Heard her on the radio a few times lately, she's still going strong living in the same cottage

Margaret describes herself as uneducated, but she is more articulate than most university graduates I meet.

I simply cannot get my head around how profoundly grounded these folks are. Living in the States in a culture where people constantly crave what they don't have, I was in awe of this family who have addressed life as it has presented itself, with balance and practicality.. What a wonderful model for us all.

Living in a thatched cottage with items from 2 generations back this lady has more class then most of my generation.

"There's nothing in the modern world that I'd want. There's nothing as powerful as the love of a family" Margaret is far richer than the majority.

No idea how I ended-up watching this, but what a lovely antidote to all the other crap I've been viewing.

People don't get how much they learn over 3 or 4 decades outside of school. I'm a PhD and spent many, many years surrounded by academia. My father-in-law left school at 12 in the 40s. He is still the smartest person I've ever known with a history very much like Margaret's.

12 minutes in and I must say, this woman is a national treasure.

My Mother grew up like this ! it made her a strong woman she died at 96........ Respect for the ways of old .......

Well, I am English and I just stumbled across this lovely video. This reminds me of the time when such programmes were shown on the television and connected everyone with people leading all sorts of lives. Now, we see celebrity after celebrity (a meaningless term) leading vacuous lives and talking about nothing but those vacuous lives. This beautifully made video refreshed me with its glimpse into the life of Margaret, a life well worth knowing and a person well worth listening to. This lady, is intelligent, eloquent, obviously well-read with her Russian literature, despite leaving school at 14, and puts to shame the modern education system which rarely turns out someone of Margaret’s intelligence. Well, thank you John, for posting this. I hope !Margaret is well. God bless this delightful and charming lady.

I just googled this lady, she's still going strong and she looks fantastic. An environmentally friendly way of life.

Deep down this is how we all want to live.

*No formal education and her first job was at age 46: local historian, public speaker, tour guide, project manager. Very impressive!*

This is my granny’s best friend and I can say she is an amazing person we always walk to her house it’s a stunning house and she keeps it to perfection

What a splendid woman Margaret is , from her history to her reality of understanding how empty and meaningless the modern world is , fraught with nothing but gee gaws and trinkets , the separation of family and tradition for the vacuus grasp after fame and wealth . Rather Margaret's reality , way of life , generosity of spirit , loyalty and strength . Long may she live in the way she must live . 👍🇬🇧

This brought tears to my eyes. So touching. I remember one of my aunts farming with her husband and 3 sons. They had no electricity, and no running water. Everything was hand made and a lot of canning was done, I loved to go visit her. She was soft spoken, a gentle woman who baked the best pies and cookies. She also worked very hard. She passed many years ago but I will never forget her.

She took care of her bedridden Dad for the last 17 years of his life!! Her whole life she focused on what was dear to her: her dad, a simple life and living with nature. Now majority of us watching this have been doing the exact opposite; chasing money, getting degrees that would pay most, buying the latest apple gadget and showing off on Facebook/Instagram. Our actions grip us in this chaotic materialistic life, yet, our souls seek a simple and peaceful life. Respect and regards to this lovely lady!

Being intelligent and educated is not really anything to do with certificates. A love of nature and having it all around you is truly inspiring in itself.

This lovely woman and her simple and honest lifestyle is full and rich in history. She says she is not educated but her education is far greater. She has a wealth of knowledge far beyond schooling. Could listen to her for hours. A wonderful video. Thank you for sharing

We now live in a technocratic society full of hate greed and lack of respect for the past and present. This lady and I mean (LADY) would be a pleasure to sit down and have a nice conversation with nice being the operative word .A trait that seems to have gone out of fashion.God bless Margaret.

Now THIS is a woman I can look up to. Imagine, being hardy enough to maintain this lifestyle while the whole world changes around you. Brilliant woman.

Margaret is now 75 and still living in the same cottage. What an amazing woman to have achieved so much.

