Home working is now well-established in Ireland – in fact, as much as 80% of the population worked at home throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. Cork in particular is home to many freelancers and small businesses that work entirely remotely.
But remote working isn’t all fun and games. While it offers mental health benefits and saves valuable money on commuting costs, many remote workers miss the camaraderie that comes with working in an office. They want the flexibility of remote working, but with more interaction and collaboration with colleagues.
That’s where co-working spaces come in. Cork is home to tons of remote hubs, where you can choose to hot desk when you please or hire a dedicated desk for you and your team. With the number of co-working spaces due to hit 42,000 in 2024[a], this style of working is only set to become more popular.
Interested in finding co-working spaces in Cork? We’ve got you covered, with the ultimate guide to co-working hubs in Cork.
How to Choose a Hub or Shared Space
A whopping 82% of co-workers report that since starting at their co-working hub, their professional network has increased significantly – just one of the many advantages that come with working in a remote hub.
But before choosing where to rent a desk in Cork, it’s worth establishing exactly what you’re looking for from a co-working space. Here are some things to consider.
Facilities
One of the best things about working in a remote hub is that many of them come with perks, such as free coffee, comfy lounge areas, or even beer taps! Consider vital facilities like free parking and any added extras to help make your workday more enjoyable.
Price
Before you go hunting for a co-working space, establish a monthly budget that would allow you to have a comfortable amount of money left after paying your fee.
Location
The location of your chosen co-working space is important – especially if you’re looking to reduce commuter costs. Consider somewhere within walking distance, and if it’s for a wider team, make sure it’s accessible for everyone.
Office environment
Some co-working spaces are home to a more lively atmosphere, with regular socials and after-work events. Others are quieter, more peaceful spaces with less social interaction. Consider which type best suits your needs before signing up.
Connected Hubs in Cork
e-Mizen
Funded through Cork Country’s Economic Development Fund, e-Mizen is a popular space to hot desk in Cork. This business incubation centre has a range of hot desks for hire, with an affordable daily rate and extra business services available.
If you’re looking for somewhere functional, friendly, and well-equipped to get your work done, you’ll love e-Mizen.
Location: Mizen Enterprise Centre, Main Street, Goleen, P81 VR99, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start at €12.30 per half day or €18.45 per full day.Features: On-site staff, a kitchen, free parking, meeting rooms, lockable desk lockers, outside seating, and free coffee.
CECAS Work Space
CECAS Work Space is a co-working space with a twist. This community-based, not-for-profit social enterprise is run by volunteers and generates revenue that goes towards fighting climate change and other community projects.
Creatives from all industries come to Work Space to work, and there are hot desks available as well as a meeting room, a retreat room, and event spaces.
Location: CECAS at Myross Wood House, Leap, P81 Y192, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start at €20.00 per day.Features: Meeting rooms, showers, kitchen facility, free parking, social events, and 24-hour access.
The Hub @ The Old Mill
Based in the village of Castletownroche in County Cork, this building is ideally situated on the Awbeg River – perfect for a riverside walk during your lunch or coffee break. This remote working facility has eight desks, so it’s a more intimate set-up than other remote working hubs.
It’s set in an attractive renovated flour mill and workers at the space have access to the picturesque grounds.
Location: The Old Mill, Avondhu Blackwater Partnership, Castletownroche, P51 F9PX, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks using the Connected Hub voucher scheme start at €0.00.Features: Free parking, printing facilities, video conferencing, on-site staff, attractive surroundings, and a shared kitchen.
e-Fermoy
This attractive, well-designed workspace has several desks available for freelancers and small businesses alike. E-Fermoy boasts reasonable prices, high-speed broadband, and fully-furnished offices, so if you’re looking to escape using your bedroom as an office, renting a desk at e-Fermoy is a great place to start.
Location: Faber Castell Business Campus, Carrignagroghera, Fermoy, P61 C793, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start at €15.00 per day.Features: 24/7 access using a fob, lockable desk lockers, meeting rooms, a lounge, a shared kitchen, and free parking.
Republic of Work
Connected Hubs in Cork don’t come much more stylish than the Republic of Work. With sophisticated furniture, expert lighting, and a comfy lounge area, there are few better-designed co-working spaces currently available.
Republic of Work goes above and beyond just providing budding entrepreneurs with a workstation, thanks to its community of freelancers and business owners who support each other and throw regular events.
This vast space is based in Cork city centre, and is home to not only hot desks, but also dedicated desks, meeting rooms, an innovative suite, private offices, and even a podcast studio!
