Butter Churn

The cream was poured into a Churn and agitated until the butter was made. Churns came in various shapes and sizes. The tall Dash Churn was worked by plunging the dash up and down, while a handle at the side worked the table-top Barrel Churn. Small glass churns were also available.


 
The Dash Churn Small Glass Churn
 

Visitors who called to the house while butter was being made were expected to take a turn at churning. There were many piseógs (Irish : charms and spells) associated with butter-making. It was widely believed that the butter could be stolen by a local ‘hag’ using magic, especially during the month of May.

 
 
Staff from Muckross Traditional Farms demonstrate the art of Butter-making.