We started today bright and early with a visit to a farm in Fanad. We met with a couple who run the farm on their own, which is an impressive feat. They grow tomatoes, own cows and pigs and hundreds of chickens. With as many chickens as they have, you can imagine how many eggs they get year-round. I remember listening to their frustrating story about how they were struggling to get a license to sell them. Because the big egg corporations know they produce better fresher eggs, they don’t want them to be able to mass produce and sell them in fear it would affect their business. This is one factor that their farm has to take into consideration, but the other aspects of their business seem to be going well. They have connections to local markets and restaurants where they are able to grow their business.

After that, we went to the gift shop in Carrigart and met with Annette who talked to us about the struggles her business faces during the offseason. She mentioned that she doesn’t use a lot of social media and only really uses Facebook but markets her shop through word of mouth. She was particularly interested in the future of her shop and having a signature item that would help bring customers in. Then we went and had lunch in the Carrigart Hotel. The hotel has historically played a central role in the social and economic life of the village. The Carrigart Hotel was a major hub for local social life, serving as a venue for dances, weddings, community meetings, and special events. The building itself is a local landmark, with many residents having fond memories of events or family connections to the hotel. We also took a tour around the town which gave us some more insight about the history.

We also met with Majella in the Gteic coworking space and heard a bit more about them and what they have to offer. Majella explained how the facility supports family-friendly remote work, especially during the summer. Tourists or returnees often bring laptops and work a few hours. What truly makes this place special is the hospitality and friendliness that they give to their customers. I look forward to going back there to work on our projects as it is such a lovely place.