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Irish Independent
06-05-2025
- General
- Irish Independent
Destroyed tourist attraction in Donegal was uninsured for fire as fundraiser launched for rebuild
A fire destroyed two-thirds of the iconic Doagh Famine Village at Lagacurry, Ballyliffin on the Inishowen Peninsula. The blaze broke out around 3.30pm on Saturday afternoon and spread through the site. The site was busy with customers but it was safely evacuated and no injuries were reported. The fire service rushed to scene to try and bring the fire under control. It is believed the blaze may have been caused by an air compressor for one of the displays. The fire claimed irreplaceable parts of the village — including the buildings dedicated to the famine, the peace process, and the Traveller community. Another devastating loss for the owners is the memorabilia and historical objects that local groups and organisations had donated to the Famine Village for use in their displays. As the thatched buildings could not be insured affordably, there is no coverage for the buildings damaged in the fire. Due to the cost of rebuilding the site, a GoFundMe page has been launched by local businessman John Mc Gonagle of Wild Alpaca Way. The page has been set up with a target of €100,000 and so far, over €35,000 has been raised. The money raised will be used to restore the damage buildings, replace the lost and fire damaged exhibits and in time, reopen the doors of the tourist attraction. The fundraiser reads, 'We're asking for your help to rebuild this one-of-a-kind cultural landmark. 'Your donation will go directly toward restoring the damaged buildings, replacing lost exhibits, and hopefully reopening the doors to a place that has meant so much to so many. "Local farmers, the fire service, and the community have already rallied to help — but we need wider support to bring Doagh Famine Village back to life. 'Whether you've visited the village yourself, learned from its stories, or simply believe in preserving our shared history, please consider supporting this cause. "Every euro will make a difference. 'Let's help ensure that future generations can once again walk through the doors of Doagh Famine Village and connect with Ireland's story — told by the people who've lived it. 'Thank you for your kindness, support, and belief in the power of history to bring us together.' Founded by Pat Doherty in 1997, Doagh Famine Village is widely regarded as 'one of the North West's most beloved and unique tourist attractions.' It has been a place where generations have come to understand Ireland's past through powerful storytelling, life-size exhibits, and a deeply personal connection to the local community. It's guided tours took participants on a journey showing how families learned to survive and adapt as society evolved from the Great Famine in the 1840s to the present day. Many of the thatched buildings were replicas of historical sites like a Republican safe house, an Orange Hall, a Presbyterian Meeting House, and others preserving the stories of Travellers, Irish traditions, and rural life. This village was self-sustaining, relying solely on visitor income, with no government funding or large sponsorships. Local Councillor Martin McDermott said the community has been left 'devastated' by the news that Doagh Famine Village has been badly damaged by a large fire. 'Our thoughts are with Pat, Majella, Family and all the team during this incredibly difficult time. 'Doagh Famine Village plays a vital role in Inishowen tourism and is a cherished part of our local heritage. "The entire tourism community across Inishowen stands ready to support Pat and his team in any way we can in the days and weeks ahead,' said Cllr McDermott. Businesses throughout Inishowen have offered support to the Doherty family following the fire. On Thursday, May 8, all ticket sales at Wild Ireland will go directly to Pat and Majella. Binion Bay Caravan and Camping Facility said people are still in shock about the devastating fire at Doagh Famine Village. "35 years of work, investment, commitment, care and attention to business. "While everyone else is on a break you are the ones providing the great experiences, it's very hard work. "We understand the sacrifices all along the way for a family run business. '35 years of people supporting the famine village by donating their memorabilia knowing it was being showcased to the world. "We know our whole community, Inishowen, Donegal and all our international visitors are in shock too. "There is nothing but support here from all of the community and so many people have been calling each other with the words rolling of their lips 'we will have to give a hand, we will help get this sorted '. 'Pat, Majella and extended families will have tremendous support from the locals , the visitors, and the tourism agencies, because this has been an iconic tourism provision built from the ground up with hard work, belief and dedication all along the way. "It's time for you to experience the support that's there for you.' A Garda spokesperson said, 'Gardaí assisted the local fire service at the scene of a fire at a premises in Ballyliffin, Co. Donegal on Saturday, 3rd May 2025. 'Emergency services were alerted to the fire at approximately at 4pm. "The fire was subsequently extinguished. 'There were no reports of injuries. 'A technical examination of the scene has been completed.'
RTÉ News
04-05-2025
- RTÉ News
Fire devastates iconic Donegal tourist attraction
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".
