Tin lantern

Made by Patrick McDonagh, Co Roscommon

This tin lantern was made by Patrick McDonagh - ‘heir apparent’ to the kinship of the McDonaghs of Roscommon and adjoining counties. In 1950, Patrick McDonagh took up his tinsmith tools to make this lantern especially for the Museum. He had stopped making lanterns in the 1930s.

Tin lanterns were used to hold a candle and to protect it from being blown out while being carried. Used in a time before electricity, they were essential in any home and are also objects of great beauty.  

They are made from tinned iron. The best type of tin is bright and shiny. However, sometimes, for example during wars, only lesser quality tin-sheets were available.