School: Páirc na gCrann (roll number 16042)

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1. Old Houses (continued)

   

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   square in it.

   The fire was seldom in the corner but never at the side-wall. It was at the gable-wall. Where the stones were obtainable the front of the chimney was made of stone sometimes there was a hole in the roof to let out the smoke and at other times it went out the door. The people had no glass for the windows. When the wind was blowing very hard, clothes were put in the window. The floor was made of soil. When timber was plentiful in Ireland wood was used for fire wood. Later this was replaced by turf.

   Bog-deal splinters were used for for giving light. After a time rush-lights were used instead. Tallow candles came into use next and later wax candles. Gas, oil and electricity were not known then. Candles were made often. Those who made them had a mould. To the bottom of this they attached a wick, melted fat was then poured in to the mould and left to set. This was a dangerous kind of candle as the wicks had to be clipped when lighting. If not, it was in danger of setting a fire.

   

   Transcribed by a member of our volunteer transcription project.

   History Edit

   Topics

   1. earraí
      1. struchtúir de dhéantús an duine
         1. foirgnimh
            1. an teach cónaithe (~2,723)

   Language

   English

   Collector

   Micheál Ó Beodhláin

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   67

   Occupation

   Teacher

   Address

   Barr na hEiscire, Co. Mhaigh Eo

   Informant

   Richard Boland

   Gender

   Male

   Age

   13

   Address

   Barr na hEiscire, Co. Mhaigh Eo