Today was an action-packed day of travel around County Donegal. We visited three main locations, starting with a local farm and then moving on to the famed Gteic co-working space. Each stop told its own story, but together they revealed a lot about the character and values of the Carrigart community.
Our first stop, and the one I enjoyed most, was Mulroy Meadow Farm, a small, fully organic farm outside Milford. It was a great way to begin the day and connect with the local people. The couple who run the farm were passionate about organic agriculture. On their 14 acres, they raise vegetables, ducks, cows, pigs, and more. We even tried some fresh tomatoes, and one of them tasted like an organic Cheese-It.
What stood out most was how honest they were about the challenges they face. Prices are rising across the board, and government red tape from both the EU and Ireland makes running a farm even harder. I asked whether they used technology or social media to reach new customers. Their answer surprised me: they rely almost entirely on word of mouth. That told me a lot. It showed that Carrigart is still a community where personal relationships drive business, not algorithms or flashy online ads.
Our second major stop was Gteic, a modern co-working space in Carrigart. We met with Mary and Majellen for the first time in person. We had over an hour to ask questions and learn about their work and how the space serves the local area. During the conversation, Mary mentioned that Gteic Carrigart has the cheapest day rates in the region. I asked if they promote that their rates are 50 percent lower than those in other towns. Their response caught me off guard. They said they choose not to advertise that aggressively because they do not want to offend the neighboring communities.
That mindset puzzled me. In the United States, if I had the lowest prices, I would make sure everyone knew it. That kind of competitive spirit is the backbone of American innovation and progress. We beat the Soviets to the Moon by pushing forward, taking risks, and striving to be the best. That drive is not just about national pride. It is about believing in what is possible when people are free to create, compete, and lead. We innovate not only for our own sake, but for all mankind.
In Carrigart, the culture is very different. It is a place where everyone knows each other, and relationships come before profits. Promoting your advantage too loudly could come across as disrespectful. It feels like campaigning against your cousins. That might not make sense from a business angle, but it makes sense in a community like this one.
These two visits helped me see what Carrigart values most. It is a place where the pace is slower, the people are more connected, and life is built around mutual support. It is very different from the fast-paced, competitive nature of the United States. I do think that the American system is better than the other, but I do believe each works for its environment. Carrigart thrives on personal connection and shared values, while America thrives on ambition, competition, and vision.
Tomorrow, I will be running a 5K and playing links-style golf, something I have always wanted to do.