This woman is blessed in a very special way that most of us will never know.

This lady reminded me of my great grandma she lived in rural Georgia USA and lived exactly the same and with the same attitude. I loved her more than I can speake !

Margaret is not uneducated. She is a fine self taught well read self-sufficient women with great reverence for her family heritage, culture and nature.

As of March 2020, Margaret still lives alone in her cottage near Belcoo. In fact, she was recently visited by the Prince Edward (Earl of Wessex).

To say I that am humbled by Margaret’s values and her life story, is an understatement. I am deeply touched to have been fortunate enough to have stumbled across this beautiful film. Margaret Gallagher holds a shining light of wisdom in a world now mortally wounded by darkness and greed. Following her example would heal this entire planet.

She is still living “Off the grid.” Absolutely amazing!

I don't see a museum. I see a beautiful, well-kept, simple home.

So....Margaret Gallagher says she was uneducated entering the work force at the age of 46 and yet she had read the Russian classics! And listen to how she talks. Her grammar and diction is better than most university graduates!

To the millions of us descended from those who had to Flee our beautiful homeland. God sent the Irish on mission, it’s in our DNA. God Bless. ☘️

Can we just take a moment to appreciate that beautiful hand drawn map at 11:37? Thats a work of art!

She's kept her rosy cheeks, the spring in her step and a smart sense of style in her wardrobe.

Amazing woman, but her sister is the real hero, who in spite of having her own family, helped her sister and father financially, without which they would not have survived and would possibly have had to abandon this rural way of life and move nearer to urbanisation. Still a wonderful insight into how people lived contentedly without mod cons.

What a beautiful place. I’ve been to Ireland and you can’t describe just how stunning. There’s a reason Ireland is called the Emerald Isle…so many shades of green. And the people are so kind. Margaret is actually a very distant relative of mine. My maiden name is Galliher.

What a beautiful woman, inside and out! 🕊️

I'm 78 and this is the way We lived when I was a child. It was a happy time. It made me happy to remember those sweet days.

Hello Margaret. It's 2018 and I'm watching your story. I am 63 years old. If I could have my time over again, I would gladly live a life similar to yours. Bless you....I think you are rich beyond imagination.

This past year has afforded me time for introspection. I finally realized at the age of 30 that all I want out of life is to live in a cozy house in the country, surrounded by a loving family, good friends, and a few animals. As an American, however, it was drilled into me at an early age to chase after a career/money/success. No wonder I could never pinpoint a career or major in college that I was truly passionate about. I have a few hobbies, but I never wanted to turn them into my source of income. I was just going through the motions, doing what was expected of me. It all rang hollow, and I always felt deep down that I was on the wrong path. However, if one wants benefits (or if you're European, basic human rights) in this country ( such as healthcare), you have to work fulltime.... I am truly happy to see that Margaret Gallagher has been able to live life on her own terms. She is an inspiration to many of us, and I hope that I am someday able to live a similar life. In the meantime, I'll keep dreaming!

Respect from Aotearoa NZ for this amazing Irish Woman remaining true to her heritage and ancestral treasures and values

At age 74 in the summer of 2017, Margaret was still living at home, now a pensioner. Bravo Margaret!

Her story made my day during Covid. She keeps bringing up the fact she did not have secondary education but I bet after entering the work force she realized how uneducated most people are. She has manners.

The Irish people embody long suffering, patience, and grace. I’m honored to be the great-great granddaughter of a member of the Diaspora. May the world enjoy the people and wisdom of Ireland for millennia to come.

I love her story. Once in a while, when I feel overwhelmed, I watch this in order to calm down. She is very refreshing and content with her lifestyle and very articulate and intelligent. I'm glad that she is still able to live her life on her terms in this cottage that makes her happy. I wish her many happy and healthy years to come🙏

This made me sad in some ways - sad at how society is now, materialist , fast paced , shallow etc .. Margaret gives us a glimpse into the past , what an incredible woman , & her sister too .. Thankyou for sharing your life with us Margaret xx

You may not realise it dear lady but I would change places with you in a heartbeat if it were possible. Modern lifestyles are absolutely not great or even nice lately, and I believe the uncomplicated and simple way you live is so much closer to what God intended for us from the beginning. Cherish it!