Location: 3rd Floor, 12 South Mall, Cork, T12 RD43, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €43.05 per day and a dedicated desk would set you back €490.77 per month.Features: Phone booths, meeting rooms, a lounge, kitchen facilities, on-site staff, a mail handling service, a recording studio, lockable desk lockers, and air conditioning.
Culture Co-Working
Located in Cork city and kitted out with everything you could ever want from a co-working space, Culture Co-Working is stylish and friendly, with a range of desk rental options to suit every budget.
Culture is near some of the nicest walking and running trails in the city, not to mention cycle lanes and coffee shops. Need to cool off after your lunchtime run or shower? This co-working site is equipped with showers, so you can freshen up at any point.
Location: Unit P5, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork City, T12 PN7F, Cork, Ireland
Cost: Hot desks cost €30.75 per day or €18.45 for a half day. A dedicated desk costs €369.00 per month. There’s also an option for unlimited monthly hot desking, which costs €244.77 per month.Features: Meeting rooms, phone booths, a lounge, a food hall, showers, free parking, printing facilities, on-site staff, and lockable desk lockers.
Regus
Regus is one of Ireland’s largest co-working companies. They don’t just have office space in Cork, but all around the country, in cities like Dublin. Regus buildings are located across Cork city centre, and are home to stylish furniture and excellent amenities.
What’s more, the company regularly hosts networking events, so you can make new business contacts and support entrepreneurs both within and outside of your sector.
Location: There are branches of Regus located all across Cork.
Cost: Hot desks at Regus average €35.67 per day, while a day office would set you back around €72.57 daily.Features: Meeting rooms, conference rooms, 24/7 access, keypad access, air conditioning, on-site staff, mail handling service, and bike storage.
Plus 10 Coworking
Plus 10 is based in Cork city centre, and it’s home to freelancers, small businesses, and other like-minded entrepreneurs. The desk rental options are flexible and the environment is friendly, with co-workers coming together to create a strong community and share ideas.
Location: 2A Drinan Street, Sullivan’s Quay, Cork City, T12 CY28, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €31.98 per day, while a dedicated desk costs just €295.20 per month.Features: Meeting rooms, phone booths, showers, video conferencing, printing facilities, a mail handling service, a kitchen, and regular events.
Acorn Business Centre
Created in 2003, the Business Centre is located in the heart of Blackrock, within easy reach of the airport and city centre. As spacious as it is stylish, Acorn Business Centre offers the option to rent a hot desk or a meeting room – both of which come with all the amenities you need for remote working.
Location: Mahon Industrial Estate, Blackrock, Cork City, T12 K7CV, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €30.75 per day and there’s currently no option for a monthly dedicated desk.Features: Parking, meeting rooms, a kitchen, high-speed broadband, 24hr CCTV monitoring, enhanced cleaning services, and personalised phone answering.
Mix CoWorking
Based in Clonakilty, Cork, Mix CoWorking is a vibrant and friendly workplace home to a range of creatives and entrepreneurs. The environment is stylishly decorated, the WiFi is fast, and there’s even an outdoor space that’s perfect for a lunch break in the sun or after-work socials.
The pricing is reasonable, and there are few places in the area as stylish and well-equipped as this co-working hub. There’s even an hourly pay option if you don’t plan on hiring a desk for the whole day/month, perfect for those on a budget.
Location: 8 Wolfe Tone Street, Clonakilty, P85 Y243, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €20.00 per day or €4.00 per hour. There’s also the option of a dedicated desk for €300 per month. Features: Phone booths, a lounge, printing facilities, on-site staff, super fast WiFi, outdoor space, an open plan office, and a smart access system.
Rubicon Centre
The Rubicon Centre is more than just a co-working space. It’s a community of business-minded people and a hub of resources for entrepreneurs, freelancers, and small businesses.
The aim of this hub is to create the next generation of start-ups, so if you’re looking for an office space for a small company, Rubicon Centre is ideal. Access to the space includes access to business support resources and research.
Location: Munster Technological University (MTU), Bishopstown, T12 Y275, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €25.01 or you can opt for a dedicated desk for €287.92 per month. Features: Meeting rooms, a lounge, phone booths, showers, parking, an event space, printing facilities, 24/7 access with a fob, free coffee, and IT support.
VO Connect
VO Connect is a virtual office service and a co-working space, dedicated to helping remote teams get the most out of their work. The space offers short or medium-term desk rental at a reasonable price with complete flexibility and no huge up-front costs.
