Well, how long is a piece of string?

If you need to build sandcastles you go to a beach, if you need to go sailing you go to sea, and if your team decides that mountain climbing is the perfect event for them then it’s off into the country and find a mountain range.

Horses for courses: So then why would we think it strange that the team would select Dublin as a destination for team building? It is the capital city of the country and has the greatest and most diverse range of activities than anywhere else in the country! When it comes to team building and group bonding that we are all on different pages at the beginning. It takes time, effort, leadership and coaxing to sometimes get a consensus. Nothing wrong with that really and it does show democracy at work. Someone always needs to put their hand up and take the initiative. It’s what happens. Others prefer to be led than and that’s fine too. The whole point about leadership get-a ways and team building events is it opens up opportunities for those who neither are, nor regarded as natural leaders.

It also brings out qualities that may not be apparent in an office environment. It gives all participants a chance to see what other members can bring to the party. Just because a team member it red hot at computing doesn’t mean that they are dumb when it comes to outdoor pursuits or outdoor team leadership. There’s many a gem hidden under a corporate rock and a spell away from the work environment can often help to unearth such gems. So let’s bring it on.

Back to Dublin and the reasons for selecting it as a corporate event outing destination for the team.

The variety of activities, places of interest, art galleries, hotels, pubs, restaurants are as long as they are interesting.

Whatever we find in other places in Ireland, we can find the whole bundle of them in Dublin. Dublin is not just the capital of Ireland now, it’s a vibrant European city and pretty much like New York, it’s a city that never sleeps. The only drawback is probably the extent of the activities. There will surely be some disagreement within the group as to what is a priority. This takes the team back to the reality of democracy and consensus. THE main attractions are the art galleries and the museums, the range of bridges spanning the river liffey. The enormity of the phoenix park, which houses the Zoo and the Aras, home of the President of Ireland is not fully appreciated.

It totals over 1700 acres and is bigger than Central park in New York and Hyde Park in London. There are lots of other main stream activities to keep the team happy.

Another reason for selecting Dublin as a destination for the team is its access.

The main railway hub in Ireland is at Heuston Station and it services the south, the south east and the west of Ireland. A second station at Connolly serves the north east and Belfast. Dublin airport is now one of the busiest in Europe and has connections to multiple destinations in not just Europe but worldwide. Ferries sail in and out of Dublin Port every day to the UK and continental Europe. So it your group or team are planning a spell in Dublin and moving on as a part of that team building exercise all travelling options are open. Finally, Dublin as we have stated is not just the capital of Ireland, a European city, but is a multicultural location that can compete with the best in the world at anytime.

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Memory Wall

Kayaking with your team soon? Or maybe half your team won a trip to the Spa as an incentive prize? Celebrate these moments! Planning excursions and activities can bring some more excitement into your office! Remember these occasions by creating a Memory Wall in your office. This team building activity is one that gives your team a place to remember the fun they have had together!

What is a Memory Wall?

Your office Memory Wall will be an archive of your teams most exciting moments. For example, Christmas Parties and Summer Barbecues. A few snaps of your office manager Zorbing! A group of your interns at a Gin Tea Party! Nominate someone in your office to document these events. This team building activity will make your team laugh and reminisce. In fact, all you need is a Camera! Or maybe hire a professional photographer!

On your memory wall, don’t just stop at just pictures of activities. Appreciating employee contributions is important. To make a positive effort to celebrate their accomplishments is key to a happy office. For instance, awarding an ‘Employee of the Month’ is a popular way to celebrate an individuals effort.

Celebrate your employee of the month on your wall too! Or celebrate whoever came up with an idea to make a task easier or recycled the most waste! Acknowledge a team members effort.

Why have a Memory Wall?

The wall can help build camaraderie among team members. It is a positive and encouraging way to support productivity and harmony within the office. A team is connected. Seeing each other every day. Working side by side.

Experiencing the same wacky Extreme Sport team building activities suggested by their boss! Therefore, having an ongoing memory wall is an activity that promotes team bonding. It rewards people for their efforts and celebrates the time they spend together. Mark the time spent in the office and further a field with a memory wall!

