'Donegal is my digital oasis where work meets wanderlust in perfect harmony'

"Donegal is my digital oasis where work meets wanderlust in perfect harmony"

Hailing proudly from Daingean, Co Offaly, Tara McCormack has been working in the hustle and bustle of the media industry for the past 13 years.

Her work has brought her to many areas across the country. After completing a bachelor’s degree in English and media at the University of Limerick, Tara spent six years in the city during her studies and kick-started her professional journey following college.

Seeing an opportunity to return to her roots in Offaly, Tara moved closer to home during the Covid-19 pandemic where she continued to work in the media industry, alongside completing a master’s degree in journalism.

With clear plans set in motion to embark on a new chapter in Bali in October 2022, Tara was unexpectedly nominated for an IMRO radio award and a potential new job role. With these new opportunities, she had planned to push out the moving date.

One October weekend in 2022 changed everything. “Everything happens for a reason”. On, October 7 of that year, Tara clinched her second gold IMRO radio award for Sports Programme of the Year with iRadio. Of two days later, Tara says: “I met my reasoning for relocating to Donegal. It's a classic tale of boy meets girl, and from there, the story writes itself”.

iRadio presents iLoveIrish live gigs where we celebrate, and platform Irish artists and music and I had a hand in the organisation of this particular one. Not only was it a perfect celebration for the awards but little did I know I was winning an even better award. Tara met her partner John Doherty a singer-songwriter and a proud Donegal man from Killybegs.

"Life has rewarded me with the most incredible location and lifestyle," Tara adds. Fast Forward to her current situation, Tara states that “Life has rewarded me with the most incredible location and lifestyle”.

Tara now calls Killybegs home and she currently works remotely as a journalist for RSVP magazine and presents iLoveIrish show on iRadio at the weekends. She also just recently launched her own small business venture called “Settle Petal”, an online coaching service dedicated to helping people boost their self-confidence and self-esteem, empowering them to tackle daily tasks and important life moments.

Specialising in public speaking and confidence coaching, her mission is to provide personalised, actionable guidance and support to enable personal growth in areas that you may be struggling with

“It is my unique blend of media expertise and a holistic upbringing that has led me to explore the intricate connection between the mind and body,” she says. “I help people to find their voice and build confidence.

“I have the best of both worlds where my working week consists of writing stories and connecting with new people from any location online plus I travel to the midlands at the weekends for my show and I get to see my own family as they are close by. “Donegal is my digital oasis where work meets wanderlust in perfect harmony.

“Donegal is my digital oasis where work meets wanderlust in perfect harmony. While I'm tapping on my keyboard and connecting with people online, I'm also soaking in the serene beauty of Donegal's landscapes, enjoying the solitude of its beaches, and savouring the culinary delights”.

When she craves a bit of buzz, Donegal town is right there, just a skip away and Letterkenny is just a little further to enjoy a little hustle and bustle when needs be.

Fintra Beach is Tara's slice of paradise located just five minutes from her doorstep.

“It's like having a postcard-perfect retreat within arm's reach,” she says

Despite initially fretting about making friends and finding hobbies when she moved to Killybegs, Tara reflects on her experience of being embraced by the local community.

“I can honestly say, I've now got a social calendar fuller than ever before,” she says. “I have never experienced a community like it and have been welcomed with open arms”.

Some of the most cherished moments Tara has experienced in Donegal involve exploring the countless scenic trails and hiking paths in the area.

“Believe me, I've only just begun to scratch the surface,” she says.

By her own admission, Tara is a self-proclaimed coffee addict.

“I've found myself spoiled for choice in Killybegs,” she added. “Among the myriad of options, An Capall Mara stands out as a personal favourite, especially for indulging in a delightful chai latte”.

Tara is also a big lover of health and fitness and has also recently joined Donegal town gym DT Fitness.

“I am eager to integrate myself as best I can into the way of life here,” she says. "Here I am, counting my lucky stars."

Tara believes it's bittersweet watching people her age say goodbye to the Emerald Isle, but she says “Here I am, counting my lucky stars. The grass might seem greener elsewhere, but when I look outside at those misty hills, I can't help but feel like I've struck gold right here at home”.