Leading real hands on tech review site in Ireland with technology, business news and more. Jim O Brien Tech.
Author: Jim O Brien/CEO
CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.
The Amgen Irish Open 2025 returns to The K Club’s Palmer North Course from September 3rd to 7th, bringing with it not only world-class golf but also a cutting-edge line-up of technology and innovation experiences designed to engage fans of all ages.
Leading the way is The Academy, where visitors can step into an interactive coaching environment led by PGA professionals. Fans will be able to receive expert tips, analyse their swing, and learn from some of the game’s most respected coaches, making it the perfect stop for those looking to sharpen their skills or pick up a club for the first time.
Fans can also get into the swing of things at The Arcade which turns golf into an immersive digital experience. Visitors are offered a mix of virtual reality and golf gaming, delivering a next level experience ideal for young adults and anyone who wants to combine golf with cutting-edge entertainment.
Celebrity Pro Am
The technology attractions are just part of a wider programme at The K Club. The week begins with the Celebrity Pro-Am on Wednesday, September 3rd, featuring a line-up that includes rugby star Josh van der Flier, former Irish rugby internationals Johnny Sexton and Tommy Bowe, All-Ireland winners, Tipperary’s Ronan Maher and Kerry’s David and Paudie Clifford and lifestyle influencer Dearbhla Silke.
World-Class Golfers
Fans can watch Rory McIlroy fresh from his Grand Slam season and Masters victory, alongside Shane Lowry, Pádraig Harrington, Séamus Power, Ryder Cup Captain Luke Donald, defending champion Rasmus Højgaard, 2016 Masters champion Danny Willett, 2018 Open winner Francesco Molinari, Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas and American Ryan Gerard, will compete for the title, as they battle for one of European golf’s most prestigious titles.
Paul Gillmon, Tournament Director of the Amgen Irish Open, said:
“Fans can expect a lot more at this year’s Amgen Irish Open. We’re embracing innovation in a big way. From interactive coaching at The Academy to immersive experiences in The Arcade, we’re creating spaces where fans of all ages can engage with the game in exciting new ways. It’s all about enhancing the fan experience and making golf more accessible, interactive, and fun, whether you’re a lifelong player or just discovering the sport.”
Music
Off the course, the Village will keep the festival vibe going with live music headlined by The Stunning on Saturday night and Simple Things on Sunday evening, plus premium food and drink, family fun, and activations from top brands.
A limited number of General Admission and select Premium Experience options are available. To purchase tickets see tickets.europeantour.com.
As the back-to-school season rapidly approaches, college students across Ireland are gearing up for another academic year. eBay Ireland offers a smart solution for savvy students looking to upgrade their tech setup without breaking the bank, while also providing a simple way to earn extra cash. The secret? Selling old tech and buying refurbished.
eBay Ireland is the ultimate destination for students seeking high-quality, affordable, and sustainable tech. More than just a marketplace, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers, extending the lifespan of products and significantly reducing waste. From top-of-the-range laptops and versatile tablets to reliable smartphones and essential tech accessories, eBay Ireland offers a vast selection of both new and quality refurbished tech, all delivered directly to your door.
Study Smarter, Save More with eBay Refurbished
For students looking to make the most of their budget and make sustainable choices, shoppers can lean on eBay Refurbished as the perfect secret weapon to source the best pre-loved products.
Featuring thousands of amazing Irish sellers offering an incredible variety and value that’s hard to find elsewhere, students can discover deals like Refurbished Apple AirPod Pros for just €50.00 – over 50% less than the RRP (eBay seller: rymcna_47).
Turn Old Tech into New Opportunities
Beyond buying, eBay connects millions of buyers and sellers to extend the lifespan of products and reduce waste through selling on the platform. This summer, eBay is empowering students to generate funds for their new academic year. Got tech you no longer need? Listing it on eBay is a simple way to declutter and put those funds towards your next essential upgrade, and with eBay’s innovative product development and investments in AI, selling on the platform has never been easier, making the back-to-college transition even smoother.
Guinness Enterprise Centre, the not-for-profit entrepreneurial superhub, today announces that it has surpassed the 1,500 resident companies mark as it welcomes QuizWizards to its five-storey start-up campus in The Liberties, Dublin 8. QuizWizards is now one of the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s 160 resident companies as four start-ups graduate.
