Donegal County Council hosts first EDIN Stakeholder Meeting
Just before the Christmas break, Donegal County Council convened its first EDIN stakeholder meeting focused on enhancing the county’s digital infrastructure and promoting the region as a destination of choice for digital nomads. Held on December 19, 2024, the meeting saw the participation of seven key stakeholders, including representatives from Grow Remote, NomadEire, Údarás na Gaeltachta, and various digital hub managers from across Donegal, including one from Arranmore Island, a remote island based of the coast of Donegal.
The meeting began with introductions from the diverse group of attendees, setting the stage for the discussions around attracting digital nomads to the region that followed. Elaine Whoriskey, a representative from Donegal County Council, presented the council’s involvement in the EU Interreg Europe funded EDIN project. Elaine outlined the project’s goal to improve the “Donegal Remote Working Strategy for Business,” a policy aimed at increasing the presence of digital nomads in the region by 30% by 2028.
The conversation then shifted to the EDIN project’s objectives and the potential benefits it could bring to stakeholders. It was emphasised that events such as TBEX (Travel Bloggers Exchange) and the NomadEire Annual Digital Nomad Conference could play a pivotal role in boosting Donegal’s profile as a remote work destination ideal for digital nomads. A notable success story shared during the meeting was that of a digital nomad who, after attending the NomadEire Digital Nomad Conference in 2024, has decided to return to Arranmore Island to work remotely for summer 2025.
Next, Graham Harron from Grow Remote provided insights into emerging trends within the digital nomad sector. Grow Remote, a company that offers training and support for remote workers and managers, has been closely monitoring the growing demand for remote working opportunities and shared data on the rise of digital nomads in Ireland. Harron also highlighted the various courses and resources Grow Remote offers to help both employers and employees navigate the challenges of remote work.
Dani, the Founder and CEO of NomadEire, offered a comprehensive overview of her organisation, which is dedicated to attracting digital nomads to Ireland in a sustainable way. NomadEire provides guidance on visas, taxes, accommodation, and other aspects of the digital nomad lifestyle. Dani also shared plans to bring the NomadEire Digital Nomad Conference back to Donegal in 2025, following the successful event held in the county earlier this year.
Eoin McHugh from Donegal County Council then introduced the upcoming TBEX 2025 event, scheduled to take place in Donegal from September 9-12, 2025. TBEX, a major event for travel bloggers and content creators, presents an exciting opportunity to showcase Donegal as an ideal location for remote work. A discussion followed on how to capitalize on the event’s international reach, with ideas around encouraging attendees to stay longer in the county and make use of the region’s digital hubs.
This first stakeholder meeting marked an important step in fostering collaboration between key players in Donegal’s remote working ecosystem with a focus on attracting digital nomads to the region and highlighting the transatlantic collaboration between partners involved in the EU Interreg Europe funded EDIN project. By aligning the interests of organizations like Grow Remote, NomadEire, and local digital hubs, the county is setting the stage to position itself as a leading destination for digital nomads and remote workers in the coming years.