The Old Thatch Public House, situated on the Donore Road, Drogheda is a mud walled vernacular thatched structure constructed circa 1840 and later extended during the remainder of the 19^th century.

In use as a public house for over 150 years, it is a popular landmark along the Donore Road. A familiar characteristic of the building is not alone the old thatched roof but the projecting entrance porches with painted clay animal figures standing guard over the entrance doors.

One of the last two remaining thatch cottages in Drogheda, the ‘Thatch Pub’ is currently undergoing repair and restoration works to the external fabric of the building. 

The ongoing restoration works are at an advanced stage and have involved a number of skilled craftspeople engaging with traditional building techniques.    

An extensive survey of the existing fabric of the external walls was carried out by Mud and Wood/Roots Architecture who specialise in mud walling.  Collapsing sections of mud walls were reconstructed using cob blocks. Lime render/plaster is to be applied to these new sections to protect the walls from the natural elements. Whitewashing will complete the current works to the exterior walls. 

The re-thatching of the roof is progressing well under the direction of local Master Thatcher, Peter Childs. Serious structural issues with the roof had to be resolved before re-thatching could be undertaken. In so far as practical, all existing timbers were retained and additional timbers added to ensure the structural stability of the roof.

It is hoped the next phase will move onto the interior of the building. Proposals are being drawn up for potential future uses to put this building back into active use. Subject to obtaining the necessary approval(s) from local authority this will hopefully ensure the survival and enjoyment of the ‘Thatch Pub’ for future generations to come.