Doors open to Republican 'safe house' 01.10.07

Former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds was in Ballyliffin on Friday to open the new Republican 'safe house' exhibit at the Doagh Island Famine Village.

Mr. Reynolds joined locals, councillors and other well wishers, for the unveiling of the new addition to the popular tourist attraction run by Pat Doherty and his sister Majella Devenney. The safe house has five rooms, each with a hidden doorway and takes visitors on a journey through the history of the Troubles. As Pat explained: "A Republican safe house was a house used by Republicans trying to escape the security forces, for example, the RUC and the Gardai. "The first room starts off with a story
of the civil rights movement and the fifth room is quite poignant because it shows Gerry Adams and Ian Paisley." The building gives a brief outline of the road from war to peace in Ireland so visitors - adults and children alike - will enjoy their history lesson combined with the excitement of finding the secret passage as they go from room to room. Mr. Reynolds was guest of honour in recognition of his role in the peace process. The safe house was designed by Eddie Gallagher with illustrative paintings by Clonmany artist Colette Herron. For more photos of the official opening, click here .
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