Today, we had a jam-packed schedule, but it was super fun and insightful, and we learned a lot about the chemistry of Donegal and Carrigart in their communities. We visited an organic farm, traveled to Carrigart, and explored the neighborhood and its people.

We first went to the Meadows Farm, whose goal is to raise animals, vegetables, and other necessities organically, without any kind of chemicals in the process. On the business end, we learned that they really rely on word-of-mouth and local networking to get their brand out there. They travel to different counties/cities and meet with people (butchers, supermarkets, etc.) to sell their goods at different places and succeed.

We also did a scavenger hunt in Carrigart after this, where we got to explore the town in our own little groups with the goal of finding unique things and interacting with different people. A really compelling moment from our scavenger hunt was when we went up to a family and asked them what they love most about their town. The two little girls instantly said that they love to go horseback-riding and get 99’s (ice cream) afterwards. A bunch of people around were also willing to help us, and everyone always says hello when you pass them on the street. This experience proved how nice the community in Carrigart is and opened our eyes to how this town interacts with one another.

Also in Carrigart, we met with both Annette at the gift shop and Majella and Mary from Gteic, the digital hub. They all expressed how much they want our help in making suggestions and a plan for Carrigart to succeed a bit more in the tourism and revenue areas. They are open to receiving our feedback, even if it is regarding new topics that they have previously been a little bit against, like the integration of AI. It was so refreshing to meet people who want our help and appreciate the work we have and will continue putting into the wellness of their town.

One of the things I found most interesting in Carrigart was the way that everyone is so welcoming and polite to each other. They are all on each other’s sides and want to see each other succeed. One specific example of this is Anette, the gift shop owner, who has posters of various companies’ events posted in her window. She does not expect anything in return for this; she just wants to get the word out about her friends and their companies. In the end, Carrigart is a very close-knit community, where everyone knows everyone, which I find extremely special and refreshing. Everyone is invested in the community and wants the best for it.