If you work from home, you’ll understand the struggles. Your bedroom is now filled with paper invoices and spreadsheets, your children love bursting in on your Zoom meetings, and it’s impossible to switch off at the end of the day when your office doubles up as your kitchen.
Plus, according to 47% of remote employees globally, isolation and loneliness are two of the major obstacles to working remotely.
But with 16% of companies worldwide now working remotely full-time, it looks like this working pattern is here to stay. And it’s not all doom and gloom. There are tons of benefits to remote working, such as improved productivity, more time to spend on household tasks, and reduced commuting time and costs.
So how do you enjoy the benefits of remote working, while missing out on the loneliness and lack of boundaries that can sometimes run alongside working from home? The answer lies in co-working spaces.
Co-working spaces provide an office alternative, that promises a friendly, collaborative atmosphere, and even the potential of learning new skills, according to 69% of co-working space members.
Looking for a co-working space in Carlow? Here’s our comprehensive guide to finding the best remote working hub for you in this glorious county.
How to Choose a Hub or Shared Space
So you’ve decided you want to join a remote working hub, now comes the fun part; deciding where you want to work. To find the right working space for you, here are a few things to consider.
Desks & Facilities
One of the most important things to consider is the type of desk you’re looking for. Most co-working spaces offer a hot desk option, which means you take whichever desk is available when you work at the remote hub. The dedicated desk option provides you with a desk that only you can use for the month/week/year.
You’ll also need to consider which facilities are important to you, such as printing, meeting rooms, or nearby public transport links.
Price
Check whether the price of a co-working space is in your budget before going ahead. If full-time co-working is a little outside of your budget, consider going for just a couple of days a week.
Office environment
Every co-working space is different, with some being quiet, and others being more collaborative. Choose which environment best suits your working style, then look for one that corresponds.
Connected Hubs in Carlow
Carlow Community Enterprise Centres
Established in 2005, these centres offer fully serviced office spaces, as well as hot desking options and meeting rooms. Equipped with some of the fastest broadband you’ll find, hot desk users will enjoy access to airy, stylish spaces, equipped with everything you need for a productive day at work.
If you or your company offer training courses, you’ll enjoy access to the enterprise centre’s training space. Plus, you’ll find tea, coffee, and other canteen services on-site for a quick lunch break or meeting catering.
Location: Enterprise House, O’Brien Road, Carlow, R93 Y0Y3, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start at €18.45 per day or €110.70 per month.
Features: Meeting rooms, event space, free parking, printing facilities, on-site staff, mail handling services, air conditioning, fob access, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, and free coffee.
Insurtech Network Centre
This co-working space is mainly aimed at SMEs and freelancers working within the insurance industry, with the space providing not only a workplace, but also a collaborative community of insurance professionals.
This space is part of a wider initiative to foster collaboration between insurance incumbents and insurtech start-ups.
Location: South East Technological University, SETU Kilkenny Road Campus, Carlow, R93 V960, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Not listed online.
Features: Meeting rooms, a food hall, a kitchen facility, showers, parking a barista, event space, air conditioning, 24-hour CCTV monitoring, nearby transport links, and printing facilities.
Thrive Hub
Based in the heart of Tullow, county Carlow, Thrive Hub is located above a cosy cafe and is the perfect spot for freelancers and small businesses looking for a relaxed, brightly-coloured workspace with a friendly atmosphere.
The open-place workspace is well-lit and airy, while the events, support, and collaborative approach help you grow your professional network. The best part? You’re just a flight of stairs aware from delicious, barista-made coffee.
Location: Thrive Cafe (2nd Floor), Market Square, Tullow, R93 W3K8, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start from €15.01 per day, while a monthly dedicated desk will set you back €163.35 per month. A weekly pass will cost you €60.50 for 5 days.
Features: Meeting rooms, phone booths, a barista, standing desks, electric vehicle charging stations, nearby public transport links, food and drinks service options, and high-speed broadband.
New Work Junction
Since 2015, New Work Junction spaces have serviced the needs of freelancers and SMEs all over Ireland, from Dublin to Kilkenny. Their Carlow space promises a bright, friendly, stylish space that’s well equipped, with close proximity to transport links and great food and drink options.
Location: 1st Floor, Tower Building, Castle Gate, Kennedy Street, Carlow, R93 F2W9, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start from €29.52 per day. You can opt for a hybrid blended desk plan for €153.75 per month or choose a dedicated desk for €276.75 per month.
Features: Meeting rooms, parking, a conference room, nearby major transport links, fob access, lockable desk lockers, electric vehicle charging stations, on-site staff, phone booths, printing facilities, and free coffee.
Ballon Business Hub
This beautiful building is based in Ballon, and offers spacious rooms for co-working, with lots of natural light and an open-plan layout. If you own a small business and want to work more collaboratively with your team or clients, you can enjoy access to meeting rooms, conference rooms, and spaces suitable for tutoring.
Location: Ballon Business & Training Service, The Old School, Fenagh Road, Ballon, R93 C9H6, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start from €20 per day.
Features: Meeting rooms, parking, a conference room, a kitchen facility, bike storage, keypad access, lockable desk lockers, free coffee, admin services, printing facilities, and on-site staff.
Shared Offices in Carlow
Carlow Gateway Business Centre
Carlow Gateway Business Centre is home to a range of serviced offices, virtual offices, and meeting rooms. Whether you want somewhere stylish and professional to meet a potential client, or you and your team need a space to collaborate and share ideas, this attractive space is ideal.
The Gateway Business Centre is also a recognized provider of professional training, so you’ll have all the tools at your disposal to make your business a success.
Location: Carlow Gateway Business Centre, Athy Road, Carlow, Ireland.
Cost: Contact the team directly for prices.
Features: Customisable room configurations, reception area, printing, faxing, and scanning facilities, catering on request, and tea and coffee.
