A major fire has ravaged the Doagh Famine Village, an iconic tourist site located on the Isle of Doagh, on Ireland’s Inishowen Peninsula. This open-air museum, founded by Pat Doherty and run by his family, offered visitors an insight into Irish rural life from the 18th to the late 20th century. The Great Famine, a dark episode in Irish history, was of course at the heart of the exhibits.
The event took place on Sunday, May 4, 2025. An unexplained fire destroyed a number of historic thatched cottages at 4pm, including some that were inhabited by the Doherty family until 1983.
The emergency services responded quickly, but the extent of the damage was considerable.
Local authorities, including the Gardaí, assisted firefighters on site. The cause of the fire is still unknown.
The site has announced that it will be closed until further notice, and is offering a full refund for tickets booked.
The local Irish community and former visitors have expressed deep sadness at this loss of heritage.
Many pay tribute to the passion and dedication invested in creating this village.
As a reminder, the Great Irish Famine (1845-1848) is still a vivid historical episode for the Irish. Regardless of generation, the population continues to maintain its duty to remember this period.
For them, it’s a way of remembering the million Irish people who perished in the late blight epidemic that ravaged almost all the country’s potato fields. Many died of hunger and disease…
But the village doesn’t stop at this sad episode in Irish history. It offers a glimpse of Irish peasant life up to the 20th century, with historic houses and period tools, and evokes the daily life of the local population.
A beautiful attraction, unfortunately damaged by the flames. Fortunately, the fire only partially affected the site.
Supporters hope that the attraction can be rebuilt quickly, stronger and better than before.
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