Remote work can give people flexibility and a stronger balance, but it can also bring on feelings of isolation and loneliness. That is the gap Grow Remote community events are designed to close.
In January 2026, almost 150 remote workers signed up to join Grow Remote social events across Ireland and beyond. These were not “big networking nights” with name tags and awkward conversation. They were simple, local events that make remote work feel less disconnected: brunch, board games, coffees, co-working, and the kind of relaxed chats that you might have with colleagues.
Remote workers want to meet where they live.
The appetite for connection is not limited to major cities.
Across the month, Grow Remote volunteers hosted events in 12 locations nationwide (plus 1 international!)
- North East Galway
- Carrigaline
- Cork City
- Wexford Town
- Gorey
- Balbriggan
- Castlerea
- Cloughjordan
- Kilkenny
- Lusk
- Waterford City
- Kinsale
- and Seville 🇪🇸
One of the strongest signals from January is how varied the meetups were. Remote workers in the Grow Remote community do not need a single format. They need options that fit different personalities, different energy levels, and different local contexts.
Here is what that variety looked like across the month (ignoring dates):
- Brunch meetups
Brunch is low pressure and easy to join. It also suits people who want a daytime social that does not compete with evening routines. We saw this with Grow Remote South East Cork, Grow Remote Gorey and Grow Remote Lusk.
- Coffee catch-ups
The simplest format, this is often the most powerful for a newcomer. A coffee meetup can be a first step back into social connection, especially for someone new to remote work. North East Galway Grow Remote New Year Coffee Catch Up was exactly that kind of gathering.
“It’s a pleasure to meet people with the same mindset and lifestyle.” – Attendee, Gorey
- Board games as a social shortcut
For many people, conversation flows more naturally when you are doing something together. Board Game Night for Remote and Hybrid Employees is a great example of a format that creates instant shared experience, and makes it easier for newcomers to feel part of the group.
- Hub and Pub
The best of both worlds: a local hub connection, followed by a more casual social setting. Grow Remote Balbriggan’s Hub and Pub meetup resembled something we see again and again: people like to co-work in a hub and also want the social connection that comes after.
- Coworking and lunch
Remote work can be isolating because it removes the informal moments between colleagues: the small talk and the shared lunch breaks. Co-working and lunch for remote and hybrid workers in Cloughjordan creates space for those moments.
- After-work drinks and end-of-week rituals
There is a reason “last Thursday” and “Friday drinks” keep showing up in communities: they create consistency and a regular, easy-to-remember cadence. Events like Grow Remote Kilkenny – Last Thursday Drinks, Thirsty Friday Drinks For Remote & Hybrid Employees in Greystones, and Last Friday Drinks for Remote & Hybrid Employees in Waterford are simple and repeatable.
“I felt at ease and could connect with like-minded people in a relaxed environment.” – Attendee, Gorey
- Something a bit different
Remote work flexibility can open up new kinds of meetups entirely. Sauna & Coffee for Remote & Hybrid Employees Kinsale was a brilliant example of using “third spaces” to build connection in a way that feels fresh.
- International community-building
And yes, Grow Remote even reached Seville with a Sunday “Merienda”, reminding us that this community is much broader than Ireland alone.
It was great to socialised with people. i have met very nice people on the day.” -Attendee, Gorey
Join the February welcome session
If this story of January impact has sparked something for you and you want to make social impact in your own local community, join the February welcome session. Register here.
