Although this weekend was quite busy spanning multiple activities, we got a taste of Irish weather! Sunday night to Monday morning, the storm made a brief appearance that impacted our schedule. Things worked out but it brought up just how weather has more impacts than just environmental in small towns.

Considering places like farms or nurseries (like one we were supposed to visit but couldn’t), the impact is mainly environmental. Tending to plants or trees that got uprooted, scared animals who need shelter, and much more. And Carrigart, which can be blocked off by the surrounding area by just a fallen tree on the road, like a storm a few years back which cut off the town completely from electricity, transportation, and communication for a few days.

Weather culture has several other impacts. It limits the amount of tourists that come in those areas even during the peak season. Shops even close down due to incoming inclement weather which reduces business, meanwhile places like hotels and other hospitality places might see an increase of people whether seeking to stay dry until the weather calms down or with nothing else to do.

By framing it as a way to “receive a true Irish welcome and hospitality”, focusing on activities that can be offered indoors (since there are quite a lot of outdoor activities), or having a sense of community that appreciates each other after the storm, since they already have a very strong community!