Tip : Consider hanging your memory wall in the foyer of your office. This way, visitors can see your teams achievements. Friends and relatives will be able to pick the person they know out of group pictures. It will be the first thing your employees see when they come into work. What a great way to start the day!

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How to make your Team Building Activities more effective

Planning Team Building activities can be beneficial for a number of reasons. Activities such as Watersports or Summer Barbecues can be a great way to network and create bonds! Make sure that your carefully planned activities yield positive outcomes. Learn how to make your team building activities more effective!

Have the activity during office hours

They might work in the most action packed, positive work space in town. They might absolutely love their job! And lets hope they do! It doesn’t matter how much a person loves their job, no one wants to spend extra hours in work. The evenings and weekends are for time off! No matter what company event is planned! Schedule Team Building Activities during a work day. Your employee can come in to something unexpected and fun. Unless you are planning a company wide week long trip to Bali – keep it to office hours!

Collaboration

Choose team building activities that encourages collaboration. Working together is so important. The strength of your team depends on how well they can work as a unit. Make collaboration a priority when setting out team building activities. Although competitiveness can be productive, but focussing on winning may derail the point of the exercise. Choose an activity that encourages your team to work together, instead against one another, to solve a problem. A Trip to an adventure centre is a good way to encourage working together. Centres often plan tasks that require team work to be completed!

Volunteering

Benefitting the community is wonderful motivation for a team. Volunteering their time to help out a local charity can be an effective team building activity. Your team will feel like they are making a difference! Working together to help others makes people feel good about themselves. It will enhance your teams self esteem. Spread the positivity! Plan a marathon, food drive or recycling incentive.

Going offsite

Taking your team out into the fresh air is a great way to get started! There are a number of exciting outdoor activities that you can plan. Venture beyond the four walls of the office for a day! Try something like surfing! Or Lets say you are planning a team bonding activity that could take place in a boardroom. Book this event somewhere offsite to shake things up! There are plenty of hotels that would be perfect for this kind of thing!

Accessibility

Make sure no one in your team feels left out. Many of us would enjoy active sports like paintball. The fast pace of such sports may not appeal to all members of your team! Consider the physical conditions and health needs of your employees. Choose something that everyone is excited about! Or give the group the option of two activities. Maybe one group hits the Dirt Buggys while another relaxes at a Spa! To each their own.

Communicate expectations

Communicate your expectations to your team. Before any team bonding sessions outline what you hope the outcomes will be. Make a list and send an e-mail around highlighting how the activities you have chosen could achieve these goals. Let them know that this activity should improve communication and stimulate creativity. Another could encourage networking and working together. Employees will respond to knowing why the activity is taking place!

Gather feedback

How did your crew find the trip to the pottery? It is so important to gather feedback. Ask people how they got on! Find out whether the planned activity was effective. Ask you team to provide constructive feedback. This is a great way to get to know your team. If something worked out well, maybe try it again the following year.

Finnally, How to make your Team Building Activities more effective all comes down to the willingness of the team to buy into them. Make sure to take some time to focus on this aspect also.

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5 Positive Effects of Team Building Activities

Team Building Activities have been proven to have a significant and positive impact on teams. We all want to work together productively! And in a positive environment where we can be satisfied professionally. The 5 Positive Effects of Team Building Activities will show below.

Most companies use a wide variety of techniques and strategies to help their team get to know each other. Company outings and office games may seem like the opposite of hard work, that’s because – they are! But they serve an important purpose. Activities like these are extremely beneficial to building valuable interpersonal relationships in the work place. A team that this connected communicates with one another in a clear way! They motivate one another to reach goals. Getting to know each other in turn leads to better problem solving skills! It also leads to collective creativity and the ability to work together to achieve a common goal.

Communication

Lets starts off this list with the most important thing a team needs, communication skills! There are a number of ways to increase communication between employees. Being able to communicate ideas is a beneficial skill for your team to have. Team Building Activities that increase communication skills are a must! If your employees work remotely this is very important. Communicating via e-mail has its pit falls! Try playing one of our suggested Team Building Activities for Remote Teams.