VO Connect is strategically located near Blackpool, with speedy access to the city centre and proximity to the N20.
Location: 1C North Valley Business Centre, Old Mallow Road, Cork, T23 WN15, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €13.53 per day – one of the most affordable co-working options in Cork. Features: Free parking, on-site staff, a mail handling service, printing facilities, nearby transport links, air conditioning, fob access, IT support, and personalised phone answering.
Benchspace Cork
Benchspace Cork promises to be more than just a desk rental space. Instead, Benchspace vows to be a creative hub, where you can find the support and community you need for a thriving remote business.
This open-access factory is particularly suited to makers and manufacturers because it offers industry-grade tools and studio space to help creatives bring their products to life. If you’re an entrepreneur or start-up business needing technical support or machinery as part of your process, Benchspace is ideal.
Location: Unit B1B, Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Road, Cork City, T12 KRH7, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A studio space where you can create your products costs €250.00 per month.Features: 24/7 access, a kitchen facility, a mail handling service, free parking, bike storage, nearby transport links, a business address for each studio, and bookable meeting spaces.
Castlelyons Community Centre
Located in Castlelyons, Cork, this friendly community centre is the perfect place to study, work, or launch a business. Complete with spacious desks, high-speed broadband, and high-quality office furniture, Castlelyons Community Centre is available for desks on a flexible or permanent basis.
Location: Main Street, Castlelyons, P61 DT88, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A hot desk costs just €20.00 per day.Features: Meeting rooms, kitchen facilities, free parking, disabled facilities, free coffee, and hands-free dispensers.
Workbase Macroom
Based in Macroom, Cork, this co-working space has everything you need to start your new business or work as a remote freelancer. It’s spacious, well-lit, and well-designed, with a range of facilities that make it easier than ever to work remotely. Did we mention there’s free coffee?
Location: Main Street, Sleveen East, Macroom, P12 WN82, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A hot desk costs €36.90 per day.Features: Showers, kitchen facilities, a lounge, free parking, printing facilities, air conditioning, fob access, free coffee, professional events, and IT support.
The Impact Hub @ Crann
The Impact Hub was built with community in mind and it shows. The building is accessible, inclusive, and bright, with special attention paid to the needs of disabled professionals. From the design of The Impact Hub to the range of services it provides, this co-working space is welcoming to every individual – no matter their needs.
Location: Classis Road, Barnagore, Ovens, P31 TX39, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: You can get a dedicated desk on a 3, 6, or 12-month membership for €320.00 per month. A part-time dedicated desk (2 days per week) costs €120.00 per month, while a dedicated office will set you back €960.00 per month.Features: Meeting rooms, a lounge, phone booths, printing facilities, on-site staff, a mail handling service, free parking, event space, IT support, admin services, and free coffee.
Ludgate Hub
This modern, well-designed co-working space is located in the heart of West Cork, and it’s ideal for freelancers and small businesses alike. There’s an open-plan office space on offer, with four private office spaces for business use. You’ll also find meeting rooms, so you can discuss ideas without interruption.
The best part? Pricing is flexible, with the option to rent a desk for a half-day only.
Location: Old Bakery, Townshend Street, Skibbereen, P81 T324, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A hot desk will set you back €24.60 per day, or €14.76 per half day. A weekly 5-day package costs €110.70 per week.Features: Meeting rooms, a conference room, phone booths, showers, free parking, video conferencing, air conditioning, fob access, a lockable desk locker, printing facilities, and on-site staff.
Bantry Bayworks
This co-working space is the innovative brainchild of the West Cork Chamber of Commerce and Bantry Grow Remote, aimed at stimulating enterprise and economic growth in Bantry, Cork.
Complete with beautiful views out over Bantry Bay, this peaceful work environment has a total of sixteen desks for hire that can be booked on a long-term or short-term basis, even by students.
Location: 1st Floor, O’Keeffe’s SuperValu, Harbour View, Reenrour, Bantry, P75 WN53, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A hot desk will set you back €20.00 per day or you can opt for a dedicated desk costing €200.00 per month.Features: Standing desks, air conditioning, keypad access, bike storage, phone booths, meeting rooms, a food hall, on-site staff, and free parking.
e-Charleville Enterprise Centre
Based in Charleville, this co-working space is home to hot desks, longer-term desks, and meeting spaces for businesses, community groups, and individuals. The space also provides somewhere professional for remote companies to meet, thanks to its convenient location on the N20 corridor.
