Fire devastates iconic Donegal tourist attraction

RTÉ News​

04-05-2025

A fire has destroyed two thirds of the iconic Doagh Famine Village on the Inishowen peninsula, one of the north west's most famous tourist attractions.
Gardaí and fire services attended the scene of the blaze at Doagh Famine Village about 4pm yesterday evening. No one was injured in the incident and foul play is not suspected.
The Doagh Famine Village tells the story of an Irish family living through famine times up until the present day.
The owner of the outdoor museum, Pat Doherty told RTÉ News the fire damaged about two thirds of the centre.
The fire destroyed the replicas of an Orange Hall and the Republican safe house as well as the building which told the story of the travelling community in Ireland and another building which told the story of the famine.
Four units of firefighters attended the scene. Mr Doherty thanked the fire service, gardaí and the local community for the efforts to help save the iconic tourist attraction.
He said local farmers brought diggers and any equipment they saw fit to help save the iconic tourist attraction.
Mr Doherty said the thatched buildings did not have insurance cover and it will be difficult to reopen, given the investment that will be needed.
"The buildings weren't insured because they were thatched. Even if we could get insurance for the thatch - we couldn't afford to stay open. We stayed open from the income we received at the door.
"We had a public liability policy, but we had no insurance cover for content and roofs. We took the risk. It will be a hard job to reopen again in the same way next year. It will take massive money and investment.
"The centre was self-sustaining and that is rare for a museum at present. We were multi-denominational and that made it unique."
Mr Doherty said they hosted prisoners' groups, loyalists and republican groups during the peace process.
"Both sides sat down here and talked. They always said what they learnt from their visits that one side has the same problems as the other side - those visits brought people together."
Mr Doherty lived with his family in one of the thatched dwellings, which is now on display in the outdoor museum, until 1984.
The Doagh Famine Village project began in 1997. The guided tours took visitors on a journey through life in Ireland through the eyes of the local community, showing how families lived from the Great Famine in the 1840s to the present day.
A combination of informative story telling from the guides and life size exhibits provides a thought-provoking and at time humorous look at Irish life.
During a visit to the museum, visitors could also learn about the peace process in Northern Ireland.
Some of the Doagh Famine Village's buildings include replicas of an Orange Hall, a Presbyterian Meeting House, a Mass Rock, a Hedge School and a Republican Safe House.
Other buildings house information on the Traveller community's culture and other Irish traditions such as food, cures and the Irish wake.
The replica of an Orange Hall and a safe house which displayed information on the peace process were destroyed in the fire. Items about the Traveller community, including caravans, were also burnt.
The museum has been shut down for the foreseeable. In a post on its website, Doagh Famine Village said: "Due to circumstances outside of our control Doagh Famine Village will be closed until further notice."
The post also said: "If you have booked tickets to visit us, please contact us for a full refund. We apologise for any inconvenience and thank you all for your kind understanding at this time.".
Messages of support have been published online from across the north west.
The Ballyliffin Hotel said they were deeply saddened to learn of the fire at Doagh Famine Village.
The hotel said the famine village brought history to life and welcomed countless visitors over the years, contributing greatly to tourism in Ballyliffin.
They added that the local community will do everything possible to help rebuild and support them through this difficult time, including everyone in Ballyliffin Hotel.
Scenic Inishowen said they are extremely saddened to learn of the terrible news. They said their thoughts are with the Doherty family and the entire team who have put their heart and soul into creating "such a wonderful and unique experience for visitors over the years".
Clonmany Together said it was one of the leading tourist attractions in the country and held early childhood memories of many people in the community and beyond through the magic of Donegal Lapland.
WainsWorld Buncrana said Doagh Famine Village "wasn't just a facility, it was a living connection to our heritage, a place where history was brought to life with care, dedication, and passion".
They said Pat Doherty worked tirelessly to build something truly special, attracting people from both near and far, and giving the community something to be incredibly proud.
They added they "sincerely hope that, with time and support, the famine village can rise again, even stronger, bigger, and better than before".
Glencolmcille Folk Village said in a post on social media that they "are thinking of our friends at Doagh Famine Village" and added "please God they will have the courage and means to reopen soon and salvage what they can".