From architecture to thatching, Wexford woman takes leap of faith
A 29-year-old Wexford woman with a master's degree in architecture is currently one of 14 learners on a thatching course devised by the Heritage Council in partnership with Kilkenny and Carlow Education and Training Board.
Alice Bowler, who is from near Enniscorthy, studied architecture at UCD where she also did her master's degree. After graduation, she worked as an architectural graduate in Cork City for just under two years.
"I always had an interest in vernacular architecture and natural materials and that increased in the last few years, as I learned more about the benefits of breathable buildings, but also that they're kinder to the environment," she explained.
"I also like the heritage element of vernacular buildings and their links to Irish history and folklore. I wanted a break from working at a desk and the chance to work with my hands.
"I see this opportunity to work on-site as really beneficial and it's something you rarely get the opportunity to do as a graduate architect. I also love craft including woodwork and knitting, so the course allows me to pave an alternative route for myself," she said.
A year before applying to the full-time thatching course, which runs in Co. Kilkenny over 10 months, she contacted experienced Wexford thatcher Matt Whelan with an interest in seeing a thatching project up close.
"He put me in touch with Sara Leach, a thatcher in Wexford who is from the US. I met her on-site in Co. Louth in 2023 and fell in love with the craft of thatching,'" Bowler said.
"When this course popped up, I just went for it in a real leap of faith. I didn't have the site experience that a lot of the others in the class, who are all men, had, but everybody has been really encouraging and helpful. I'm loving the course so far.
"Although there are a lot of thatched buildings in Wexford, if I hadn't spoken to Sara, I might not have done the course. It was reassuring and inspiring to know another woman in this niche world. And now that I'm learning how to thatch, I've realised a lot of women would love this craft," she continued.
While some might regard it as a surprising trajectory, Bowler said family and friends didn't see it as strange.
"Everyone has been very supportive and encouraging. The final six-week of the course will be placement which I will do with Sara Leach," she explained.
Thatching brings its challenges, Bowler acknowledged.
"You're outdoors all the time which can be beautiful but can also be difficult. A head for heights helps but you're never up more than two storeys and you're on scaffolding generally," she said.
"I wouldn't be the strongest and I have been at a desk for the last two years so I will have to build up strength.
"It can be hard on your hands but compared to other construction work doesn't involve much heavy lifting. Thatching seems like a real labour of love for those who stick with it."
Looking to the future, Bowler said she'd like to combine these new skills with architecture, and the thatching course is giving her great insight into a form of natural building that is also an ancient craft in Ireland that should be cherished and sustained.
