The cottage is named after Patrick Ryan, a poet who lived in Camross between 1750 and 1825. He wrote about the natural beauty and the people of this community. The absolute simplicity of Irish cottages is what makes them beautiful. The stone walls and thatched roofs look completely at home in the countryside, just as this cottage nestles into its flower garden in the heart of Camross.

Although it seems cottages have been around forever, they are a relatively recent occurrence dating back to around the 1700’s.

The materials used varied from region to region. Stone would predominantly be used in coastal and rocky areas, muddy clay in the midlands and even turf in boggy areas. Most cottages were one storey high and one room wide. The windows and doors were located on the side walls, with a chimney stack along the roof. The walls of the cottage were built of local stone or mud, the roof was thatched with reeds or straw.

People both worked and relaxed near the kitchen hearth. They used the crane to hoist pots of food for cooking over the open fire. Near the warmth of the fire, families sewed, knitted and mended clothes and tools.