The business arena is changing. Large corporations are witnessing a mass exodus of workers, who are leaving to set up small businesses and operate as freelancers. These small businesses tend to be entirely run by a single individual. In fact, eight in every 10 of these companies have no additional employees at all.
This reality is changing the co-working space landscape, resulting in more and more shared offices opening their doors to remote workers. Independent traders often don’t have the resources to open their own office, so connected hubs provide the solution.
Co-working spaces are a great option for sole traders, freelancers, and remote workers due to their flexibility and facilities. There are no long-term commitments, meaning that you can hire a desk as and when you need one.
Perhaps you run an online bakery store and require a desk to complete paperwork for just a few days a month. Or maybe you’re a freelance writer who doesn’t have a desk at home. Whatever your situation, a co-working space provides a desk, chair, and Wi-Fi access for an affordable price.
County Offaly in Ireland has a diverse range of shared offices, each promising a productive space where you can reach your business goals and meet other small business owners from the area.
Wondering how to start your search? Luckily, we’ve done the work for you. In this handy guide, we’ve listed all the options in County Offaly. Let’s dive in.
How to Choose a Hub or Shared Space
So you’ve made the decision to hire a desk in a co-working space, but aren’t sure which one you should pick. The truth is, they all offer the basics you need to do your job – but what else should you be looking for?
The Vibe
Most people require so much more from their workplace than simply somewhere they can be productive. It’s common to desire a co-working space that’s social and full of friendly people. In fact, a social workplace is proven to boost productivity and happiness.
Check to see if your preferred co-working space offers events, as this could be an indicator of a social environment. Alternatively, ask if you could visit the co-working space to look around before committing, so you can identify if the vibe matches your needs.
IT Support
If you have difficulty operating IT equipment, find a co-working space with onsite support staff. They’re a great resource if your computer or video conferencing equipment fails. Enquire with the connected hub before you make a booking to discuss what IT support is available.
Connected Hubs in Offaly
The Junction Tullamore
Great spaces allow great ideas to flourish and at The Junction Tullamore, they’re all about providing spacious office desks, high-end kitchen facilities, and unique collaboration areas. Plus, super-fast broadband is available throughout the building to ensure you never fall off that all-important video conference call.
This connected hub has lockable desk lockers and 24 hour CCTV monitoring, so you can rest assured that confidential documents are safe and secure at all times of the day. Keypad access on all the entrances offers an additional level of security too.
Location: 19H, Axis Business Park, Clara Road, Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland, R35 P285
Cost: Hot desks are available to book for €12.30 per day or you can hire a dedicated desk for €209.10 per month.
Features: IT support, enhanced cleaning services, shared kitchen, free coffee, 24/7 access, and high-speed broadband.
stream BIRR
When you think of a world-class co-working space, you probably picture friendly onsite staff, technology-centred meeting rooms, delicious coffee, and a social but productive atmosphere. At stream BIRR, we guarantee you’ll find all this and more.
This connected hub offers desks when you need them and won’t tie you into high rental contracts. The flexibility on offer here makes stream BIRR one of the best co-working spaces in the whole of County Offaly. It’s an ideal and affordable location for freelancers, sole traders, and small teams requiring a place to come together and brainstorm.
Location: Floor 1, Birr Technology Centre, Saint Brendan Street, Birr, Offaly, Ireland, R42 HX39
Cost: Book a hot desk for just €12.30 per day. Dedicated desks are available for €209.10 per month. The meeting room facilities at stream BIRR cost €20.00 per hour.
Features: Onsite staff, major transport links, nearby fitness center, shared kitchen, hands-free dispensers, and 24 hour CCTV monitoring.
e-hive
Aptly called e-hive, you can expect to find lots of friendly worker bees in this shared office space. The venue is professional, clean, and kitted out with the very best technology. It’s one of the most affordable options on the market and the best part is – you don’t have to sacrifice any of the best features. There’s even air conditioning and free coffee.
e-hive is housed in a majestic old building, but that hasn’t prevented the team behind this co-working space from offering remote workers a modern and stylish interior from which to conduct their work.
