Today we had a busy morning and met with three individuals to talk to us about their businesses. First, we met with Tribune Newspaper in Carrigart. During this visit, I gained a deeper appreciation for the heart of a small town. When you think of a newspaper, you might picture an outdated practice, but in Carrigart, the Tribune feels more like a tribute to the past and tradition. It was interesting to hear about how the locals value the physical paper over a news channel as something to read and connect to their town. What struck me most was the mix of tradition and modernness. The Tribune still prints a physical paper each week which is something many people in Carrigart look forward to picking up from the shop. They’re also adapting with a growing online presence. I got a peek at their digital layout process and how they balance Facebook posts, community submissions, and email newsletters. Next, we met with the owner of McNutt’s, an Irish weaving mill company. It was an absolute pleasure visiting McNutt’s and the iconic Irish weaving mill in the seaside village of Downings, Donegal and seeing their luxurious scarves or throws in their gift shop. The owner gave a unique perspective on how they market their items and said that influencers might not work to promote his business because his main demographic is older people. He also said most of his promotions is word of mouth. We also talked about how their products travel far beyond Donegal, from boutique shops in Dublin to craft fairs.

Finally, we met with Louis Boyce, a relater from Donegal. What really impressed me was how much Louis cares about Carrigarts development and making sure the growth benefits the local community and preserves the magic that makes Donegal so special. He’s involved in conversations about planning, community initiatives, and even how young people can stay and thrive here. We also ended the day with a hike up to the beautiful Murderhole Beach. The winds were very intense, but the views were worth it.