Skilled Water Reed Thatchers Wanted. More details here.

Roof Thatching Jobs in Ireland

Current Openings

Skilled Water Reed Thatcher (View Details).

Labour Only Contracts (Skilled Water Reed Thatchers) – (View Details).

 

Occasional Opportunities

From time to time we may take on a trainee roof thatcher. You are welcome to send in your application where it will be kept on file. 

We may contact you if a suitable position arises.

Trainee Roof Thatcher (View Details).

 

A few tips/notes before you apply

***Non-Smokers will take preference for all of our employment opportunities. We strive for a healthy and fire-safe workplace.

***If you enjoy gazing at your phone all day then please stay away. 

***We embrace shite-talkers as the days are long, and free on-site entertainment is good. As long as you can work and shite-talk concurrently you will fit in well.

***If you are quiet and industrious then you are also very welcome.

***We endeavour to work four ten-hour days then have a three day weekend. This is an aspiration as the weather and other things can, and do, get in the way. Based upon this information you will potentially be staying away three nights per week (Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights – head home Thursday night, back on Monday morning), all going well. 

You are responsible for your travel to work on Monday morning, and to your home on Thursday night. We do not provide accommodation on non-work nights.

If we work from Monday morning until Thursday evening then accommodation is provided on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights only, unless by prior agreement. 

These tips/notes may be edited/added to.

Updated: 05/10/2026

Trainee Roof Thatcher

Thatching Ireland

€17.50–€19 per hour gross, depending on skills and experience

Nationwide (based in the Midlands; work throughout Ireland).

Thatching Ireland is looking for a reliable trainee thatcher 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
  • 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 trainee thatcher 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

Website: https://thatchingireland.com

Full-Time Roof Thatcher

 

Thatching Ireland | thatchingireland.com


€20–€28 per hour gross, depending on skills and experience

Thatching Ireland is looking for a skilled water-reed roof thatcher to join the team on either a full-time basis, or a fixed term contract. 

We are a specialist water-reed thatching company with more than 20 years’ experience. We work throughout Ireland on cottages, heritage buildings, pubs, garden structures and new builds, using traditional and contemporary methods. 

All thatching is done exclusively with water reed, typically to a finished depth of 14 inches (350 mm). We source our own material and take pride in clean, durable work. The company is based in the Midlands, but the work is nationwide. You will be on the road most of the time.

The role

  • Traditional and contemporary water-reed thatching
  • Ridging and ridge replacement
  • Repairs, stripping, preparation and re-thatching
  • Eaves, barges, flashing and finishing work
  • Site preparation, material handling and keeping a tidy, safe site
  • Working from scaffolding and roofs in all weathers 

This is hands-on roof work. You will need to be physically fit, comfortable at height, and able to produce work to a professional standard.

Who we are looking for

Essential

  • Proven skill and experience in water-reed thatching
  • Ability to work to a high standard with limited supervision
  • Fitness for outdoor work at height in all weather
  • Willingness to travel throughout Ireland and stay away during the week
  • Legal right to work in Ireland

 

Desirable

  • Experience of both traditional and contemporary reed methods
  • Own basic personal hand tools
  • Full, clean driving licence
  • References and photographs of completed work

 

A short trial period will apply.

Pay and conditions

  • €20–€28 per hour gross, depending on skills and experience
  • Full-time
  • Accommodation provided during the working week
  • Transport within Ireland arranged as part of the job
  • PPE supplied; principal tools and materials supplied
  • Opportunity for steady work across a full book of thatching, ridging, repair and new-build projects

 

How to apply

Email Mike with a short covering note, your experience, availability and expected rate, plus a CV and any photos or references of completed work.

mike@thatchingireland.com 

Subject line: Full-Time Roof Thatcher

Applications will be reviewed as they come in.

Suitable candidates will be contacted to arrange a conversation and a trial.

Thatching Ireland
Registered in Ireland No. 763899
thatchingireland.com

INVITATION TO TENDER / REQUEST FOR APPLICATIONS (Teams)

APPLICATIONS CLOSED


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. You will be kept on file and may be contacted with offers.
 

 

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. Example Rate: From €70 per square metre – work will be critiqued).
  • 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 square 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.

 


APPLICATIONS CLOSED

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

Roof Thatching Workshops

Not sure if Roof Thatching is for you? Try before you commit. Attend a Roof Thatching Workshop. These Roof Thatching Workshops are designed for complete beginners and the simply curious.

They are relaxed, supportive and hands-on — perfect if you want to experience a traditional craft, deepen your appreciation of Irish vernacular skills, or discover whether thatching is a path you’d like to explore further.

Visit Thatch.Boglands.ie for more information, available dates, and online booking.

Need Thatching Tools? Visit ThatchingTools.ie

If you have any questions do email, or use the comment form below.

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These Roof Thatching Workshops are designed for complete beginners and the simply curious.

They are relaxed, supportive and hands-on — perfect if you want to experience a traditional craft, deepen your appreciation of Irish vernacular skills, or discover whether thatching is a path you’d like to explore further.

Visit Thatch.Boglands.ie for more information, available dates, and online booking.