Problem Solving

Team Building Activities have there roots in problem solving. Problem solving exercises encourage a team to work as a unit. They can be challenging and rewarding. These feelings will transfer into the workplace! A Trip to an Adventure Centre is a fantastic way to get your teams mental cogs turning. Using problem solving skills in a physical way stimulates the brain. You would be surprised how figuring out how to rock climb or similar would boost your creative problem abilities in the work place

Creativity

Creativity and Problem Solving work hand in hand. You want to encourage your team to think outside of the box! Creative thinking can lead to new effective solutions. It can also, most importantly, make work fun for your team! They say creativity is intelligence having fun! Keeping this in mind, why not take your group to a Life Drawing Class? As Far as Team Building Activities go – this one will be memorable. Activate your teams creativity by allowing them to draw a live nude model! Take the artwork back to the office and have it framed to create a gallery wall! Show your team how important creativity is to your company. 

Work Satisfaction

Being satisfied in the workplace is the reason many people stay with their current jobs. They are happy in their environment. They’re part of something they are proud of. They might have great friendships within the office. They might feel like their work is being appreciated. They’re being rewarded! Ultimately, they are happy to go to work in the morning! Increase Work Satisfaction by rewarding you hardworking employees with a Work Night Out! Enjoying a night out together is a Team Building Activity that will never go a miss! Or perhaps a Spa Day? An opportunity to relax and be pampered can be more exciting for some!

Inner and Outer Health

Lastly, on our 5 Positive Effects of Team Building Activities. Consider the health and wellbeing of your team should be the top priority! Especially if the role they are in is sedentary or office based. Break out of the stuffy office for a day and try out one of our Water based activities! What better way to get the blood pumping! The fresh air and the physical activity will do wonders for your staff! They will feel like they are working somewhere that appreciates fun! Forget the office for a day and head out onto the water! Come back feeling refreshed and ready to take on new tasks!

Finally, Team Building Activities have infinite positive effects for both you and your team. Regular group activities makes for a happy and active team! Try out some of our suggestions and notice the improvement in your teams energy! Will you spot the 5 Positive Effects of Team Building Activities?

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Team Building Activities for Remote Teams

Do some of your employees work from home? Or abroad? Make the whole team feel connected by trying out some of these team building activities for remote teams! These are a fun way to make everyone feel like they are working as one. Working remotely can be isolating and these activities will break down that wall, promote communication and a sense of belonging. Increasing a sense of camaraderie between team members who work away from the office will strengthen your team so that it can behave as one! All you need is an internet connection!

Guess the Office

Online Games

Cocktail Competition

Video Chat Charades  

Online Karaoke 

Looking for more Team Building Activities for Remote Teams?! How about one of our Weekend Packages! Get everyone in the same space for a whole weekend!

Finally, if you’re planning an upcoming event or looking for more information on team building activities for remote teams. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie!

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We all go to work, do our jobs, and go home. Regardless of how fulfilling our jobs are, it’s nice to have a little surprise here and there. Little surprises from the boss help people feel connected to their work environment and make it that much more enjoyable. Have a read of our 10 Ways To Surprise Your Team. The idea is to increase engagement and productivity.

Food Time

For no reason just bring in some food to share. Some Bagels, fruit baskets, cookies, or even pizza. These are always a big hit!

Home Time Surprise

Why not tell everyone they can leave 30 minutes early for the day as a random surprise. Surprisingly, most people will not actually leave because they have work they don’t want to leave behind. But it’s still a really nice gesture that they will appreciate!

Personal Touch

We all love the personal touch. This little surprise is something you can do in personally without involving the rest of the team. Every once in a while, come in a little early to leave a personal note, complimenting the work done or thanking them if an extra special effort was made on a recent project. They will love that you took time to leave this personal compliment.

Work Somewhere Else

Work somewhere else for the day! Remember that time your teacher took you outside to have class? It’s the same feeling! We strongly recommend having regular team idea sessions in a different environment than the office. If you have a team meeting coming up that’s normally in a boring conference room, then why not head to a local park and sit at a picnic table? Or head to a local coffee shop or hotel lobby.

