Game Server Engineer at DIGIT Game Studios
County Kilkenny
One-On-One with Cathal
Could you tell us a bit more about yourself, your job and how long you’ve lived in County Kilkenny?
I’ve been working as a software engineer for the last ~6 years or so. Growing up I always wanted to learn how to make games or be involved with them. Through university I was able to get the chance to intern as a software engineer and work in the games industry with Demonware and working on Call of Duty.
After graduating, I worked for a small Canadian based company. I was able to work remotely full time while in Ireland and then eventually moved to live in Seattle, going up to Vancouver quite often.
Moving home to Ireland, I joined another start up, Irish based and worked out of Dogpatch Labs in Dublin.
Now I currently work in DIGIT Game Studios and have come full circle and landed back in the games industry!
What attracted you to living and working in Kilkenny ?
I wanted to move closer to home and my family. I’m originally from Tipperary, and I lived on the border of Kilkenny. So growing up, I would visit Kilkenny city often. It was always our go to place. The cost of living here compared to Dublin was a big factor. Living outside Dublin offers a lot better value for money.
Can you walk us through a day in the life of living in Kilkenny ?
Having just recently moved, I’m still developing the new routine! But it always starts with a coffee. I make a cup for my wife and I, and we’ll have breakfast. Afterwards then I’ll settle in for work and finish up somewhere around 5.30 / 6ish. I live really close to shops, so getting lunch / dinner here is very convenient. Once the work day is over. I try my best to disconnect from work by playing games, doing a little DIY/ gardening or working on a side project.
How would you describe transport within Kilkenny ? Is it easy to get around ?
I think transport is really good. The city bus is cheap and runs often. There’s plenty of taxis if you need one. The city center itself isn’t too big, so it’s easy to walk around as well and it has a good train service.
How fast/reliable is your home internet connection ?
I have 1gb internet with Virgin Media and it’s very reliable. Growing up in the countryside with dial up makes you appreciate a good connection!
Can you tell us about some of your favourite locations or attractions within Kilkenny ?
Kilkenny Castle is for sure. It’s a lovely spot, especially during the summer for walks or picnics.
Kilkenny being a medieval city, the architecture is really nice along the streets, lots of cobblestone and old buildings. There’s a lot of history in the city and it really embraces it.
What advice do you have for individuals or families interested in relocating to Kilkenny ?
Kilkenny has everything you need really. The infrastructure is really good. There’s loads of restaurants, good bars and nightlife. The city has a very nice feeling to it while walking around. It’s slower paced compared to Dublin, but that’s something I’m loving.
Thank you very much Cathal for taking the time to talk with us and thank you for representing Co. Kilkenny as a Rural Ireland Tech Advocate.
Rural Ireland Tech Advocates 