The Guinness Enterprise Centre has been supporting start-ups and helping them grow for 25 years. Companies graduate when their staff requirements exceed the space they occupy in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. Urban Fox, Mobility Mojo, Move Ahead and Singular Artists are now all graduating from the superhub, which is Ireland’s largest start-up campus. Each company has grown from initial team sizes of between three to eight people while in the Guinness Enterprise Centre. Upon graduating, Urban Fox now plans to grow from a team of eight to 15, while Mobility Mojo expects to grow from eight to 20 – both by year-end 2026, in Ireland and overseas.
As resident companies grow and look to expand their operations, new start-ups take their place. They can avail of the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s space, ecosystem and supports, which include a Sustainability Cluster, led by Techies Go Green, which helps sustainability-focused companies to scale.
The latest graduates will be replaced by The Safer Plug Company and Archetype, along with the 1,500th resident, QuizWizards. Founded by Rory McEvoy, QuizWizards is a gamified sports technology company specialising in quizzes that promote fan engagement and help businesses and organisations to learn more about their customers. It recently signed a deal with Leinster Rugby to provide unique fan engagement solutions at matches and via social media.
The Safer Plug Company develops pipeline isolation technology, which creates safe zones for workers to perform maintenance on pipes, while Archetype is an events and experiences agency producing events with a focus on communities and culture.
Resident start-ups contribute €2M per year to the Guinness Enterprise Centres revenues. As a not-for-profit organisation, the Guinness Enterprise Centre reinvests revenues back into its operations. Recent investments have included a major IT project, along with upgrades to the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s conference rooms and event space to support collaboration and networking.
Niamh Collins, Centre Director, Guinness Enterprise Centre, said: “Our goal is for resident companies to outgrow us and this milestone reflects the significant impact that the Guinness Enterprise Centre is having on Ireland’s start-up ecosystem and wider economy. By giving innovative businesses a home where they can succeed, grow – and outgrow – we are nurturing the unicorns of tomorrow.
“QuizWizards exemplifies the innovation and energy that we see in the Guinness Enterprise Centre every day. Our world-class campus is the ideal foundation for QuizWizards, along with The Safer Plug Company and Archetype, to scale their businesses. At the same time, our graduating companies will have grown their teams significantly by the end of next year. As a nonprofit, our success is our start-ups’ success and this milestone is a reminder of our combined efforts.”
Rory McEvoy, CEO and Founder of QuizWizards, added: “We are immensely proud to be the 1,500th company through the Guinness Enterprise Centre’s doors. The energy, support, and network here have given QuizWizards a real boost as we expand our team. What stood out was the warmth and genuine interest the staff showed from day one — you’re never just a number here.
“The flexibility to grow our office space has been hugely valuable as we ramp up, having raised €750k to date, including recent investment from Enterprise Ireland. We are now making waves in global fan engagement, working with Leinster Rugby, AIG, the NCAA, Phoenix Suns, HaytersTV, and appearing on NBC, ESPN, and FOX — and being based at the Guinness Enterprise Centre is a big part of that journey.”
TheUniversity of Limerick based software research centre, Lero, is to collaborate on a new multi-year research project, which will involve the testing of 2,000 top video gamers in partnership with gaming computer peripherals giant Logitech G, to better understand how computer gamers train and compete.
Logitech gaming innovation engineer Niall White said: “This €2.5 million four-year partnership with Lero builds on previous research projects with Lero, which have yielded positive results and enabled the company to gain an edge in the global video game industry.
“Lero are the best in the business at this type of software research, and the outputs from this project will help us design and create new gaming products for augmenting gaming performance – mouse, headsets, keyboards and controllers, for example.”
The research partnership extension signals Logitech G’s continued dedication to advancing the industry’s scientific knowledge base of gaming and esports performance.
Lero and Logitech G have collaborated across a range of studies since 2016 to measure the biomechanical, psychological and cognitive capabilities of professional esports athletes to casual gamers to better understand their needs and innovate products to serve them.
Director of the Esport Science Research Lab at Lero, Professor Mark Campbell, said the project’s goals are to advance our understanding of how gamers train and compete.
“We will have to create bespoke software tests to identify and measure key performance indicators of gaming and gamers, and identify and measure the biomarkers of esports and gaming performance.
“This will be achieved through the use of cutting-edge technology such as brain imaging, eye tracking and biosensors,” said Dr Campbell, who is Professor in Sport and Performance Psychology at the University of Limerick.