Location: Edenderry Town Hall, O’Connell Square, Edenderry, Offaly, Ireland, R45 K766
Cost: Use a hot desk at e-hive for €12.29 per day. If you’d like to book a dedicated desk, you can expect to pay €209.17 per month. The meeting room costs €86.10 per day.
Features: Lockable desk locker, light and heating, air conditioning, keypad access, meeting rooms, and phone booths.
Moneygall Community Hall
This cosy four-desk connected hub in the heart of Offaly is a great space for freelancers looking to meet other professionals. You’ll have everything you need at Moneygall Community Hall, including a desk, chair, and plug sockets.
Worried that this smaller venue will restrict your privacy? Fear not because Moneygall Community Hall has a privacy booth for private meetings.
Eco-conscious remote workers rejoice. This co-working space is powered by solar panels and offers electric car charging points in the free-to-use car park. The people behind this shared office are keen to reduce their carbon footprint, and we love them for it.
Location: Moneygall Community Gym & Hall, Moneygall, Offaly, Ireland, E53 Y791
Cost: Expect to pay €15.00 per day for a hot desk or €35.00 per day to hire the meeting room.
Features: Electric vehicle charging stations, video conferencing, free parking, phone booths, standing desks, and high-speed broadband.
Creative 65
Living up to its name, Creative 65 is a vibrant working environment that’s suitable for those in the creative industries. Graphic designers and content writers will enjoy using this space when they need productive time away from home.
This co-working space sits within the town centre, so you can expect to find bars and supermarkets nearby. There’s even a fish and chip shop next door that’s perfect for Friday lunchtimes. And with a shared kitchen, you won’t even have to waste time looking for a place to sit.
Location: 65 JKL Street, Edenderry, Offaly, Ireland, R45 PW58
Cost: Hire a desk at Creative 65 for €25.01 per day or use their state-of-the-art meeting room for €20.00 per hour.
Features: 24/7 access, free parking, high-speed broadband, light and heating, nearby swimming pool, and kitchen facility.
Ballycommon Telework and Training Centre
Ballycommon Telework and Training Centre is open to all types of freelancers and startup businesses. They have everything you need to get your job done, including photocopying facilities, meeting rooms, and hot desks.
The whole venue is accessible to those in wheelchairs and those using walking frames or sticks – which means all workers and clients can easily access the spaces.
While you’ll be provided with a chair at your desk, you may choose to take advantage of the standing desk opportunities here – which are proven to support your long-term health and make you more productive.
Location: Ballycommon, Tullamore, Offaly, Ireland, R35 V124
Cost: If you opt for a hot desk here, you’ll pay €12.29 per day. Meeting room hire is €12.50 per hour.
Features: 24 hour CCTV monitoring, showers, printing facilities, meeting rooms, fob access, and outside seating.
Birr Technology Centre
On Saint Brendan Street you’ll find Birr Technology Centre – a charming connected hub that provides short or long-term desk space. It’s recently been modernised and is fitted with privacy divides.
Unlike other co-working spaces in County Offaly, it doesn’t offer 24/7 access – which makes it the best choice for those who struggle to effectively maintain a healthy work-life balance.
There’s a nearby bus stop and free parking available at this co-working space, making Birr Technology Centre easily commutable by those living in County Offaly and the surrounding areas.
Location: Saint Brendan Street, Birr, Offaly, Ireland, R42 A593
Cost: Dedicated desks at this co-working space cost €250.00 per month.
Features: Free parking, nearby bus stop, meeting rooms, light and heating, dedicated desks, and 24 hour CCTV monitoring.
Co-Working Spaces in Offaly
tcube Edenderry
Working from home is great, but sometimes it can be difficult to concentrate with all the distractions. tcube Edenderry offers a solution to that problem. It’s the perfect co-working space for those looking to settle into a productive environment amongst like-minded people.
Beyond the basic facilities included with every booking, you can also request a desk phone and number, private own-use Wi-Fi, and A3 colour printing. Plus, the desks here are socially distanced, making this the ideal location for those with health anxiety.
Location: The Old Shoe Factory, St Mary’s Street, Edenderry, Offaly, Ireland, R45 DY06
Cost: Desk options start from €13.95 per day, while meeting room prices start at €10.00 per hour.
Features: High-speed broadband, free parking, coffee, socially-distanced desks, meeting rooms, and video conferencing.
