In Bunratty Folk Park a traditional box thresher is being used to provide straw for thatched cottages.
Tom Sheedy Manager of Bunratty Folk Park describes how the threshing machine has a practical use to provide roofing material for the cottages in the park. The folk park still makes use of traditional methods, tools and machinery in the growing and use of straw and grain.
After threshing the wheat grain is ground in an old water mill and the flour made from it is used in the baking of scones and bread over an open fire. The whole process can be seen by visitors to Bunratty Folk Park.
An RTÉ News report broadcast 3 December 1986. The reporter is Michael Walsh.