If you’re a registered remote business that would rather not use your home address, the Enterprise Centre even offers a PO Box service.
Location: Unit 1, Block A, Charleville Business Park, Bakers Road, Charleville, P56 K259, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks here cost €25.00 per day and dedicated desks cost €240.00 per five days.Features: Meeting rooms, printing facilities, lockable desk lockers, 24/7 access, CCTV monitoring, a mail handling service, on-site staff, free parking, and a kitchen.
Enterprise Youghal
This thriving enterprise community centre is dedicated to helping start-ups and growing businesses in the East Cork area. Complete with a competitive pricing structure that suits businesses on a budget, you can choose from various hot desk, desk, and office options.
Whatever you need to support your enterprise, you’ll find it here in this well-designed, friendly, business environment.
Location: Saint Mary’s College, Emmet Place, Youghal, P36 N796, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €15.38 per day and dedicated desks cost €276.75 per month.Features: 24/7 access, meeting rooms, a conference room, a lounge, a mail handling service, on-site staff, lockable desk lockers, free parking, CCTV monitoring, and a kitchen.
Brookpark Business Centre
Located in Dunmanway, Brookpark Business Centre is a stylish connected hub that offers a range of co-working options, all with super-fast broadband and a range of useful facilities.
Location: Brookpark, Dunmanway Business Park, Clonakilty Road, Dunmanway, P47 RX28, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €17.50 per day.Features: Meeting rooms, free parking, a lounge, printing facilities, lockable desk lockers, disabled facilities, free coffee, and community events.
e-Bantry
e-Bantry is a sleek and professional co-working hub, promising hot desks to rent as well as links to support bodies for that all-important start-up assistance. The space also boasts a canteen and break-out area for taking coffee breaks in-between meetings or uni essays.
Location: Bantry Enterprise Centre, Rope Walk, Seafield, Bantry, P75 YT27, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks cost €15.01 per day, a dedicated weekly desk costs €50.00 per five days, or €200.00 per month for a monthly dedicated desk.Features: Meeting rooms, a conference room, a lounge, free parking, a kitchen, fob access, and IT support.
Kilbrin Village Hub
Located in Kilbrin, Cork, this remote working space even offers sound boards if you need to get on with important work free from distractions. There’s fast broadband, tea and coffee, and most importantly, clean and well-designed spaces to be at your most productive.
Location: Kilbrin Community Sports & Social Centre, Kilbrin, Kanturk, P51 E8ND, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A dedicated desk costs €20.00 per day.Features: Meeting rooms, free parking, a kitchen facility, printing facilities, outside seating, and event space.
e-Bandon Enterprise Centre
Located in Bandon town centre, this modern co-working space promises a range of offices and hot desks to suit SMEs and freelancers. There’s a friendly canteen space where you can have a well-earned lunch break, along with a microwave to reheat meals, and a fridge to store snacks.
The best part of e-Bandon is the 24-hour access, so you can work at a time that suits you.
Location: 27a South Main Street, Bandon, P72 C421, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Desk prices are not currently listed online. Contact the team directly for more information. Features: A canteen, meeting rooms, a fridge and microwave, lockable desk lockers, nearby public transport links, and 24/7 access.
gteic @ Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh
gteic @ Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh aims to bring together like-minded professionals in this friendly, bright-coloured space with a range of affordable hot desks and dedicated desks available.
Not only will you find a modern digital hub with all the amenities you need to work productively, but there’s a great social calendar to boot!
Location: Páirc Ghnó, Béal Átha an Ghaorthaidh, Ballingeary, P12 PX22, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Prices are affordable, with hot desks costing €18.45 per day, and a dedicated desk setting you back €166.67 per month.Features: Free parking, printing facilities, a kitchen, a mail handling service, lockable desk lockers, free coffee, professional events, and meeting rooms.
Macroom E
Based in Macroom, County Cork, Macroom E is a thriving enterprise centre dedicated to supporting start-ups, entrepreneurs, and freelancers with everything they need to get their businesses up and running.
Location: Macroom Business Enterprise Centre, Macroom Environmental Industrial Park, Bowl Road, Macroom, P12 FV30, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: A host desk costs €20.00 per day, and a dedicated desk costs €313.65 per month.Features: Free coffee, IT support, a kitchen, showers, parking, meeting rooms, a conference room, phone booths, lockable desk lockers, fob access, electric vehicle charging stations, and printing facilities.
