Video by Sean Molloy
A devastating fire at Doagh Famine Village in Inishowen last month certainly has not dampened the spirit of the attraction.
Since reopening after a speedy clean-up operation, visitors have already begun returning, and owner Pat Doherty is taking the opportunity to add new experiences for people to enjoy.
Fresh oyster tasting and seaweed tasting are now available onsite, both sourced locally from the surrounding shores.
The much-loved museum lost a large number of modern history exhibits in the fire on 3rd May but thankfully the older part of the site was spared, including the original cottages that form the heart of the village.
“We did lose some exhibits, but we’ve turned a corner,” Pat explains. “The new tasting experiences are something really special — a chance to literally taste the Atlantic while you hear the stories of the land.”
An incredible €109,000 was raised for the rebuilding of the museum in a GoFundMe campaign set up by John Mc Gonagle of the Wild Alpaca Way at Malin Head in the aftermath of the fire. This, along with support from local businesses and contractors, ensured it could reopen for the key summer season.
The museum also gratefully accepted a donation of a beady pocket art piece from women of the Donegal Travellers Project. This will be proudly exhibited in the new building that will once again tell the story of the Travelling community.
Presentation of the ‘Beady 2024’ artwork to Doagh Famine Village
Museum founder Pat Doherty has once again thanked the public for the outpouring of support during what he described as “a very difficult time.”
“The original cottages and older part of the museum were untouched,” Pat says. “Our guided tours are running as normal, telling the story of rural life in Donegal over the past 150 years.”
As always, the museum continues to offer its unique blend of history, storytelling, and living culture, covering everything from thatched cottages and famine survival to the Troubles and emigration.
In the video, Pat closes with a heartfelt message: “I just want to say a massive thank you to everyone who sent messages, donated, or simply called in for a visit. Your support means the world to us. We’re back open, we’re telling the story again, and I’m delighted to be here meeting people every day.”
Doagh Famine Village is now open daily, with guided tours running at regular intervals. Visitors are encouraged to come along, support local heritage, and enjoy this rare insight into life on the edge of Ireland through generations.
For opening times and updates, visit www.doaghfaminevillage.com
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