Famine Village on Tourism shortlist

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2131299914The family behind Doagh Famine Village have spoken of their delight at becoming one of two Inishowen finalists at the first Irish Tourism Industry Awards.

The objective of the biennial awards is to showcase the country’s most successful and innovative tourism projects.

The awards are divided into 11 categories and overall 330 entries were received. Donegal’s other successful entry is also from Inishowen – Inch and Foyle Wildfowl Project.

Doagh Famine Village is a finalist in the category of Best Cultural Experience, which is for individuals or organisations who have demonstrated a commitment to culture to help promote tourism growth. The five other finalists are: A History Past and Present – Abbey Tours, Brú na Bóinne (Newgrange & Knowth), CIE Wild Atlantic Way Tour, Glasnevin Cemetery Museum and Waterford Viking Triangle.

Martina Doherty from the Famine Village said: “We at Doagh Famine Village are delighted with this opportunity to showcase our product on the national stage and to be in the line-up with such well known and first-class organisations. Over the past six years we have focused on the theme of Living on the Edge – telling the story of a family and community living on the edge and surviving from the Famine of the 1840s to the present time.

“Remoteness, isolation and reliance on small plots of land made this area of north Inishowen a harsh place to live. Yet the same families have lived here for generations.

“The Famine Village shows how these people adapted and survived in their environment. Times have changed but some similarities remain.”

Mrs Doherty added: “The awards take place in Dublin on 24th April. Win or lose we already are so delighted that our efforts over the past number of years have got recognition.”

Inch and Foyle Wildlife Project has been shortlisted for Best Environmental Tourism Innovation alongside Lough Boora Discovery Park, Burren and Cliffs of Moher Geopark, Cliffs of Moher Visitor Experience, Doolin Cave and Top of the Rock Pod Páirc and Walking Centre, Cork.

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