doagh famine village

Celebrated Halloween here. Acceptably scary but still very informative about Irish traditions and superstitions. Set in a beautiful setting with ample parking.

This place is a wonderful experience for anyone interested in history. In a most magical setting Doagh Village marries history with the world today.. The lesson - some things never change!!!

Great experience in the heart of Inishowen. Walking around this Famine village and hearing all the stories was well worth it. The narrator was excellent and very well versed in history. Well worth a visit for all ages. Beautiful beach outside too looking over on to Lag, at Malin. Very picturesque.

I could not believe we had such a "gem" in Inishowen. One of the best experiences of my life was travelling around this Famine village and hearing all the stories. The narrator was excellent and very well versed in history. Well worth a visit from everybody. You will not be disappointed.

Very interesting history lovely countryside and stunning views lovely walks people are very welcoming the guides know there history we really enjoyed our day

Whilst staying in Londonderry we heard about the famine village so drove there through the lovely remote countryside of Donegal. It's certainly very different and interesting, not only describing what happened during the potato famine of the 1840's causing about a million deaths, but also the fact that about a million more emigrated. The staff have worked hard to try and describe as best they can what happened during those dark years and of course the buildings themselves are the best illustration. There is also a lot more of Irish history and the whole place is well worth a visit. It's a nice touch to give you a brew and a biccie at the end.

Having visited the Famine Village in October, 2013 it was on top of my "wish list" when I returned to Donegal for a few days in October, 2014. On my arrival, and much to my surprise, the lady at the Reception remembered me from my previous visit!! As was the case last year, being the final week of opening the cost of entry was reduced. I don't know whether the so called "safe house" was there last year, but if it was I had missed it - but I found it interesting. Being nearly Halloween an area had been constructed with Ghosts and Spooky stuff. During a chat with one of the staff I had mentioned that my visit was a Birthday Treat from myself. When my visit was almost over I returned to the Tea Room wher I enjoyed Tea, Wheaten Bread and Jam - with the added bonus of a little cake with candles and a rendition of Happy Birthday". A lovely touch to a wonderful afternoon. God willing I will return.

Visited Santa's Lapland last weekend. Rang during the week and got a cancellation. A lovely lady took our booking and advised what the experience would entail. From her delightful description, we were really looking forward to it. It didn't disappoint.Show was fabulous, (including the donkey!) Santa and elves really engaged with the children making it a very personal experience for them. Kids found the fact that Santa doesn't clean his ears particularly hilarious!!Santa involved children and parents alike which was a lot of fun.The little cottages, Santa's House, Toy Factory, Post Office, Santa's sleigh were all fabulous. Staff here are so friendly and a joy to be around. Highly Recommend.

We visited with three children on last weekend in November to the Doagh Santa Village. It is very clear why this is so popular. The remote location adds to the magical feel and both adults and children got a lot from the experience. Highly recommended.

Went here on the 28th of November 2014, the village turns into santas lapland.It was fantasic my children aged 10, 7 and 2 loved it. Santa picked the kidd out by name and address and even got me and my husband up which was brilliant so magical for the kids. They have a santa show were santa cone down the chimney and talk to the kids for about an hour and gives them a present. Then u get to venture the island of santas bed. Elves room, toy making room, santas sleigh and more! We will Def be back next year. We stayed in the ballyliffen hotel with the kids and they got marshmallows hot chocolate and selection box each the hotel service was fantatic. Will be back next year and highly recommend santas lapland to everyone x

The whole experience was magic. from one man who had actually lived in one of the houses to another who made the place come alive. Much better than a museum

Pat, the tour guide has read and researched his subjects extensively. His presentation style is engaging. In 15 minutes he had explained the social, political and cultural circumstances that led to the perfect storm of the potato famine. He went on to tie it together with modern Irish history, demonstrating how there is a risk of repeating errors of the past. He grew up in the farm house, so brings a personal perspective to the whole experience.The experience is not confined to the famine, it also informs about republicanism and loyalism (without being partisan), the peace process, travelling people, and Irish traditions. This is unmissable. Every member of our party (12 - 70yo) was impressed.

Was a great attraction, but not into that sort of thing, just went for something to do . Staff were excellent and so friendly... answered every question without as much as a stutter, defiantly knew there stuff .... would recommend it as a one time visit sort of thing! Can not say one bad thing

We arrived at the Doagh Famine Village at 1pm on Sunday and were told that if we came back at 2 we could go on the spook walk and see the famine village. So we returned in the afternoon and did the spook walk first. This was probably more for kids but we did learn some interesting information about Irish wakes. We enjoyed walking around the village and reading all the random world fact signs. The republican safe house with the hidden doors was fun. There was a lot of information about not only the famine, but also the Troubles, and like I mentioned above, random facts about the world in general.

A very worthwhile visit for adults and children. Great fun as well as a very balanced view on history. I lost my phone there and they made great efforts to locate me and delivered it to my hotel --well beyond the call of duty!