Professor Campbell said Lero aims to test up to 2,000 gamers or more over the next four years of the project, beginning today (August 18) at the Gamescom convention in Cologne, Germany, where Lero plans to test hundreds of gamers over the five-day convention.
“The information we gather will help enable the development of AI-powered smart gaming peripherals such as mice, keyboards and headsets with biosensors for human performance monitoring in-game and other potential training tools such as bespoke software tests using AI dynamic difficulty adjustments for smarter training and competing,” he added.
Professor Campbell said the four-year research programme will be of benefit to Ireland’s €500 million gaming industry employing close to 2,000 people as the project will involve developing strong PhD students, research assistants and Post Docs dedicated to focused research areas across fields such as computer science, psychology, neuroscience, sport science, software engineering, and human-centred design.
“We will leverage behavioural, physiological and performance data from both professional and amateur gamers during play and training sessions to assess player performance, identify key influencing factors and enhance the gaming experience. Additionally, this project will explore prototyping and iterative design methodologies to develop next-generation gaming tools, interfaces, and performance-tracking systems tailored for various gamer needs,” he added.
Professor Campbell said there is a growing level of game development expertise among the research community in Ireland, andthe Lero/Logitech INGAME (Innovation in Gaming and Esports) project will bring about greater international visibility of the games industry-related research and development taking place in Irish third-level institutions.
The QDOS PowerMotion Ultra – USB-C to USB-C Cable is their latest cable on offer within their portfolio of accessories and a cable is a cable to most but in fact this is not the case, we have tested several from the company and some cables offer more than others be it their quality the features and so on.
This cable is ideal for those who want to charge on the go without their mains plug and also ideal for devices such as tablets and phones and it offers more power on the go than your traditional cable and the ones that now rarely come in the box especially with mobile phones.
The cable itself is robust and those often yank a cable from a laptop or phone from a table walking by knows what happens most of the time the cable gets damaged.
What is also key on the cable is the data transfer speed which you will see in the video review below it is much faster than even some decent cables in my collection which most are and this also saves time transferring files from one device to another there is quite a difference.
With a Power & Data Output of 240W and 40Gbps Data transfer it is a must have alongside its durability and it is that simple, see the video below for more.
FEATURES
Easy Iconography:
• Device icons on connector ends matches our PowerCube range for seamless product recognition and easy selection
Optimised for:
• USB-C enabled and high-power devices such as; MacBooks/ laptops, iPads/ tablets, iPhones/ smartphones
Universal Compatibility:
• 100% recycled TPE stepped connector ensures seamless compatibility with all devices and cases
Reinforced Connectors:
• Guarantee lasting durability and dependable performance
Nylon Micro-Mesh Braid:
• Provides superior strength, durability and a premium feel
Integrated cable tie:
• Colour-matched and designed for neat storage and compact travel
Durability Tested:
• Withstands 35,000 bends and 60kg of force for exceptional longevity and reliability.
Optimised for future use:
• Durable materials and design ensure lasting functionality with future devices
USB Technology:
• USB 4.0
Power & Data Output:
• 240W Power output
• 40Gbps Data transfer
Length:
• 2 meters
Eco-friendly:
• Housing designed using recycled plastics
fillText(text, x, y, maxWidth). Did you understand that? If you did, then congratulations to you, you speak the language of code. And for those who thought the writer had dropped an apple on the keyboard, that is the simple code to display a score on a screen on the game Snake, one of the first games to be released onto a handheld mobile phone. When people hear ‘language,’ they naturally think French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
But in the current digital era, with new innovative, internet-based gaming avenues emerging into the rapidly developing digital space, language is taking on a new meaning with programming tools for online games constantly creating new words and phrases to continue the evolution of programming language.
Computer programming language is becoming more vital with the emergence of popular online entertainment avenues such as iGaming. Online casino and online sports betting platforms currently head the queue of the fastest emerging gaming options available with more markets looking to expand their offerings and even introduce legislation to legalise and regulate the activity. For top betting sites, the value of programming language is expected to grow exponentially in an iGaming market currently valued at around USD 93 billion and still growing.
The programming for Snake is very simple, especially compared to the computer games of the current era. Snake was programmed with fewer than 100 coding lines but for online casino games for example, tens of thousands of coding lines are required to build even the simplest of games. Forplatforms and the games housed on them, even of the most basic nature, a similar number of code lines are needed, but this number could increase into the millions for more complex online casinos and sportsbooks that include more interactive features like in-play betting or live streaming.
