Video by Sean Molloy
The owner of Doagh Famine Village Pat Doherty is hoping to partly reopen the beloved attraction this summer.
Just over a week after a devastating fire tore through two-thirds of the Inishowen museum, signs of hope are beginning to rise from the ashes.
In recent days, the local Duey Brothers contractors have completed a massive operation to clear the remnants of the buildings gutted in the blaze on Saturday 3rd May.
The freshly cleared site offers Pat the opportunity to begin planning a way forward for the village.
Pat says he’s already thinking of new ideas. Though many of the exhibits were lost, the thatched cottages were spared and the spirit behind the Famine Village — its honesty, humour, and heart — is unshaken.
With donations pouring in and local tradespeople offering their time and labour, the rebuild is already underway. Neighbouring businesses have been donating takings and tips to the rebuild fund, while online GoFundMe page is getting ever-closer to its €100,000 target.
Standing on the site, Pat’s voice breaks slightly as he thanks the hundreds of people whose generosity and support have kept the dream alive: “Without all of you, we would’ve given up. But we’re hoping that in a few weeks’ time, we’ll be partly open again for the summer season.”
Seamus Doherty of Duey Brothers, who helped lead the site clearance, speaks to the deeper value of Doagh Famine Village. “You don’t realise how much you miss it until it’s gone,” he says. “This time of year, there should be buses on the road, people everywhere. The quiet tells you what’s missing.” For Seamus and his crew, helping clear the site wasn’t just about rebuilding a place, it was about restoring a rhythm to the community.
This marks the beginning of a new chapter for one of Ireland’s most heartfelt heritage sites. As Pat puts it: “We look forward to welcoming you back and sharing this special place with you once again.”
With thanks to Sean Molloy
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