We’re excited to launch a new hands-on workshop at Tog Hackerspace where you’ll learn a practical and empowering skill—how to wire a plug and build your own extension lead. The session takes place on Thursday, September 25th, from 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm at our space in Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, D12 CF6V.
🛠️ What’s It All About?
Ever wanted to fix a broken plug, wire up your own extension lead, or just feel more confident around household electrics? This workshop is for you. We’ll guide you through the entire process of safely wiring a 13A plug and connecting it to a 4-gang extension lead. No prior experience needed.
Each participant will:
Wire up their own 3-core cable into a standard plug
Connect that cable to a 4-way socket block
Learn about fuses, cable strain relief, and wiring safety
Get their work PAT tested so it’s ready and safe to use at home
Take home a functional, tested extension lead they built themselves!
All tools and materials will be provided.
🧷 Note: This workshop involves the wiring of a portable extension lead by individuals for personal use. It does not fall under Restricted Electrical Works as defined by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities and Safe Electric. You can read more about Controlled and Restricted Works here: Safe Electric Guidance
Places are limited to keep things hands-on and safe, so grab your spot early!
🌍 Why This Matters
This workshop is part of European Sustainable Development Week 2025, an initiative that highlights practical actions contributing to a more sustainable world. We’re proud to align our event with the following UN Sustainable Development Goals:
SDG 12 – Responsible Consumption and Production: Encouraging repair and reuse over landfill.
SDG 11 – Sustainable Cities and Communities: Building community resilience through practical skills.
SDG 7 – Affordable and Clean Energy: Raising awareness of safe and responsible energy use at home.
Learning how to wire a plug might seem small, but it’s part of a bigger movement toward repair culture and sustainable living. Plus, it’s surprisingly satisfying!
🗓️ Date: Thursday, 25th September 2025 🕖 Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM 📍 Location: Tog Hackerspace, Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, Dublin 12, D12 CF6V 💶 Cost: €25 (includes all materials + donation to Tog) 🎟️ Tickets: Eventbrite link(insert your link) 👥 *No experience necessary – beginners welcome!
We’re looking forward to seeing you there and sharing this very useful, very fix-it-yourself skill. If you have any questions, feel free to drop us a message.
Dublin Maker is back! 🎉 This year it’s taking place at Leopardstown Racecourse on Saturday 30th & Sunday 31st of August 2025, running from 10 am to 6pm on Saturday and 10 am to 5 pm on Sunday. Best of all – it’s completely free to attend.
Tog Hackerspace is delighted to be both a community sponsor of the festival and to have our own stand packed with projects from our members. We’ll be showcasing everything from interactive carnival-style games you can try out to amateur radio demos, and plenty more hands-on creations from our makers. It’s the perfect chance to see what our community has been up to and maybe even get inspired to make something yourself.
Do you have broken items at home – clothes, small appliances, toys, electronics? No need to throw them away!
Bring them along and our team of skilled volunteers will help you fix them. We’ll have tools, materials, and plenty of expertise on hand. Together we can give your items a new lease of life, save you money, and keep waste out of landfill.
Is your computer facing retirement just because Windows 10 is reaching its end of life?
On Saturday, 13th September 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:30 PM, Tog Hackerspace is proud to host the Dublin Linux Group for a special event that’s all about giving old computers a new lease of life — with Linux!
Microsoft is ending support for Windows 10 on 14th October 2025. If your device isn’t eligible for an upgrade to Windows 11, it means no more security updates or virus protection — and for many, that sounds like the end of the road. But don’t panic: there’s a better way.
Most computers from 2010 onwards are perfectly capable of running a modern Linux operating system. With a clean, secure, and supported version of Linux, you can keep using your computer for years to come — no need to buy a new one or send more electronics to landfill.
During this free event, friendly Linux users and volunteers will be on hand to:
Help you install Linux on your laptop or desktop
Show you how to use Linux day to day
Answer your questions and help you get comfortable with this powerful and user-friendly alternative
Whether you’re a total beginner or just curious about making the switch, this is a great chance to learn more, try things out, and meet like-minded folks.
Event Details: 📅 Saturday, 13th September 2025 🕚 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM 📍 Tog Hackerspace, Unit 1B Motor City, Kylemore Road, D12 CF6V, Dublin
We’re thrilled to be one of the venues worldwide helping people make the switch to free and open-source software. See you there — and bring a laptop if you want help installing Linux!
Over the weekend, we hit the road and went to Laois, and what a weekend it was! We managed to fix over 45 items, ranging from toasters to clothes to a whole host of quirky gadgets. People came in with broken stuff, and by the end of the event, many of them were walking out with their favourite items fixed and ready for another lease of life.
But the real heartwarming story of the weekend? It has to be Pauline’s rocking chair, which got a fresh lease of life thanks to our very own Shane Phelan. Now, this wasn’t just any chair; it had history.
Pauline shared a bit about it: “Thanks a million! Chair is fantastic work—my husband is currently sat on it watching a match! It was purchased for my dad (by my mother—they married in 1973) in 1968 for his 21st birthday in June 1968, in Roches Store, Patrick St. Cork! I got it recovered, sanded, varnished, and refurbished (!!🤡) in 2021 but it wasn’t right. Today my husband said he feels more secure in it, so thank you Shane!!”
The rocking chair had been through a lot, but with a little TLC and a touch of Shane’s magic, it’s now back in action and more solid than ever.
As always, it wasn’t just about repairs. The event was a great chance for people to learn a few tricks, share some stories, and connect with their community. The event was hosted by The CUBE – Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in their lovely building.
Massive thanks to everyone who came along, and to the volunteers who made it all happen. Check out some of the photos from the weekend in our gallery, and we can’t wait to do it all again soon!
Join us at The CUBE – Low Carbon Centre of Excellence in Portlaoise on Saturday 28th and Sunday 29th June 2025, from 11 am to 3 pm each day. We’re teaming up with a fantastic new partner to help give your broken items a second chance.
What can you bring?
We’ll be ready to tackle repairs on a wide range of household items, including:
Clothes and accessories
Toys
Small electrical appliances and electronics
Small furniture
…and more!
We’ll even have PAT (Portable Appliance Testing) available to ensure repaired electrical devices are safe to use.
Whether it’s a wonky toaster, glitchy switch, or a teddy missing a limb—don’t throw it away! Our volunteers will work with you to diagnose and repair your items, all while sharing tips and advice to help you learn new skills.
While you’re waiting, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and take a tour of The CUBE, a national centre of excellence focused on innovation and sustainability in the low-carbon and renewables sector.
Event Details 🛠️ When: Saturday 28th & Sunday 29th June 2025 ⏰ Time: 11:00 am – 3:00 pm each day 📍 Where: The CUBE, 18 Church Street, Portlaoise, Co. Laois, R32 TP89 🎟️ Admission: Free, but booking in advance via Eventbrite is essential.
