Hi Walter .. Yes, the thatching in the photo is wonderful.  Although the roof is now slate covered, my cousin remembers tying bundles of the thatching material back in her childhood.  I think she referred to them as "scallops".

Hi Walter, sorry I missed your IM. I was logged in but I was out walking our dog. Glad you liked the Aran Isles video. That's the same thing I thought when I first saw it, that's why I posted it here.

Hi Walter ..

You're probably right about the scallops. 

Is there anything more beautiful than a well thatched roof?  It's a dying art form, sadly. 

Thanks for getting touch!