For research on my novel, we toured the Heritage Award Winner, Kerry Bog Village in Killarney for the authentic Irish village and cottages. On my last trip in 2002 we toured Bunratty Folk Park.
Photos are a terrific research tool, but I value firsthand experience even more. Getting the scope of things in their setting helps me envision scenes and chapters better. Entering the various homes in this village put me inside it with the sounds, aromas, and natural lighting.
In the photos here, I showcased the turf cutter’s dwelling. The roof consists of river reed thatch from riverbanks and wetlands.
Bog scraw is used to insulate the ceiling, and turf, peat, was used to heat the cottage.
The uneven flooring is flagstone. In the 18th and 19th centuries, large families lived in small dwellings.
They shared a single bed or slept on folding beds.
#2 is next week.
sparrow.world 
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