Co-Working Spaces in Cork
BLL Co-Working
For people whose home environment isn’t conducive to productivity, or who simply prefer the hustle and bustle of office life, BLL Co-working provides the perfect solution. This purpose-built space offers the choice of a private office, hot desk, or dedicated desk, all set in the modern, stylish backdrop of the BLL building.
Location: 36 Mary Street, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Prices start at €100 per week for a hot desk or €175 per month. Features: Meeting rooms, a lounge, a kitchen, proximity to public transport, ergonomic chairs, snacks available to purchase, printing facilities, and free tea.
Glandore Office Cork
With stunning views of the River Lee, Glandore’s Cork City Quarter co-working space is a haven for SMEs and freelancers alike. You can choose from private offices, virtual offices, or a co-working desk, each of which comes with excellent facilities.
The location couldn’t be better, with Glandore promising proximity to transport facilities as well as numerous bars and restaurants and Cork’s popular shopping district.
Location: City Quarter, Lapp’s Quay, Centre, Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Pricing is available from the team at Glandore upon request.Features: Bike storage, Nespresso coffee, private phone booths, a community team, reception services, high-speed internet, a wellness programme, and 24/7 security.
The Webworkhouse
Located right in the heart of Cork city, The Webworkhouse is equipped with internet access, parcel services, and a friendly cafe serving up sweet treats to help you get through a busy day at work.
As well as a cosy environment to work, the space offers IT services and repairs, and a space to send and receive parcels.
Location: 8A Winthrop St, Centre, Cork, T12 EE6N, Ireland.
Cost: Hot desks start at €6 for 4 hours, which is a cheaper alternative to many of the larger co-working spaces.Features: Printing and scanning facilities, flexible pricing, IT services, a bureau de change, eco cafe on site, ultra-fast internet, and health and safety measures.
Civic Trust House
This shared office space is aimed at workers within the arts industry, and there’s the option of having a dedicated desk and use of the boardroom. Co-workers will also become part of the house’s vast arts community, perfect for meeting like-minded individuals and collaborating on projects.
Location: 50 Popes Quay, Shandon, Cork, T23 R6XC, Ireland.
Cost: Business hours only access costs €250 per quarter, whereas keyholder access will set you back €500 per quarter.Features: Mailing address and postal service, photocopying and printing, free tea and coffee, and use of the boardroom for meetings.
Shared Offices in Cork
Spaces – Horgan’s Quay
Cork’s latest riverside development has everything you need (and more) to supercharge your productivity. With premium offices featuring designer furniture and unparalleled views, you and your team will find exactly the place you’re looking for, whether it’s a business lounge, a private office, or shared offices.
What’s more, the space holds regular networking events, so you can build your pool of business contacts over a coffee.
Location: Waterfront Square, 1 Horgan’s Quay, Cork, T23 PPT8, Ireland.
Cost: Office space costs upwards of €445 per person per month, while a dedicated desk costs €425 per month.Features: Meeting rooms, super-fast WiFi, breakout areas, networking events, bicycle storage, and 24/7 access.
Cube Office Cork
This iconic Grade A office building offers a place for start-ups and established businesses alike to collaborate. Offering a large, open-place space, the building is fitted to the highest standards and features stylish and practical office furniture as well as state-of-the-art environmentally friendly equipment.
Location: Cube Building, Monahan Rd, Cork, T12 H1XY, Ireland.
Cost: Not listed online.Features: Eco-friendly features, rainwater that’s harvested and turned into drinking water, electric car charging points, bike repair workstation, solar panels, air conditioning, and an open-plan layout.
Tellengana House
Located in a highly accessible area between the city centre and Mahon, with a bus stop just outside, this office building provides businesses with modern, well-lit offices that enjoy extensive views over the docklands.
Telangana House was designed by award-winning Wilson Architecture and is finished to the highest standards, with an abundance of natural light and high-spec finishes.
Location: Blackrock Rd, Centre, Cork, Co. Cork, Ireland.
Cost: Not listed online.Features: Excellent fibre connectivity, shower and changing facilities, electric vehicle charging points, car parking, and proximity to many lunch places.
More remote working hubs and co-working spaces were made available for the public over the past few years. People have begun to recognize the advantages of working from home, such as saving time and money travelling to and from an office. Working from home also became more prominent when the pandemic started, which forced people to stay at home and work from home.
As mentioned in the first part of this article, working from home has its advantages and disadvantages. Working hubs and co-working spaces are intelligently designed to alleviate, if not solve, the problems brought about by working from home. When choosing the right working hub, many factors need to be considered such as the location, services, amenities, and budget.