My, i was skirting the internet for a story just like this one, and i found it. God Bless from India.

They could NOT have picked a more perfect person for this job. I hope that she is well, and still enjoying her life.

This is how my Scottish relatives lived even when I was small. I am in my 60s now. It is important to realise that this way of living is NOT possible in cities or towns. But I do applaud the sharing of this video, if only young people would watch it and learn that life is not all about gadgets and disposable goods. Living 'without' does not mean poverty.

LOOKED AFTER YOUR OLD DAD FOR 17YR'S, GOD BLESS YOU,XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

If I grew up there with that beautiful cottage and land I wouldn't ever want to leave either. It's all I ever wanted is a true home. Margaret is more fortunate than she knows.

Beautiful, this reminds me of the Ireland I remember visiting as a small child. My uncles lived this way. The knowledge these old folk had about the land and the myth. We have lost so much in our modern world of distraction. Bless Margaret for sharing her beautiful high vibrational life. We could all learn form this.💚

Reminds me of a quote imputed to Ben Franklin “ A wealthy person is not one who has the most but one who Needs the least.” Beautiful evocative film using the least to evoke the most.

I love this! Uneducated? Nope! Differently educated! Very intelligent woman!

I love her lifestyle. It's beautiful how you can love your own home and respect the beauty of nature.

I enjoyed your story my parents Were Irish born They came to America as live in Domestics and I was born I lived half my life in Ireland and the Ring of Kerry is my favorite my mom know in Heaven I'm alone in America one sister that's Immigration but I always have a warm memory in my heart for my heritage Caledonia ❤

Oh my.... I am crying here. I so hope all her wishes come true. She deserves all the best from life. What an incredible woman. This documentary should be shown at schools all around the western world, for we need to be taught what matters and how powerful the resilience, determination and love can be.

Just wonderful. What an amazing woman...she may not have had much of an education, but she has a wealth of knowledge far beyond any of our university graduates, who have degrees in useless subjects, plus knowledge of technology. Margaret is very eloquent and is obviously very intelligent. I envy her her simplicity and dignity. Well done Margaret.

What a beautiful soul she is. I remember visiting older family friends in similar “basic” style dwellings in the 1970s around the border areas. Beautiful, decent people

Margaret is an excellent example to show the difference between intelligence and education. It’s apparent she is very intelligent indeed, and what a gold mine of local folklore and geography, everything her father told her can be shared with the world! KEvery person is of supreme value in this world….

This video is testimony to the fact that external influences & formal education won't ruin who you are if you don't let it. The lady is an inspiration.

Margaret Gallagher pioneering "off grid" before it was a thing. Love this! "These aren't things in a museum, I need them, I use them everyday!"

She sure makes it look easy, but her life's been anything but. She's so appreciative, caring, wise and just a good person. She's maintained that beautiful cottage so perfectly. What a Marvelous video. ❤️

Fascinating woman. I've known a few men and women like her in Ireland. Both my parents were born and raised there in the early 20th century. Mother was a Mayo woman from the eastern part of the county near the Ox Mountains, Father from southeast Leitrim. Both grew up in thatched cottages like Margaret's. My country tailor uncle had many of the amenities that Margaret has. I remarked on the iron, exactly like the one my uncle used in his tailoring. I'm a "Yank" by birth, but I never feel more at home than when I'm in Ireland. Thanks very much for a lovely video.

Our IQ comes from reading, hearing, doing and experience. Boy, does she have all that!!

I wish she would write a book so we could hear more of her stories about her life in Belcoo. So inspiring and historical at the same time.❤️

She's extremely well spoken. Shows a university education doesn't mean much.