Funny Board

Get a little bulletin board in the office and every morning allow an employee to put up a funny picture, cheeky tweet, or quote. Even put this on a rota system so people know when they have to put up a funny piece.

Branded Gear

Show employees you appreciate them with cool gear. Organise t-shirts, stickers, coffee mugs or water bottles with business logo stamped on. Use them as little thank you gifts for the staff… And if they use them outside the office you now have some free advertising!

Walk Time

Take everyone out for a walk. Grab your team and just walk around the block or the park. This gets everyone chatting and really relaxes people. Such a nice surprise also to just randomly take 30 minutes out of the day for a little team bonding.

Music

Is your office usually pretty quiet? Mix it up a little, bring in a speaker, turn on the radio and have some tunes on!

Team Lunch

Team lunches are a great way to create a different kind of conversation that wouldn’t happen in the office. Organise a team lunch and to get to know your employees on a different level and in a different setting. This team bonding lunch allows your team to connect more.

Visit From The Family

Do you know the spouses or any family members of your team? Why not invite them to stop by? In the office we talk about our family, kids and pets every day and even see the pictures. But has your spouse ever actually seen where you work or what you do? Take a minute and say hi to them in person. It’s always a nice break in the day when your spouse or co-worker’s spouse stops by with the kids. It really lifts the mood in the office.

We all know their are benefits to team building. We really encourage you to brighten your teams day by trying one of our 10 Ways To Surprise Your Team or all if you feel like it! 

As a manager it is vital to know little tricks that motivate your staff, raise moral, make work enjoyable, and all resulting in increased productivity.

These are just a few ideas, and we’re sure you can come up with more. Don’t hesitate to experiment and we would love to know how they work with your team.

If you like the idea of organising some team building for your group. Then contact us today and let our expert team look after you.

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Cork Craft Beer – What’s your favourite?

As I write this article, the weekend is rolling in and I’m starting to work up a thirst. I love nothing more than after a long week at work to sit back on the couch with the dog and crack open a bottle of craft beer. Especially as the weather turns a bit grim on our beautiful county. I preferably go for a Cork craft beer. Not simply because I’m from Cork but also that we are spoiled with some of Ireland’s top craft breweries and they produce amazing beers, ales, stouts and ciders.

So, as I day dream of taking my first sip of my weekend beer. I thought I’d share some of my favourite Cork Craft beers!

Chieftain & Rebel Red – Franciscan Well Brewery

First up is Chieftain from the lads in the Franciscan Well Brewery. This is there answer to the growing popularity for IPA’s. It’s cloudy with a citrus aroma and is 5.5% abv. I love an IPA and this ticks all the boxes for me. It’s full of flavour and still quiet light. Meaning you’ll be back to the bar to other another one or two.

My favourite brew to come out of the Franciscan Well is their Rebel Red. A quiet exceptional Irish Red Ale I think they launched back in 1998 when I was only going into secondary school and didn’t even know what an ale was. It has hints of caramel, biscuit, hops and malt. It isn’t to gassy and so smooth to drink. The guys have it available around the city on tap, to share the love of course. But there is nothing better than popping down to the brewery itself on North Mall heading to Sunday’s well for a pint.

And if you can’t get in. They have them in cans now across the county.

Mi Daza – Rising Sons Brewery

Now, you’ll find me quiet often with a stout in hand folks. Murphy’s in most bars is a go to for me. But if I find myself in the Rising Sons for a match or for after work drinks. Then I get the lads to whack me on a pint of Mi Daza. It’s traditionally brewed to give a big rich roasted flavour. It’s thrice hopped with four malt and has hints of chocolate so I’ve read in the bar. One thing you’re sure to pick up is the taste of ‘more’ off it.

KPA Kinsale Pale Ale – Blacks Brewery

I’m not living far from Kinsale myself so when I pop into the town for a beer with the lads and a good chinwag over the state of our favourite team. I need a drink that’s strong enough but also able to relax. Following sports teams will break your heart.