For those whose interest in programming has been piqued, or for those who are looking to expand their programming repertoire or vocabulary, which programming languages are the most used right now that will continue to fuel the iGaming industry?
JavaScript
One of the most known and used tools for programming is JavaScript. The company founded by Brendan Eich has been assisting computer programmers since 1995 and to the day, the ease of use, full integration of HTML and most importantly, the fact it is recognised and supported by the most used browsers makes JavaScript more reputable. From an iGaming perspective, programming a website or online interactive feature with JavaScript allows players to access content directly without the need for downloads. If it is browser-based gaming you are looking for, JavaScript is the tool for you.
C++
While JavaScript is preferable for browser-based options, C++ is preferred by many for platforms that host more features and therefore require greater performance. Beyond the iGaming realm, C++ has been used to programme popular gaming titles such as Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim. The ability to handle tasks that involve large transfer speeds and complex graphics makes C++ one of the best tools for a smooth and engaging online casino and online sportsbook experience.
Python
As a more general programming language, Python is one of the simpler languages to use for programming games and platforms. Like many other programming languages, Python uses interpreted languages, which means any bugs can be resolved much quicker, while the basic syntax incorporated in the libraries is extremely user-friendly. Despite the simplicity of the language, Python still produces efficient and versatile games and is particularly friendly for beginners and game developers starting out.
Programming Tools: Language of the Future
While we have only listed three programming languages, others such as C#, Lua, PHP and HTML5/CSS3 are widely used in the iGaming industry. With online sportsbooks constantly evolving and adding more features, programming language will also have to evolve to keep up. With the digital era in full swing, programming language has become more important than ever. Much like with the evolution of spoken language, we can expect more programming languages to emerge in the future.
IT.ie, a leading Irish IT managed services company, today announces new survey results which reveal the prevalence of insider-threats within Irish businesses with 30% of office workers admitting that they have tried to gain access to a colleague’s device without their permission in the last 12 months.
The research also found that 35% of employees have actively sought out private information about a colleague, client, or customer such as their age, salary, CV or home address, from a work computer system.
The research of 1,000 office workers based in Ireland was carried out by Censuswide on behalf of IT.ie and SonicWall, a global leader in cybersecurity innovation. It forms part of IT.ie and SonicWall’s ‘Cyberpulse Ireland 2025’ report, which explores the cyberthreat landscape in Ireland, according to the sentiment and behaviours of employees.
Alongside the above high-risk behaviours, the survey also showed that a cohort of office workers may see themselves as internet sleuths, possibly influenced by viral online videos featuring content creators who try to outsmart online scammers. Almost two-in-five (38%) have engaged with a scammer – intentionally or unintentionally at work in the last 12 months, while one in four have sent an angry response to someone who they presumed to be a scammer. Furthermore, 17% say they have either duped, or attempted to dupe, an online scammer.
Concerningly, 17% have engaged with a scammer to try to convince them not to target the business – an approach that still carries significant risk.
Eamon Gallagher, Founder and Managing Director, IT.ie, said: “The report highlights some troubling behaviours among office workers that has the potential to expose businesses to considerable risk. While some employees, particularly from the younger cohort, attempt to challenge, outsmart, or reason with scammers, cybercriminals will often capitalise on their efforts, using manipulation tactics that leave the organisation more vulnerable to compromise.
“This behaviour is similar to that of those who attempt to gain access to their colleague’s device or are seeking out their personal information. While their actions may not always stem from malicious intent, it does represent a breakdown in boundaries and data responsibility.
“While these findings may raise concerns, they ultimately represent a valuable opportunity for businesses. By investing in employee training and onboarding, strengthening internal policies, implementing more robust access controls, and creating better cybersecurity awareness, organisations can address these vulnerabilities head-on. At the end of the day, a company’s cybersecurity is only as strong as its least prepared employee.”
Stuart Taylor, Senior Director of Regional Sales for Northern Europe, SonicWall said: “These findings are a stark reminder that the greatest risks often come from within the organisation, not intentionally, but through curiosity, complacency, or even misplaced confidence.
“Every click and every login matters. That’s why businesses need layered security that combines zero-trust principles, strong access controls, and continuous user education. Technology alone isn’t enough; it has to work hand-in-hand with clear policies and a culture of accountability. When employees understand the ‘why’ behind security and organisations enforce the ‘how’ through smart solutions, you close the gaps that attackers are so quick to exploit.”
