Kildare Welcomes Nomad Éire Community to MERITS Innovation Thinkspace
Kildare County Council, through the Local Enterprise Office Kildare and MERITS Innovation Thinkspace, welcomed an international community of digital nomads, entrepreneurs, founders and remote professionals to the Nomad Éire Conference, which took place at MERITS Innovation Thinkspace in Naas from 1 to 3 September 2026.
The three-day conference focused on the changing world of work and the growing number of people choosing to work, travel and build businesses with greater flexibility and independence. Bringing together participants from Ireland and internationally, Nomad Éire created a space to exchange ideas, build meaningful connections, share knowledge and explore opportunities for collaboration.
The conference also provided delegates an opportunity to experience Kildare as a place to live, work, connect and do business, while showcasing the county’s growing enterprise and innovation ecosystem.
Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr. Tim Durkin officially welcomed delegates and highlighted the importance of initiatives that bring new people, ideas and entrepreneurial activity into the county.
Hosted at MERITS Innovation Thinkspace in Naas, the conference highlighted Kildare’s growing enterprise and innovation ecosystem. MERITS provides a base for entrepreneurs, start-ups, SMEs and remote professionals to connect, collaborate and grow, supported by Kildare County Council and the Local Enterprise Office Kildare.
Speaking following the conference, Cathaoirleach of the County of Kildare, Cllr Tim Durkin said: “We were delighted to welcome Nomad Éire and its community of founders, entrepreneurs and remote professionals to Kildare. Events such as this provide a valuable opportunity to showcase the county as a great place to live, work, visit and build a business.
“Kildare has a strong and growing enterprise community, excellent connectivity and a wealth of talented people and businesses. Bringing an international community such as Nomad Éire into the county creates opportunities for new connections, ideas and collaboration, while also allowing visitors to experience what Kildare has to offer.”
The programme focused on connection, collaboration, knowledge sharing and community, with delegates taking part in sessions, exploring flexible work, entrepreneurship and the opportunities created by global professional networks.
For MERITS, the conference provided an opportunity to showcase the facilities and supports available to businesses, start-ups and entrepreneurs in Kildare.
Jacqui McNabb, Head of Economic Development, Enterprise, Retail and Tourism, Kildare County Council, said: “MERITS was established as a space where businesses and entrepreneurs can connect, collaborate and access the supports they need to grow. Hosting Nomad Éire was a natural fit for that ethos.
“We were particularly pleased to welcome people from outside Kildare and Ireland and give them an opportunity to experience our enterprise ecosystem first-hand. We hope the connections made during the event will continue beyond the three days and create opportunities for collaboration and future engagement with Kildare.”
The conference formed part of a wider focus on strengthening Kildare’s enterprise ecosystem and creating opportunities for businesses, entrepreneurs and innovators to connect both locally and internationally.
With its strong transport links, proximity to Dublin, growing business community and quality of life, Kildare is well placed to attract people who are looking for flexible and connected ways to work and build businesses.