The KPA Kinsale Pale Ale is jammed packed with citrus and tropical flavours that’s balanced with a malty sweetness. The tropical notes have to be inspired by being so close to the water I reckon. Either way this 5% abv beer is a tasty one lads. It’s clean crisp finish is what makes it a winner for me.

Howling Gale – 8 Degrees Brewing

At the other end of the county the guys in 8 Degrees Brewing have a fantastic IPA called Howling Gale. A great name for an Irish IPA to be fair. It has grapefruit, pine and biscuit notes lads. It’s medium body also means it has a smooth finish. This beer is great on any occasion and pairs really well with any munch you might be having.

Roaring Ruby – West Cork Brewing

Another fine Irish Red Ale makes my list in the form of Roaring Ruby by the guys in West Cork Brewing. It’s a bit darker than your average red ale but it has wonderful flavours. Caramel, toffee and a hint of coffee has me gasping for one at the thought of it now.  If you get your hands on one lads make sure to take the time to enjoy it fully.

Kerry Lane – Cotton Ball

First time I tried Kerry Lane from Cotton Ball I was at a wedding and the bride and groom had a keg of this fine pale ale on tap. And it was an open bar. Well lord save us did I develop a love for this drink. It’s full bodied guys, and has this mix of bitter and sweet notes going on. And the hops come through so well. I love a hoppy beer.

The main thing to know lads is this Cork craft beer is savage and if you ask for a pint of this. You simply not be disappointed.

Medium Dry Cider – Stonewell

I’m not a huge cider drinker. So to get me to have a cider, even on a hot summers day, is a task in itself. However, the Medium Dry Cider from Stonewell is just fantastic. It has a real freshness to it with hints of citrus too. It tastes so good. My advice is not to go too mad on the ice. The coldness masks the flavour.

So, there you have it lads. Just some of my favourite Cork Craft Beer selections. Is there any cork craft beer you should think I should be trying? Let me know on info@bigpotatoes.ie!

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3 Top Lunch Picks for a Work Lunch in Cork

I’m going to say it, we are spoiled in Cork for a venues to have a work lunch in. There is nothing better than having a work lunch in my opinion. But for those who know me, know that I love me food, this won’t come as a great surprise. A work lunch I find is a great way to have to discuss various topics and it allows a meeting/conversation flow more naturally and often times new ideas come out of them. So, here are my 3 Top Lunch Picks for a Work Lunch in Cork!

Perry Street Cafe

If you’ve not eaten here yet. I want you to get up now and go grab some food in Perry Street. It is simply one of Cork’s culinary hot spots in my opinion and does incredible food daily. The venue is open and airy and makes it a wonderful space for a work lunch.

After you’ve eaten I’d suggest grabbing a coffee and enjoy this relaxing space as you go through the reason you actually decided to have a work lunch. Such is the popularity around lunch time I’d suggest calling ahead and asking to book a table if it’s a work lunch engagement. Just to be safe.

Market Lane

Again another fantastic restaurant for a work lunch. Located at the bottom of Oliver Plunkett street in Cork City you’ll be salivating over what to eat for lunch in Market Lane. You may even forget your reason for even being there. They have such an extensive and varied menu to suit any type of palate.

As a venue for a work lunch, it is perfect. It’s a relaxing restaurant, people aren’t on top of you and you can speak freely with out fear of someone listening in. Maybe the last one is just me.

Cask

Lastly on our lists is Cask on McCurtain Street. Just around the corner from me here in office, I’ve sampled it’s lunch time menu a few times. Each time is better than the last and that’s why its on my 3 Top Lunch Picks for a Work Lunch in Cork. If I’m having a work lunch this would be my first shout.

I already mentioned the food but again, like the others above, the space is inviting, comfortable but also allows you to do some real work when it comes time to knuckle down. I also love the window seats from a personal point of view. Watching the world go by always helps me think of creative ideas if it’s that type of work lunch.

So, they are my 3 Top Lunch Picks for a Work Lunch in Cork. Where do you go for your work lunch? Or is there anywhere you’d recommend for my next work lunch.

