The weekend started off on Saturday with a charity 5K in Downings, which benefited the local soccer programs, or as they call it, football. After the 5K, we went to play footgolf. This was new to me, as this is not something we have in the U.S. Footgolf is a mix between soccer and golf, that combines the rules and etiquette of golf with the equipment and skills of soccer. The objective is simple: players kick a standard-size 5 football into a large, 21-inch diameter cup in as few shots as possible. The game is typically played on a golf course, though the footgolf holes are separate from the regular golf greens to avoid damage. The course layout, scoring, and general rules largely mirror those of golf. Players start from a tee box and follow a designated path, navigating around hazards like bunkers and water, to reach the hole. From footgolf we had lunch in downings and spent the afternoon exploring the Downsings Festival. Throughout the festival we also completed a scavenger hunt and talked to locals on the beach which resulted in my team winning. We finished the night at burger jacks for dinner and then called it night at the hotel.

Sunday started off with a quick breakfast at the hotel, and then we left and headed to the Sliabh Liag Cliffs for a hike. We walked up to the top and explored the views. While exploring the views, I got a lobster roll that was fresh caught that day. After we ate our lunch, we walked back down and headed to the gift shop. In the gift shop, I found a bunch of cute gifts for my family. The next stop was at a small town nearby called Killybegs, which is one of the largest fishing ports in Ireland. While we were walking around we walked the local regatta they were hosting and explored the shops. We finished the night with dinner and headed back.

Monday started off with a change of plans do to a storm that was in town, so we started the day at Doe Castle, where we got a history lesson from Erin and explored all of the architecture it had to offer. From the castle, we headed to Bia Box, where we met with the owners and people who run the bar and accommodations. They discussed how golf has been helping a lot with business, as there are three courses right in the immediate area. It was also discussed how they pivoted to change their business to adapt to what current customers want and need which was ultimately how Bia box was created. After lunch we went to Glenveagh Castle which was built and occupied by americans until it was added into the national parks control. We took a self guided tour of the castle and then explored the numerous gardens and trails even in the harsh winds. once we finished at the castle we had dinner and then did some teamwork to wrap up the weekend.

One of the things we were supposed to do on Monday, before the store changed plans, was meet with the plant nursery owner, which brings about the question of how the weather affects people like the plant nursery owner and there business. Extreme weather during the off-season completely reshapes my business, shifting the focus from outdoor landscaping and planting to indoor gardening and weather-preparedness. When the plant nursery owner can’t offer services like garden consultations or sell delicate plants, and logistical challenges like delayed deliveries become a major concern. There inventory in turn pivots to reflect the conditions, with a focus on hardy native species, storm supplies, and indoor gardening essentials. The dramatic, sensory experience of wind, rain, and mist can be a draw for customers, fostering a sense of cozy retreat and connection to nature. Business owners can use this to build something special, like creating a corner in the shop with a fireplace, hot drinks, and local goods, or hosting indoor workshops on terrarium building and dried flower arrangements. This reframing not only provides a new business model for the off-season but also strengthens the community by celebrating our shared experience of living in this wild and beautiful place, turning a challenge into an opportunity for connection and resilience. While the weekend might not have went as planned it was still a great experience.