The myFirst Camera 50 20MP AI Kids Camera is a step up from the myFirst Camera 3 we recently reviewed and comes with AI and an app to get your kids into a creative mode and all this is also kept safe and private within a selected circle of family or friends via the myFirst Circle app which is ideal for kids.
More advanced this might seem like a challenging task however it is not that hard to use and your parents can assist you along the way with nothing too difficult to digest on the way to learning more about technology in a good way.
This time around we get features to add to your photos create a diary and more you can share and saved and create your own videos with voice-overs and templates.
The camera itself is pretty good and so is the video for the target market I was impressed with the images and video given as you will see in the video below. You get on board storage and you can add storage via a micro sd card giving you ample room to get creative and take photos and videos to your hearts content and sift through them later on.
Kids can also create a journal which I like here and this is good for mental health and your wellbeing and your child can express themselves in a more realistic manner with videos images and by writing down things which is good.
The device has 20mp front camera and 16mp selfie camera and allows 1080p recording for decent images and video and all this is housed in a robust frame built to last there is also a incremental light on the front too for your selfies. One press on the shutter key is for photos and holding it down is for video.
Overall this is a great product for your child to learn about technology while having fun and being kept safe from the internet and with the app and journal here it is perfect for any child or teenager
myFirst Circle App
AI-Assisted Curation
Pin-Code Protected Video Diary
Child-Safety Focused Social Circle
Integrated Selfie Light
Physical Shutter Button
1080P Video Recording
20MP Rear Lens, 16MP Selfie Lens
1GB RAM, 16GB Storage, up to 128GB Expandable Storage
Light and Ergonomic Design
Empower Your Child’s Creativity with AI
Designed specifically for young minds aged 5-12, Camera 50 makes it easier than ever for children to transform everyday moments into creative masterpieces, all with the help of AI. The inclusion of myDiary and our myFirst Circle app fosters good mental health practices from an early age by allowing them to better express themselves, and provide a safe space for them to store their video journal entries and share their stories.
Photo & Video Editing
AI-Assisted Curation
Child-Safety Focused Social Circle
Lightweight and Ergonomic
Wifi Connectivity
Up To 128GB Storage
Why Integrate AI in myFirst Camera 50?
Camera 50 makes video editing easy and fun for kids! Our AI helps kids create amazing videos without the hassle. With simple tools and cool effects, they can add their own touch with stickers, drawings, and even their own voice!
Cultivating Young Storytellers with AI
Help kids become filmmakers and vloggers! Our camera teaches them storytelling, boosts confidence, and lets them explore their creative side. It’s a safe and fun way to learn about making videos without needing a phone.
myFirst Camera 50 AI – Prioritizing Safety and Privacy
Not all AI cameras are the same, and the myFirst Camera 50 stands out. Unlike others, our Camera 50 helps kids create unique stories by analyzing their mood to make perfect videos, all while keeping privacy and security a top priority.
Privacy First: Camera 50 enhances photos and videos without tracking or collecting personal data. Our AI is focused only on content enhancement
Data Protection: No personal data storage or facial recognition. Your content stays secure and private, free from unauthorized access or data breaches
myFirst Camera 50 & Circle App – Safety is Our Priority
myFirst Camera 50 is designed with a safe and controlled environment for young creators, and our myFirst Circle app is the cornerstone of this safety. Here’s how Camera 50 and Circle app ensure safety:
Audible Shuttler: Our camera’s audible shutter lets you know when a photo is taken, safeguarding your privacy, guarantees no hidden photography
Limited Sharing: Through myFirst Circle, parents can control who can see their child’s creations, ensuring content stays within a trusted circle. Children can post photos in a child-friendly social circle, categorized by relationship type (Family, Besties, Friends, Acquaintances), with parents managing visibility and editing posts if necessary
A Boost for Mental Wellbeing with myDiary
Journaling helps kids’ mental health by providing a safe space to express emotions and reduce stress. It improves self-awareness and mental clarity, boosts creativity, enhances communication skills, and builds resilience by reflecting on experiences and solving problems.
myDiary – Build Your Own Journal
Kids love tech, but it’s important they use it for more than just fun. The myFirst Camera 50’s “myDiary” feature is a great way for kids to express themselves and learn about their feelings. It lets them take photos, videos, and write about their adventures. This helps them:
AI-powered growth: The camera offers prompts and suggestions to encourage self-expression in a fun way
Fun Colors and Accessories
Pick your favorite – cool purple then make it unique with fun stickers that reflect your style. For worry-free adventures, it includes a handy anti-drop hand strap and a comfortable neck lanyard.
