of its original character and form, which includes a scallop-thatched rye straw roof that was re-thatched nine years ago.
The whitewash charm of the exterior continues inside.
The kitchen contains bespoke shaker-style cabinetry while a sandstone chimney piece anchors the room.
Extending to 54 square metres and just five minutes from the beach, agents Savills is seeking €455,000 for this two-bedroom, one-bathroom property, which has a G BER rating.
A labour of love by architect-owner in Connemara
Address: Darby's Cottage, Baile Eamon, An Spidéal, Co Galway H91 VR6P
Estate Agent: Sherry Fitzgerald Galway
Asking Price: €550,000
Immaculately restored by its Italian architect owner, Darby's Cottage, in the heart of Galway's Gaeltacht, An Spidéal, retains all its 125-year-old charm.
Built in 1902 and set on just over two acres of picturesque countryside, 1.5 kilometres outside the village, the two-bedroom, two-bathroom property boasts modern comforts, including underfloor heating, which warms the Liscannor tiled floors.
Its owner enlisted the help of master thatcher Paul Johnson to help bring the property back to life.
The principal bedroom is en suite and downstairs while the second double is upstairs under a pitched and timber-panelled roof.
Sherry Fitzgerald Galway is seeking €550,000 for this F BER-rated property, which includes a separate garage and shed, which is plumbed and used as a utility space.
Idyllic 400-year-old farmhouse, Co Louth
Address: The Cottage, Newtown, Monasterboice, Co. Louth, A92 F856
Estate Agent: Savills
Price: €595,000
With a whitewashed facade, this three-bedroom, two-bathroom Co Louth house is 400-years-old.
Oozing with character, with vaulted ceilings and exposed timber beams, a farmhouse kitchen that's centred around a traditional range and open-hearth fireplace, and Liscannor slab floors throughout the ground floor.
The house, which extends to 150 square meters, has two staircases, one leading up to two of its three double bedrooms, which are all under the thatch.
The principal bedroom is accessed through a second set of stairs from the study, which is off the living room.
Savills is seeking €595,000 for the BER-exempt property.
