You need to add this deserted 'ghost village' in Donegal to your bucket list
The Port Famine Village, also known as ‘The Deserted Village’, is located on the coast about 14 km north west of Glencolmcille.
If one of your New Year's resolutions for 2022 is to explore and uncover more of what's on your doorstep in Ireland, allow us to point you in the direction of this totally bizarre and wonderfully spooky 'ghost village' nestled on the coast of Donegal.
The Port Famine Village, also known as 'The Deserted Village', is located on the coast about 14 km north west of Glencolmcille. It's developed something of a cult following as people are fascinated by this smattering of houses which appear to have been abandoned by an entire village of people in one swift movement.
Historians suspect that there may have been a mass exodus from the village during The Famine era. Many Irish people were forced to abandon their homes during this time in search for more fertile land but usually not in one collective movement as appears to have happened here.
"Our B&B hosts said 'The only traffic there is sheep', and wow, they were so right," wrote one TripAdvisor nomad who visited the village recently. "The place has an eerie feel about it. Almost otherworldly."
It's not just the site's unnerving history that attracts attention from all over the world. The village is also known for its breathtaking views of the famed Wild Atlantic Way, making it a prime destination for seascape photographers.
There is one slight catch - as is the case with many of Ireland's most strikingly beautiful coastal vantage spots, it's not the easiest place to reach. You can pretty much forget public transport we're afraid - you'll definitely need a car to enjoy this beauty.
Thankfully, the helpful folk over at WeLoveDonegal.com have taken the time to provide very detailed driving directions to ensure you reach the mysterious Deserted Village without a hitch:
1. Take the Killybegs road
2. Just outside Ardara on the Killybegs road turn right for the Glengesh Pass
3. At the top of Glengesh Pass take the first right
4. You will come to a T junction and you should turn right (the road to the left goes to Glencomcille)
5. Keep driving until you come to another T junction which has a lough (lake on the left) and take a right turn here
6. Keep driving along this road and you will eventually see the sea and the rocky shoreline of An Port. The ghost village is the old stone cottages on your right with the rocky shoreline in front of you
Featured Image Credit: TripAdvisorTopics: Ireland
Gary Grimes