The familiar advertising slogan, "Up here it's different," used to attract visitors to the rugged beauty of County Donegal, was correct in highlighting that things are different in Donegal, although not for the reasons one might connect with tourism. For many, Donegal evokes nostalgic images of old, rural Ireland such as close community bonds, unspoilt landscape, strong agriculture and fishing industries. Unfortunately such idyllic reminiscences are somewhat at odds with the realities of life in Donegal, often described by residents as "the forgotten county." While many of the towns and villages in Donegal exhibit some of the economic, political, cultural and social issues, this article focuses on the villages of St. Johnston and Carrigans in East Donegal. It examines the economic, environmental, social and political difficulties by looking at the two rural communities. Here, the author explores the importance of the community and voluntary sector in responding to issues within communities and posits community development as an essential process in making change. The author outlines the interconnectedness of community development and community education and refers to the relevance of Freire's pedagogy for this work. (Contains 2 footnotes.)