The village of Knockcroghery in County Roscommon, Ireland, was famous for almost 300 years for the production of clay pipes or "Dudeens".

They were particularly popular at "wakes", where trays of tobacco filled pipes, Guinness and Whiskey were laid out for mourners. The production of the pipes ceased abruptly on the 19th June 1921 when the village was burned down by the Black and Tans during the War of Independence.

The craft of claypipe making is now revived on the original site of Curley's claypipe factory, using the original tools, moulds and methods used for almost 300 years.

These authentic craft-pieces are uniquely Irish and may be smoked or simply admired for their cultural significance. Traditionally, before the shank of the claypipe was dipped into some Guinness or Whiskey. This scaled the mouthpiece and imparted a good flavour to the clay.

The Wake
The Claypipe was an essential part of the wake. Families prided themselves on the size of the wake, which lasted two days and two nights.

As soon as the person had died, relatives or friends went to buy the funeral expenses which included a half barrel of porter, a gallon of whiskey, claret, snuff, claypipes, tobacco, tea, jam, four pound loaves and candles.

The corpse was laid out on the kitchen table. Sheets were often arranged to form a canopy above the bed. Later this custom fell into misuser and the dead person was laid out on a bed. Five candles were then placed on a small table at the head of the bed and were lit. All the candles were kept lighting at night but during the day only one or two remained lit.

The grieving family were never left alone day or night while the corpse was in the house. People attended 'The Corp House' during the day and 'The Wake' at night. Married women attended the corp house while single women and men went to the wake. Snuff was placed on a saucer on the breast of the dead person.

Women drank whiskey or punch made from claret while men drank porter. Near relatives and those who had come a long distance had tea. At midnight the rosary was said.

A wake would not be a proper wake without claypipes. A gross or more was bought and filled with a cheap twist tobacco. Pipes were passed out to everyone at the wake. As a pipe was taken it was customary to say "Lord have mercy". Thus the pipe became known as a "Lord ha' mercy".