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5 Adventure Spots for an Off Site Day in Cork

An Off Site Day is always a wonderful way to reinvigorate a team, set new goals for the year ahead or just to reward a any type of team for a job well done. Now I love experiencing that adrenaline rush that comes with an exhilarating team building activity. So, I thought I’d put together 5 Adventure Spots for an Off Site Day in Cork!

Zip-Lining

If you’ve never been Zip-Lining then quiet frankly you’re missing out lads. It will test your nerves, get your heart racing and adrenaline pumping all at the same time. Zipit just outside Cork City in Farran Woods is home to one of Ireland’s best Zip-Lining course, and is brilliant for an Off Site day.

The guys will make sure you’re all kitted out, literally shown the ropes and move you along the different zipline courses. You’ll start small before moving onto bigger and higher courses. I really can’t speak highly enough about Zipit in Farran and the team. They’ll make sure you’re off site day is a huge success.

Karting

Karting is always a fantastic option for an off site day in my opinion. A series of races to will not only fuel peoples competitive side but will have them buzzing from the adrenaline rush afterwards.

Just on the edge of the city, in Marina Commercial park actually, you’ll find the National Kart Centre Cork. It’s a brilliant karting track that will challenge even a seasoned driver. It will be interesting to see how yours gets on. The guys will make sure you get everything and more out of your day spent on the track.

My advice if you’re planning an off site day is to do any work before the Karting. Because, the racing is all your team will be talking about afterwards.

Rib Trip

If adventure and fueling your need for speed is still on your mind for your upcoming off site day. Let me suggestion a Rib Trip. You’ll all hop aboard a high powered rib and get race across the top of the water, using waves as ramps and there’s no avoiding getting a little wet. The guys in Cork Sea Safari know how to really drive one of these boats!

I’ve had the pleasure of experiencing this over the summer and I can honestly say you and your team will be buzzing afterwards. It’s a fantastic activity on an off site day for team building or to reward hitting certain targets. Or it can be used to kick off a work night out even.

Bubble Football

Now I know on an off site day you’re trying to get some valuable work done. It could involve brainstorming or simply reviewing what you’ve done for the year and what you all as a group can do better. After you get all the work done early in the day, I suggest you give Bubble Football a go!

You’ll jump inside inflatable balls an attempt to play football and score a few goals. You’ll be bouncing all over the place, hitting co workers all safe in the knowledge you’ll be safe. The guys in Bubbleball Ireland have a few venues around Cork and will make sure you and your team have a brilliant day.

Cable Wakeboarding

Lastly on our list of 5 Adventure Spots for an Off Site Day in Cork is Cable Wakeboarding! Ballyhass lakes is home to Cork’s only Cable Wakeboarding centre and if you’re looking to add a little adventure into your off site day. Then get yourself down there.

The guys are incredible in handling any size team and the instructors will have you standing up on the Wakeboard in now time as it pulls you across the lake. Your heart will be racing, your adrenaline will be pumping and you’ll have a smile from ear to ear.

They also have a huge range of other activities like kayaking, zip-lining, and the leap of faith. Just in case you want to more than just one activity.

So, these are my 5 Adventure Spots for an Off Site Day in Cork. Make sure you check out the guys above and if you have any other questions. Sure just drop me a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details.

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Cork, Coffee and Meetings!

One of the best things about being located in the heart of Cork City is that there is no shortage of fantastic coffee shops and locations for a meeting. I love nothing more than getting out of the office to have a work meeting or enjoy a change of scenery as I make my way through a mountain of emails. I also love how a meeting in a Cork coffee shop always sparks my creative side. As I write, “Cork, Coffee and Meetings”, I’m sat at the window of a coffee shop looking at people passing by and enjoying yet another fantastic brew.

As I mentioned, different locations and a particularly good coffee shop sparks my creative side. So, I thought I’d throw together some of my favourite coffee shops to not only grab a fine brew but to also have a meeting. Who knows they may help to spark you’re creative side too.

