Skilled Water Reed Thatchers Wanted. More details here.

Trainee Roof Thatcher / Thatching Labourer

Thatching Ireland

Nationwide (based in the Midlands; work throughout Ireland)Thatching Ireland is looking for a reliable trainee thatcher or labourer to join our water-reed thatching crew. We thatch houses, cottages, pubs, heritage buildings, garden structures and new builds across Ireland, using traditional and contemporary reed methods. If you see a thatched roof in Ireland, it could well have been done by us.This is a hands-on role. You will learn the craft on live roofs while supporting the team with labouring, site work and material handling. No previous thatching experience is required. A strong work ethic, fitness for outdoor work at height, and a willingness to stay away during the week are essential.

The work

  • Assist thatchers with water-reed thatching, ridging, repairs and maintenance
  • Carry, stack and prepare reed, hazel scallops and other materials
  • Help strip old thatch, prepare roof structures and keep the site tidy
  • Work from scaffolding and roofs in all weather
  • Load and unload tools, materials and equipment
  • Follow health and safety instructions at all times
  • Learn traditional and contemporary reed-thatching methods on the job

Working pattern

  • Full-time, Monday to Friday
  • Work takes place on sites across Ireland
  • You will stay away during the week
  • Accommodation is provided
  • Home at weekends (unless otherwise agreed for a particular job)

 

Who we are looking for:

Essential:

  • Physically fit and comfortable working outdoors and at height
  • Reliable, punctual and able to take instruction
  • Willing to stay away from home during the week
  • Full, clean driving licence an advantage (not essential)
  • Right to work in Ireland

Desirable:

  • Construction, roofing, farming, landscaping or other outdoor labouring experience
  • Scaffolding, manual handling or working-at-height training
  • Interest in heritage crafts, traditional buildings or sustainable materials

Training, PPE and tools will be provided. This is a genuine chance to learn a scarce traditional skill with a company that has been thatching across Ireland since the early 2000s.

Pay and conditions:

  • Competitive hourly / weekly rate, depending on experience
  • Accommodation provided during the working week
  • PPE and tools supplied
  • Overtime by arrangement
  • Opportunity to progress from labourer to trained thatcher

How to apply:

Send a short note about yourself, any relevant experience, and a CV if you have one to:

mike@thatchingireland.com 

Subject line:

Trainee Thatcher / Labourer

Website: https://thatchingireland.com

INVITATION TO TENDER / REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS


Supply of Skilled Roof Thatchers (Labour Only)
Issued by: Thatching Ireland
Website: thatchingireland.com
Company Registration (Ireland): 763899
Date of Issue: 3 August 2026
 

 
1. Introduction

Thatching Ireland is a specialist water-reed thatching contractor operating throughout the island of Ireland (North and South). With over 20 years’ experience, the company undertakes traditional and contemporary thatching, ridge work, repairs, maintenance and re-thatching on cottages, heritage buildings, new builds and other structures, using high-quality water reed exclusively. 

Due to ongoing demand across multiple sites, Thatching Ireland invites applications from skilled roof thatchers (individuals or small teams) for short-term labour-only contracts.
 

 

2. Scope of Services Required

  1. Supply of fully skilled, experienced water-reed roof thatchers capable of carrying out traditional and contemporary thatching, ridging, repairs, stripping, preparation and related work to professional standards.
  2. Work is performed exclusively with water reed to a typical finished thickness of approximately 14 inches (350 mm).
  3. Labour only – all materials, scaffolding (where provided by Thatching Ireland), and principal tools will be supplied by the Company. Thatchers are expected to bring personal hand tools.
  4. Willingness to work long hours, in all weather conditions, and weekends as required. Flexibility essential.
  5. Work locations: various sites throughout Ireland (Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland). Travel between sites is required.

 


 

3. Contract Details

  • Type: Short-term contracts (duration variable according to project needs; typically measured in weeks or months per engagement).
  • Nature: Labour-only.
  • Remuneration: Hourly rate (to be agreed based on experience and demonstrated skill; competitive rates offered).
  • Included:
    – Accommodation within Ireland for the duration of each engagement.
    – Transport within Ireland (to/from sites and between jobs as arranged by Thatching Ireland).
  • Trial period essential for all successful applicants.
  • Contracts may be short-term or extended by mutual agreement subject to performance and ongoing work availability.

 


 

4. Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must:

  • Be skilled and experienced in water-reed thatching (traditional and/or contemporary methods).
  • Be physically capable of roof work, including working at height in outdoor conditions.
  • Be willing and able to travel throughout Ireland and work flexible hours, including weekends and all weather.
  • Hold any necessary personal protective equipment and basic personal tools.
  • Provide evidence of relevant experience (references, photos of previous work, or CV preferred).
  • Be available for a trial period.

 

Self-employed status or employment arrangements will be confirmed on appointment. Applicants must have the legal right to work in Ireland.

 


 

5. How to Apply

Interested parties should submit:

  1. A brief covering note or letter of application outlining experience, availability, and expected hourly rate.
  2. Curriculum Vitae or summary of relevant thatching experience.
  3. Contact details and any supporting evidence (photographs of completed work, references, etc.).

 

Submit applications by email to:

mike@thatchingireland.com (mailto:mike@thatchingireland.com)

Subject line: Application – Skilled Roof Thatcher (Labour Only)

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange a trial or further discussion.

 


 
6. Further Information
 
For queries regarding this invitation, please email mike@thatchingireland.com. Responses will be provided as soon as practicable.
 
Thatching Ireland is based primarily in the Midlands of Ireland and Donegal but operates nationwide and is frequently on the road.
 

 

7. Important Notes

  • This is an invitation to apply / request for expressions of interest and does not constitute a formal offer of employment or contract.
  • Thatching Ireland reserves the right to accept or reject any application, to negotiate terms, and to award contracts to one or more applicants at its sole discretion.
  • No commitment is made to any minimum volume of work.
  • All work is subject to weather, client requirements, and operational needs.
  • Successful applicants will be required to comply with site health & safety requirements and any reasonable instructions from Thatching Ireland supervisors.

 


 
Thatching Ireland
thatchingireland.com
Email: mike@thatchingireland.com
Skilled Water Reed Thatchers Wanted – Short-term contracts available.

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