Donegal Working Holiday Campaign 2023 and 2022

By project EDIN

Published on 29 November 2024

Ireland

Northern and Western

About this good practice

The Donegal Working Holiday campaign promotes the county as a remote work destination for digital nomads. Led by Donegal County Council and local digital hubs, it offers free one-day passes to experience Donegal’s work-friendly environment and natural beauty. Remote workers can register online to access hubs in 11 scenic locations, from coastal to rural areas.
Remote workers could register on donegal.ie with their details and preferred hub to receive a free one-day voucher. Full campaign information and terms were available on the site. Once registered, they could access any participating digital hub across Donegal for one full day at no cost. Vouchers were open to all but limited to single use per person, in one hub only.
The campaign highlights Donegal’s strong digital infrastructure, including high-speed connectivity via Project Kelvin, making it ideal for remote work. With stunning scenery, vibrant culture, and a high quality of life, the initiative aims to attract digital nomads and encourage long-term relocation. It also boosts local communities and businesses as remote workers contribute to the economy during their stay.
This working holiday project supports Donegal’s regional growth goals by using digital infrastructure to promote new ways of living and working. It serves as a model for future tourism and investment strategies, aiming to convert visitors into long-term residents or local investors.

Expert opinion

The Donegal Working Holiday campaign promotes Donegal as a destination for remote workers and digital nomads. Led by Donegal County Council and local digital hubs, the initiative offers free one-day passes to co-working spaces in 11 scenic locations. It aims to highlight the county’s appeal for both short visits and long-term relocation. Registered users could access one hub for free, boosting hub usage and local economic activity. Supported by a modest marketing budget, the campaign engaged communities and businesses while attracting international interest. This good practice could inspire other European regions with existing co-working networks that are seeking to attract digital nomads and promote remote work.

Arnault Morisson

Works at Interreg Europe Policy Learning Platform

Resources needed

1. Digital Infrastructure
2. Physical Workspace Development
3. Marketing and Promotion - The social media budget for this was under €2000
4. Staff and Management - DCC staff assisted by aiding with administrative needs
5. Partnerships and Sponsorships
6. Local Business and Community Involvement

Evidence of success

The Donegal Working Holiday campaign has shown promising signs of success through the following indicators:
1. Increased Hub Utilization.
2. Positive Feedback and Social Media Engagement
3. Support from Business and Community Stakeholders
4. Interest from International Remote Workers

Potential for learning or transfer

The Donegal Working Holiday campaign provides several valuable insights for other regions in Europe looking to boost their attractiveness for remote work and rural economic growth. Key learnings include:
1. Digital Infrastructure as a Foundation
2. Leveraging Natural and Cultural Assets
3. Strategic Partnerships and Local Engagement
4. Flexible, User-Friendly Co-Working Solutions
5. Marketing and Social Media Strategy.
These elements make Donegal's approach adaptable for EU regions aiming to enhance local economies through remote work and tourism. Integrating infrastructure, community partnerships, and lifestyle promotion can turn visitors into potential residents and investors.