I am seventy now. This video takes my memories back to my village, where my parents, brothers and sister lived without modern amneties. Ms. Gallagher is one of the greatest inspiring persons I have come across so far. Hers so inspiring that I share this remarkable video with family and friends. Thanks a lot .

Margaret Gallagher is a national treasure!

The lady is more educated than the highest scholar!! brilliant film and a lifestyle many are yearning for....

I could listen to Margaret all day! She is a wealth of knowledge and has a very nice voice! I am in awe of how much she knows of the history of her environment and she doesn't carry papers to prompt her! She must have an outstanding memory! What a lovely and interesting woman!

This is beautiful. I love how she says “I just call it home.” There is something to be said for a life of “simplicity”. Depression and anxiety run rampant in the most developed areas, and as Margaret said she learned from her father all the things that matter. Not the most money or highest degrees. Her faith in knowing her heritage was what made her succeed.

For someone without secondary education this Women is brilliant in a million ways!

This is how you make a documentary. No unnecessary drone shots. Just simple to the point information told in an effortless manner. Moving!

People like this should live forever!

My step grandmother lives in Derbyshire and whilst she very much has electricity, a television, even wifi these days! Her 18th century cottage is so well maintained and so many traditions are kept up. Its a privilege being able to stay in a house which had been in the family has owned for generations and live a little like people used to. Fetching wood from the shed and meat from the larder and whatnot is a very valuable experience i feel very privileged to have had as a milennial.

What a National Treasure Margaret is for N. Ireland! She is an amazing and blessed woman!

This was the best thirty minutes of my day. Thank you Mr. Callister for posting this lovely story, and thank you Margaret, for the gracious sharing of your life story.

Thank you John Callister for telling us about the life of Margaret Gallagher. A perfect example of sustainable development. I hope she is doing well.

An inspirational woman for all. She is a strong intelligent woman who clearly loves her house and life and the people in it. It just shows you don't need hordes of material possessions to be happy in this life especially if you are surrounded by the beauty of nature and have a purpose in life to focus the mind and bring you into the social side of your community.

I understand there’s now a preservation order on the cottage so that it will be maintained as a visitor site for the future.

I'm 80 this year, and some of what she is using, my mother used. I feel very nostalgic, and think of her alone with her beautiful books to keep her company.

This was very interesting. My ancestors were Irish and came to New Zealand in the 18 hundreds. We lived without electricity until I was 9 but we had a coal range. I remember my mother ironing Dad's shirts with a smoothing iron. Most of the heather in the North Island is white. Sometimes it may have a pinkish tinge. The homemade bread my Mother baked was called raewana, a Maori name, and was made from potatoes and flour. I was very impressed with Margaret. My father left school at 13 and became a school principal. There is a big difference between education and schooling. Margaret is obviously well educated.

This lady’s story is one that made me reminisce about my grandma who lived an austere life with my grandpa in a house without modern amenities. She taught me a lot about what matters. I’m 73 y/o and look forward to the day when I’ll see her in heaven. Margaret’s life is a testimony to all that worldly “stuff” isn’t what matters. Thank you for this video.

I love the way Margaret is a snazzy dresser. She is a natural lady.

If I just had a water source, I'd turn everything off. Her life is so envious for me, it makes my heart hurt. I also took care of my bed-ridden G-ma until she passed at 103.

What a blessed life, so many people would love to be lucky enough to have a life like hers.

What an incredible woman with an incredible story. She is blessed beyond measure with integrity, generosity, love, warmth and peace. Thus, she is far richer than all the rich people of this world put together. May God continue to bless you Margaret, always🙏.

"...my father and grandfather before me." I love the respect and love she shows for her family.

As an educator myself, I felt I must reply to the many comments about her “education”. The term “educate”, means to draw out - or to bring to fruition that which ALREADY resides within each of us. Ms. Margaret is a fine example of someone who drew upon her own understanding of life, and made comparisons, connections, and problem solving strategies. In the exact same way ALL professors and scholars, before her, have done (albeit in a more formal, constructed environment..., like university campus). I have tremendous respect and admiration for her and the path she has chosen.

