Famine Village
In brief, the
Famine Village is an outdoor museum that tells the story of life in
the area from the Famine back in the 1840s, through the 1900s to the
present day. The Famine Village depicts life in Ireland as it was,
uncommercialised, interdenominational interspersed with humorous
anectdotes of Irish life. There is a wide array of actual size
attractions including original dwellings which were still inhabited
little more than 20 years ago including:-
The Irish Wake
This traditional
send-off for the dead still continues in this northerly part of
Donegal. Rather than sending the dead to a funeral home, the remains
of the loved ones are kept in the home until it is time for burial.
The custom of waking the dead has a rich history. Many of our
familiar sayings come from the occasion and many similarities can be
found in England, France and other European countries.
Rural life,
food and cures told in a humorous way
Traditional life
in Doagh has changed greatly. The centre has been built around the
home of the owner, the place where he lived until 1983. By this time
it was not fashionable to live in a traditional thatched cottage and
the family left it in favour of a new house. In this building the
subsistence way of life on Doagh Island is outlined.
Orange Hall
Religion has
played a major part in Irish history. In the late eighteenth century
many people from the Established Church felt under threat from Irish
rebels and so they set up an organisation to help protect themselves.
They named their organisation the Orange Order after their hero
William of Orange. An Orange Hall was built to gives some insight
into this tradition. Many of the display items have been donated by
the people of Whiterock, Belfast.
Presbyterian
Meeting House
The Presbyterian
Church suffered persecution and began to meet up in such places as
barns and forges. They called their informal places of worship
Meeting Houses.
Mass Rock and
Hedge School
Catholics too
faced persecution and took to the outdoors to practice their faith.
Mass rocks are still to be found scattered throughout the countryside
as a reminder of a time when Mass was said in secret. The story of
the itinerant teacher is also told.
The Republican
Safe House
A safe house was a
place of refuge by those running from the authorities. It was a place
with secret passage ways where the escapee could hide. Each room in
the safe house tells part of the story of the road to peace in
Northern Ireland. When you reach the end you will meet Ian Paisley
and Gerry Adams sitting side by side!
The Travelling Community
This building
describes some of the living conditions of travellers in Ireland and
also their rich history and traditions.
www.doaghfaminevillage.com |