This weekend was both challenging and memorable, shaped by the physical activities we did and the unpredictable weather that followed us throughout.
We started on Saturday with the GAA Annual 5K Fun Run and Walk. I had never run a 5K before, so I was a bit unsure going in, but I managed to finish in under 30 minutes. I was proud of that, although my legs were completely worn out afterward. Right after the run, we went to play 12 holes of pitch and putt on a par-3 golf course. This was my first time playing golf, so it went about as well as expected. My swing needs work, but it was a fun way to keep moving and spend time outside.
Later that day, we visited Slieve League. The cliffs were unlike anything I had ever seen before. Towering above the ocean, they felt almost unreal. What stood out just as much as the view was the weather. The wind was strong, and the skies kept shifting between cloudy and clear. It gave the place a dramatic, almost cinematic atmosphere.
After Slieve League, we headed to Killybegs. This coastal town is Ireland’s largest fishing port, and it gave us a glimpse of what a place like Carrigart could grow into. While Killybegs is more industrial, you could still feel the rhythm of a working waterfront and the community around it. And we got to see a crew regatta when we were there.
On Sunday morning, we visited Doe Castle. The structure sits quietly on the edge of the water, and surprisingly, we were the only people there. It was peaceful, almost eerie, walking through it in silence. Later that day, we went to Glenveagh National Park. The landscape was incredible, with a mix of mountains, lakes, and long trails. The castle inside the park was more refined than Doe Castle. It had manicured gardens, guided paths, and was clearly built for visitors. Both sites offered very different experiences, but each had its own charm.
The weather across the entire weekend was hard to ignore. It was windy, sometimes rainy, and rarely predictable. If I were a local business owner, especially someone running a gardening center or tourism-related venture, I would have to factor in weather like this almost daily. In the off-season, it would be difficult to rely on outdoor experiences or expect steady foot traffic. Certain products or services would be hard to offer when people are trying to stay dry and warm. But the weather also creates opportunities. The cold air, mist, and gray skies shape the emotional tone of the place. They create a raw, authentic feeling that people often remember more than a sunny postcard day. As a business owner, I might lean into this. I would look for ways to turn the climate into part of the draw. That could mean offering covered spaces with a view, warm drinks, and local stories shared in cozy settings, or experiences that make people feel connected to the wildness of the place. The weather, while difficult, could become a defining part of what makes a visit special.
This weekend reminded me that Donegal’s character is shaped not just by its landscape, but also by its climate. As a visitor, I felt it every step of the way.