The Bookshelf

I pass the Bookshelf on my stroll into the office each morning. Each morning the inviting aroma always tickles the senses. I’m a huge fan of their coffee and I make sure if I grab a cup that I have the time to enjoy it. So, this is one of my go to places for a work meeting over a coffee. I can sit down and relax with my coffee then have a productive meeting in a comfortable setting.

Now, I love the hustle of people chatting, coming and going and all the sounds. But, If I need a little more privacy or a quieter area for a meeting. There is a delightful upstairs area. It has everything you need for a meeting in Cork City over a coffee.

I even have friends that when they’re back from Dublin, work remotely all day in the Bookshelf. Check it out!

Cork Coffee Roasters

Next on my list of great places for a coffee in Cork is the Cork Coffee Roasters on Bridge Street. I’m the envy of a lot of my friends as our office is only around the corner from this great coffee shop. I love popping in their around 11am or when the 3pm slump hits for a little pick me up. It’s also worth noting that if you bring in your reusable coffee cup, you get 50 cent off.

The interior is cool and understated and it’s a relaxing spot to take 10 mins out of a busy day to chill and enjoy a coffee. It’s also a great spot for a brainstorming session in my opinion. And, if the sun is shining they have a fantastic window seat outside to enjoy a coffee in the sun.

Soma Coffee Company

Soma is a really cool coffee shop on Tuckey street in the city. If you don’t know where that is, it’s the street by the fountain and Hillbilly’s. Not long open, but the guys are making big waves in the cork coffee scene. I’ve enjoyed a few coffees and work meetings here and you really can’t go wrong.

Plenty of space to chat, have a meeting, work and the guys always make you feel very welcome. They recently got their own in house coffee roaster that is on show too.

Dukes Coffee

If you take a stroll down Carey’s Lane which is just off the main street in Cork. You’ll find another smashing coffee house. They have tons of different blends, always talk you through them or give you suggestions. And the food they have to go with it is just savage.

It’s a wonderful place for a work meeting, slash coffee, slash lunch, slash to get work done. It can be whatever you want it to be really. But, if you’re looking for a quality cup of coffee. You won’t be disappointed with Dukes.

The Atrium in the Clayton Hotel

Located along the river and right by the Port of Cork the Clayton Hotel and more importantly the Atrium inside is a fantastic spot to grab a coffee, do a bit of work and have a work meeting. They have high tables with plenty of sockets to charge phones and laptops which is worth noting

If you’re planning a more relaxed meeting and chat you’ll find comfy couches and space which allows you to explore your creative side. Sure who can’t be creative with big Golden Balls hanging over head.

So, here was just a few of my favourite Coffee Shops in Cork City for a meeting. Make sure you pop in for a brew sometime and enjoy a work meeting there.

Finally, is there anywhere you’d add to “Cork, Coffee and Meetings”??

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Work Night Out Ideas

Regardless of how many years you’ve been working for, a work night out is always something everyone looks forward to. A night where everyone lets their hair down and enjoys each others company over a few drinks. A work night out is more than just a drink. It’s a fantastic team building event and there are plenty of ways to maximize its benefits. So, here are a few of our favourite Work Night Out Ideas!

Here at BigPotatoes.ie we’ve split our Work Night Out Ideas into 3 categories. Activities, Games and Out There Ideas!

Activities

Firstly, the key to a good work night out is choosing an activity that everyone will enjoy, get involved in, take something away from and hopefully not have done before.

Weather permitting there are fantastic outdoor activities available all across Ireland. You can fuel your teams need for speed and competitive side with some Karting. Get into the trenches with some Paintball and who knows settle some scores. Try a whole host of activities from abseiling to kayaking in an Adventure Centre. And, if you fancy getting your feet wet before a few drinks, give Surfing a go or even be a big kid on an Inflatable Water Park

If your team is looking for a more relaxing affair. You can always indulge them with a Spa Day. Who doesn’t love a  relaxing massage?

Finally, if you’re just looking to get the night and party started early. You can’t go wrong with a Cocktail Making Class, a BBQ, a spot of Karaoke or even a Gin Tea Party. Start as you mean to go they say!