Dear John, thank you so much for making this! It's been inspiring to see such a way of life. But may I ask: can you share an update on how Margaret is doing these days? How has she fared in the pandemic? Does she have electricity now? How about doing a sit down interview with her in her cottage, 30 years on, talking about life, books, baking, chores whatever. We would all love to see Margaret once again. (Viewers, please upvote/like this comment if you'd like to see her once again, so John can ascertain the interest). Thanks again John and Margaret! :)

Whether you like it or not this is truly the ultimate life! She has peace with herself and that is priceless

I am speechless. What a beautiful life. It is like a dream. So much peace. God bless you lady.

I thoroughly enjoyed Margaret sharing a bit of her life. I think this raises the question of what education really is. I think Margaret is higher educated than some college graduates.

I adore this video. I am taking care of my father and mother. I know the joy, and sadness it can bring. I pray that I get to visit you and your cottage when I get to Ireland to do research of my ancestors.

This reminds me of a very lovely lady also called Margaret. She had a simlar cottage although hers was smaller, She broke her hip and social services refused to allow her home because she was in her late 70's and she had oil lamps which they said was too dangerous. We were distant neighbours and offered to get electricity put in but she didn't want stangers coming to her wee home. We set up caravan lights and came and changed the battery over every day. She rarely used them because she was brought up that when darkness fell you went to bed. When her Mum was alive she looked after her as well as being a gardener for a local mansion house and a full time job at a munitions factory. She had 6 or 7 cows and took good care of them in between all her other jobs. She cycled everywhere beacause the nearest bus even now is 4 or 5 miles away. She always left a pair of men;s boots outside the front door so strangers would think there was a man in the house. When she was really old she allowed us to get her a house phone and on time the woman from the mansion house visited her and laughed saying that's ridiculous a servant getting a phone put in. Lady Mary, a relative of Duke of Norfork visited her often and showed a real interest in her offering do help her in any way but she refused. She got home helps but she hated it so she would sleep in her clothes and pretend she'd got up really early. She'd always have the kettle boiled for them arriving. Margaret hated when strangers came and were shocked at her living conditions beacause she couldn't have been happier and her cottage was her castle. She died about 35 years ago. Just before she died three men kicked in her door and held her hostage while they went through all her things and paperwork. They then shoved her over and ripped out the phone. My husband who was a farmer always drove past her cottage very early in the morning and this no doubt saved her life as she couldn't move and had hypothermia. Unfortunately she died shortly after in hospital. She had a little battery radio and hundreds of books. I used to sit for hours listening to all the local folklore. She hated leaving her cottage in her older years. When I got married I knew she wouldn't come so we stopped at her house when we were passing and I gifted her my bouquet (she's never been married, never even had a boyfriend) She was in floords of tears. I always used to give her gifts and cards on Mother's day and she was so happy to be my second Mum. She would come to our home for Christmas day dinner but eager to get straight back home after. We'd have the telly on and her eye would widen. One time it was an Eastenders Xmas special and they were fighting. She got really distressed because she thought it was real people fightng. So so sorry for this long garbled post but I miss her so much and all the memories came flooding back to me when I saw this.

She seems so elegant and beautiful inside and out

"I would like to see myself I would to be carried out in a coffin from this house because this is home", In the last words of this beautiful documentary, what a powerful feeling, that express the lady, hat off for her.

This is priceless to me! I've always dreamed to visit Ireland and meet the lovely souls like Margaret there. Thank you so much for this! Now, I feel I've been there in a very special way!💚🍀 🕊

My grandparents raised 9 sons in a cottage like this in the Blueridge Mountains of North Carolina, USA. The same socio-economic issues of unemployment, poverty, and the exodus of young people to find opportunities still exists in the small mountain communities today.