Read on for an overview of the PorterShed – who we are and what we do.
The Galway City Innovation District was set up in 2015 with the aim of transforming Galway into a tech hub where all sorts of start-up ideas could be brought to life. At the same time, it became clear that multinational companies looking to Ireland needed somewhere on the west coast they could be based as a landing place.
The PorterShed was the brainchild of the co-founders, originally established in May 2016, and the rate of innovation in Galway has increased significantly as a result. The very first building was based behind Ceannt Station in Galway city, and two more buildings followed thereafter – PorterShed a hAon at Bowling Green, and PorterShed a Do on Market Street.
The PorterShed has hosted many amazing companies – both indigenous and multinational – over the years, and we are focused on creating high-value sustainable jobs so that those who want to live and work in Galway can do so.
Bowling Green was officially opened in March 2022 and has been in operation ever since. Home to some 50 member companies, it has two floors which include five meeting rooms, nine privacy booths, and a communal kitchen. There is also space for events to be held, with room for approximately 40 people standing room. Built with thanks to Enterprise Ireland funding, it is a testament to collaboration.
PorterShed a Do at Market Street was officially opened at the end of October 2022. Formerly the Connacht Tribune office, it has been refurbished and reimagined as a space where start-ups, scale-ups, and multinational corporations can be based. Some of its high-end facilities include meeting rooms, privacy booths, meditation rooms, and more.
The Innovation space at PorterShed a Do has the capacity to welcome more than 150 people, making it ideal for welcoming communities and get-togethers in the tech world. Here, all manner of innovation-focused gatherings can easily be held in a modern setting, making it ideal for Q&As, speaker sessions, and summits where people can share ideas and create new synergies.
PorterShed members have access to our podcast studio, meaning that they can easily access new audiences by crafting high-quality audio content. PorterShed’s Community/Production Manager Anthony Shaughnessy can also make himself available to assist those who want to make use of the podcast studio, ensuring high-quality results.
“I knew straight away that I had found my tribe. I was living in Dublin at the time, and while I was there I didn’t think there were any programmers in Galway – at least start-upy ones. And then the PorterShed came along…and all of a sudden, there was a place in my hometown where I could go and do what I want to do.”
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The PorterShed is located in the beating heart of Galway city – and we are right in the middle of all that is happening in the world of technology. The two main buildings – PorterShed a hAon and PorterShed a Do – are located a short 30-second stroll from Shop Street, while we are just a two-minute walk from Eyre Square. We are also close to the cultural hotspots of Galway, making the PorterShed an ideal place for people to take some downtime when it suits them.
Salthill, the Wild Atlantic Way, and all of the city’s landmarks are all within cycling distance – and we wouldn’t want it any other way!
Our Full-Time packages are ideal for the start-up entrepreneur who wants to make every moment count, our Virtual options would suit those who want to dip back into office life, and our Corporate membership is ideal for FDIs looking to the PorterShed to set up shop. We have lots of other options, too, so read on to find out what membership options you can avail of at the PorterShed.
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