Kid-Proof Protection
Give your child the freedom to explore without worry. This case features rounded edges, a thick TPU frame, shock absorption, and scratch resistance, making it the perfect shield for their device during all their adventures.
Advanced Shutter Control
Understanding the nuances of photography is crucial for young creators, and the myFirst Camera 50 introduces them to professional techniques with its advanced shutter control system. The camera features a dual-function shutter button that operates on a half-press and full-press mechanism, designed specifically to enhance the shooting experience and photo quality.
The Ultimate Selfie Machine
Capture flawless selfies with the Camera 50’s built-in, adjustable Selfie Light Bar. This game-changer offers three warm lighting modes from cozy to neutral, all set to a gentle 4000K temperature, our Selfie Light Bar makes sure every selfie looks naturally awesome.
On-screen Button Tailored for Selfie Mode
Camera 50 is also designed with human natural movements in mind, the on-screen shutter button is easy to use in any hand position, making it simple to shoot the perfect selfie every time.
Enhanced Photography Features
Camera 50 takes your pictures to the next level. It features a high-resolution (20MP) rear camera with a wider-angle lens, perfect for capturing all the action and scenery. Plus, get up close and personal with the 20mm macro lens, ideal for revealing the hidden details in the world around you.
Bringing Families Closer One Memory At A Time
Camera 50 captures memories and connects families. Share photos and videos instantly with loved ones through our myFirst Circle app and all myFirst devices.
“If you had told me a few weeks ago that I’d be seriously considering a future in tech, I probably would have laughed, flipped my short hair, and gone back to minding my own creative business. But here we are,” says Fortunate, one of five teenage girls who recently completed a two-week placement at Hostelworld through the Teen-Turn programme.
Teen-Turn, an Irish charity, works to increase female participation in STEM by giving teenage girls from underserved communities practical, hands-on industry experience. Known as “Teenturnships,” these short placements pair participants directly with professionals in the field.
“The Teen-Turn and Hostelworld collaboration is seeing young women from underserved communities gaining the confidence, career insights, and skills needed to participate in the knowledge economy. The experience for the girls is particularly impactful because, as an Irish-founded company changing its industry through technology, they learn first-hand the potential of homegrown innovation in global business,” explains Joanne Dolan, Co-Founder of Teen-Turn.
While many of their peers were binge-watching the new Wednesday season or planning summer festivals, Fortunate, Lanyan, Sabah, Sania, and Janice spent their days in Hostelworld’s sunlit Dublin office. Their schedule was packed: machine-learning workshops, analytics sessions, meetings with just about every department — from finance to the data science team — and even a company-wide meeting with 200 employees joining from around the world.
“Standing in front of the entire company, even virtually, was definitely nerve-wracking,” says Sania. “My heart was racing, but as soon as I started speaking, I realised it was an incredible opportunity to put myself out there. This moment reminded me how important it is to project confidence even when you’re feeling nervous.”
Between training, there were also glimpses of office life — coffee runs, the unspoken competition for the best desk, and lunches by the Grand Canal. By the final afternoon, the five teenagers were presenting their projects, reflecting on the skills they had learned and the confidence they had gained.
“Hostelworld wasn’t just a workplace these past two weeks — it was a place where I laughed, learned, drank far too many lattes, and met people who genuinely cared about what I had to say,” says Fortunate.
Barry McCabe, Hostelworld’s Chief People Officer, says the benefits flow both ways:
“This is our third year partnering with Teen-Turn, and the benefits to both Hostelworld and the students continue to grow. Over two weeks, they explored roles across the business, building confidence and discovering new career paths. Their questions encouraged us to reflect on how we work and communicate. The programme is a great reminder of the value in opening up our workplaces and learning from the diverse perspectives of those just starting out.”
For Ireland, still grappling with a shortage of women in STEM despite tech’s explosive growth, Teenturnships offer more than skills. They chip away at systemic barriers, giving participants the confidence and experience to pursue careers that will shape the country’s future workforce.
