Forget damp wellies, a little light sleep deprivation and henna tattoos you can’t scrub off quick enough: the only real downside of attending a summer festival in Ireland is going back to work so quickly afterward. However, using Ireland’s huge network of Connected Hubs to extend your festival weekend into a working staycation may just be the mainstage idea your summer needs…

The idea of staying put post-fest to enjoy a soft landing at work in the local area used to be impossible for all but a select few - but if you’re a flexible, remote or nomadic worker, all you need is the right place to plug in and get to it.

Ireland’s network of Connected Hubs has over 5,000 desksin some of the most beautiful and stimulating locations the island has to offer. Time to swap the wellies for trainers, grab the laptop from the bag, and ease back into real life - just not too quickly.

BEYOND THE PALE

June 21-23

Glendalough, County Wicklow

Nestled by the famous Glendalough and its pine forests, Beyond The Pale has grown into one of Ireland’s best-regarded ‘grown up’ festivals. This year’s lineup for the festival features Jessie Ware, Orbital and tons of high-end food, happenings and entertainment. After, you can hop the three-minute drive to Brockagh Hub in Laragh, where you’ll keep amazing views of the Glendalough valley and Derrybawn and Camaderry mountains while you work.

SEA SESSIONS

June 21-23

Bundoran, County Donegal

A unique, hybrid music and sea sports festival, Sea Sessions has gone from strength to strength, and this year features Johnny Marr, Jake Bugg and BLK. alongside beach yoga, sea swimming and more, with day tickets still available. Stick around for a few days with ACL Co Work and Train, a stone’s throw from the festival, as a base. Once you’ve had a lungful of that fresh sea air, you won’t want to leave.

NIGHT & DAY FESTIVAL

June 28-30

Lough Key Forest Park, County Roscommon

Newer fest Night & Day situated in Roscommon’s amazing Lough Key Forest Park boasts an Irish-centric lineup featuring Bell X1, The Undertones, Damien Dempsey, Mick Flannery and more. Both camping and glamping tickets are still available and The Spool Factory only an 8-minute drive away. Located in scenic Boyle, it has reasonable prices for hot desks and meeting rooms on the daily.

FOREST FEST

Jul 19-21

Emo, County Laois

Nostalgia can be a powerful thing: this small fest boasts a killer lineup featuring veterans The Human League, The Cult, Dexy’s Midnight Runners and many more. Forest Fest has extensive glamping options - the perfect place to let loose before checking in at the The PEC Innovation Hub in nearby Portarlington. Spend a few days working and visiting the nearby Derryounce Lakes and walkways and the famous Rock Of Dunamase and feel the glow come back.

ALL TOGETHER NOW

August 1-4

Curraghmore Estate, County Waterford

Probably the biggest party weekend of the year, All Together Now in Curraghmore Estate, Waterford features big-name acts like The National, The Prodigy, Jorja Smith and Roisin Murphy, and miraculously as of writing, some camping tickets are still available. If you find yourself in need of urban comforts after, decamp to Boxworks co-working space in beautiful Waterford city with desk space from under 40 Euro and the historic town at your fingertips.

 THE PUCK FAIR

August 10-12

Killorglin, County Kerry

More of a street fair than a camping-and-food-vans festival, The Puck Fair in cosy Killorglin is nonetheless unique. Billed as Ireland’s oldest ever festival, the eccentric event sees a goat crowned ‘King Puck’ and celebrated with a parade, horse fair, street entertainment and many drinks toasted in the town’s pubs. Stick around for Monday and work from the RDI Hub in town - but note you’ll need to give 24 hours’ notice for your booking, crown or no crown.

It’s easy to extend that summer festival buzz without using up precious annual leave days: the Connected Hubs booking system allows you to reserve a desk space with just a couple of clicks, in any of the hundreds of hubs around the country.