Games

On a work night out we always recommend having a few games organised. They don’t have to be anything crazy but just a few to help the party get started.

A great work night out game is the table quiz. Our advice, keep it short and sweet but make sure the questions are tricky and that there is no googling answers.

One of our favourite things to do on a work night out here in BigPotatoes HQ is to break out a few old board games from our childhood. Hungry, hungry hippo is always sure to get everyone fired up. Buckaroo will get the heart racing and nerves heightened. And who can forget Jenga. A game that always captivates people!

Other great work night out games are doing your own scavenger hunt. You can make it very simple an include things that you can collect by taking pics on your phone. ‘What’s My Name’ is a classic and all you’ll need is to raid the stationary cupboard for a pen and some post-it’s. A personal favourite of my mine is catchphrase. You can download a free app to help.

Out There Ideas!

Here at BigPotatoes.ie we organise incredible work nights out that include an activity, food and drinks all over Ireland. But, if you’re still looking for work night out ideas that are just out there and are going to be a first for people.

Then, let us suggest activities like Axe Throwing, Renting Sumo Suits, Zorbing, Dirt Buggies, Escape Rooms or even Paint a Nude. Think you’ll be able to keep a straight face during that last activity?

So there you have it. Just a few work night out ideas for your to mull over.

Finally, before you book anything. Drop us a line on info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details on what we can offer your next work night out! 

The post Work Night Out Ideas appeared first on BigPotatoes.

5 Things To Beat The Midday Slump

The midday slump has affected us all at some point in time in our working lives. You’re powering along with your work then next thing it hits you like a ton of bricks. The eyes feel like there is lead weights hanging from them and you can feel your concentration slipping away from you. So, beat the afternoon drowsiness with these 5 things to beat the midday slump.

1. Get Your Snack On

If you feel your focus slipping and a little bit on the drowsy side. You may well be hungry. For a lot us our emotional state is high dependent on whether or not we’re hangry or not. So, avoid this happening at work. Grab a snack and restore those energy levels and be a far happier and more alert person.

2. Sniff A Lemon

Yes, your read that correctly. There has been plenty of research into this type of aromatherapy. A good sniff of a crisp and invigorating scent gives us a nice mental stimulation and a welcome mood boost. So, slice a lemon in half and take in a big whiff. It’s a brilliant way to beat the midday slump and get your head back in the game for one of BigPotatoes’ team building activities.

3. Turn Up The Tunes

Many of us listen to some music while working. But often we don’t pay too much attention to the power it can have over us. If you’re feeling yourself dragging through the day, kick the tunes up a gear. Put on a real upbeat song that you know you’ll be powerless against the rhythm. Should the beat take over and you start dancing. That’s not a bad thing as getting the blood moving in the body with wake you right up.

4. Power Nap

I won’t lie. I’m the king of the power nap. I swear by them and I have the incredible ability to sleep anywhere and through anything.  A 20 minute nap, is not just enjoyable, but will boost your creativity, productivity and alertness. If you snore best to find a private spot is our only advice. But, we’re pretty sure you won’t need one when you’re on one of our team building activities.

5. Walking or A Walking Meeting

Getting outside and enjoying the fresh air is always good for the body & soul. However, this fresh air is also an brilliant way to invigorate yourself should you be feeling the midday slump. It’s proven to help with mental health, productivity and creativity in the workplace.

You can take it a step further (pun intended) and have a walking meeting. It’s something different that is sure to break the monitomy of the boring meetings in the office or boardroom.

Bonus Tip

6. Coffee

If all else fails then start drinking a load of coffee. Or as I and many would call it ‘mandatory life fuel’. We all know it’s power and when you need that pick up coffee is always there.

So there you have it, 5 things to beat the midday slump. Hopefully these will come in handy wherever you’re working to be as productive as possible. Or to be nail that meeting on why you and your team should be heading on a BigPotatoes.ie team building event.

Finally, if your interested in a team building activity or package for your team or group. Contact info@bigpotatoes.ie for more details!

The post 5 Things To Beat The Midday Slump appeared first on BigPotatoes.