Main pic: The devastating fire at Doagh Famine Village. Pic: Online Video Productions.
The owners of the Doagh Famine Village have issued a warning over possible online ‘scam’ fundraisers.
The hugely popular Inishowen tourist attraction was partially destroyed on Saturday by what appears to have been an accidental fire.
The full scale of the damage is still being assessed, but it is understood that at least two sections of the Famine Village have been fully destroyed – a replica Orange Hall containing information about the peace process, and an area that documented the history of the Travelling community.
The Inishowen community has rallied around the owners, Pat and Majella Doherty, and said they will help in any way they can.
However, Mr Doherty took to social media to stress there is currently no official online GoFundMe for them at the moment.
“Please beware, there is no GoFundMe page for Doagh Famine Village at this moment,” he said.
“Any that are there, are not confirmed and may be scams. Thank you for all the support.”
Luckily no one was injured when the fire broke out, but the Famine Village will remain closed for an extended period as a result of the blaze.
Foul play is not being suspected as the cause of the fire at this time.
A notice was issued to customers over the weekend, with refunds being offered to anyone who has already purchased tickets with plans of visiting the village.
The village has been owned by the family of Pat and Majella Doherty for decades, and was first turned into a tourist attraction in the 1990s after Pat saw the potential in showcasing historical ways of living in Donegal.
Read the full notice below:
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