Houses in Olden Times

transcribed at

Houses in Olden Times  [duchas:4353070]

448
Houses in olden times
The thatch of the houses long ago was straw which they used to grow There used to be oak rafters. There was one rafter in top called the mullac and ones on the sides there were slats going from rafter to rafter called na taoibháin.
The top of the chimney over the thatch was made of slats. First there were four poles fixed; then there were little boards from pole to pole. It was plastered with morter and white washed.
The walls were made of morter and stone
There was a bed in the kitchen called a hag or a "calleac."

Houses in Olden Times  [duchas:4353071]

449
There used to be two doors Inside the door in the night they used to have a bolt called the maide éamainn they also used to have a mat of straw
The fire they had was of heard turf
They used to have rushes steeped in tallow for lights.
John J. Coen,
Robeen, Hollymount. Co. Mayo.
Got rom, Mrs Kate Coen. (53)
Robeen, Hollymount