Explore the varied and rich cultural heritage of county Mayo.

Traditional open limestone arched fireplace with crane to support hanging skillets / pots for cooking over open fire.

The traditional open hearth had a dual function of heating the house and cooking for the family & animals.

Turf saved and timber / branches gathered by the family was the main source of fuel.

The cooking was done in skillets / pots hanging over the flames from the iron crane. This crane rotated to enable the lady of the house / bean an ti to remove the boiling skillets / pots of potatoes etc from the heat.

These skillets were hung on iron hooks. The fireplace was also used to bake bread and other foods by surrounding pans / pots with the fuel of the day.

Reconstructed from stones excavated from the ruins of the original eviction cottage.

Find out more about Belcarra Eviction Cottage