More and more people in Ireland are swapping the kitchen table for a garden office for full-time remote work, freelancing, or just having a quiet space to focus away from the chaos of the house. It’s the dream setup… until the WiFi starts acting up!

A garden office might look perfect on the outside, but inside, slow speeds, dropped connections, and glitchy Zoom calls can turn a productive workday into a frustrating mess. The further you are from your main router, the weaker your signal gets especially if thick walls, trees, or even other electronic devices are in the way.

If you’ve ever found yourself asking “How do I extend my WiFi to my garden office in Ireland?”, then read on, because there are lots of ways to boost your WiFi signal to keep your garden office connected. 

Quick fixes to try first

Before spending money on new gadgets, it’s worth trying these simple tweaks to see if they improve your WiFi signal:

Reposition your router

If your router is stuck in a corner, hidden behind furniture, or surrounded by clutter, the signal has to fight its way through obstacles before it even reaches your garden office. Try placing it in a more open space or near a window facing your garden to give your signal a boost.

Upgrade your router

If your router is a few years old, it might not be up to the task of sending strong signals over long distances. Newer routers come with better range, faster speeds and stronger antennas which can make a big difference to your WiFi connection especially if your garden office isn’t right next to the house.

Change the WiFi channel 

If you live in a built-up area, your neighbour’s WiFi networks could be interfering with your connection. Routers automatically pick a channel to broadcast on, but sometimes switching to a less crowded channel in your router’s settings can improve speed and reliability.

If these don’t solve the issue, you’ll need a dedicated solution to extend WiFi to your garden office.

6 Ways to extend WiFi to a garden office in Ireland

Here are the best options for boosting WiFi to a garden office:

1. WiFi extender: A simple boost for short distances

A WiFi extender, also known as a booster or repeater, is a straightforward way to stretch your internet signal out to your garden office – at least in theory. These devices work by grabbing the existing WiFi signal from your main router and rebroadcasting it to cover a larger area. They’re easy to set up, relatively inexpensive, and a good first step if your garden office isn’t too far from the house. You can pick up the TP-Link 300Mbps Wi-Fi Range Extender from Harvey Norman or DID Electrical for around €25.

The problem is that extenders don’t generate a stronger signal, they simply repeat what’s already there. This means that if the signal they receive is weak, the one they send out won’t be much better. For these to work optimally, placement is key. They need to be positioned between your router and the garden office to get the best results. If your home has thick walls, lots of trees in the way, or the office is more than 20 metres away, an extender might struggle to provide a reliable connection. They’re best suited for small gardens where the distance is short and the tasks are basic (think things like browsing and emails, rather than heavy streaming or international video calls).

2. Mesh network: Ideal for larger spaces 

If you want reliable, high-speed connectivity without worrying about signal handovers, a mesh network is a fantastic option especially for those working from home full-time or running a business from their garden office.

Instead of relying on a single router, mesh systems use multiple connected nodes that work together to create a strong, seamless WiFi signal across a wide area. Unlike extenders, which can cause frustrating dropouts when switching between signals, a mesh network automatically connects your devices to the strongest available node without interruption.

For garden offices further from the house, placing a node near a window facing the office or inside the workspace itself can significantly boost signal strength. However, they aren’t the cheapest option. These mesh systems are available from DID Electrical, Harvey Norman, and Curry’s and start at around €105 for a two-node setup and the further your office is from the house, the more nodes you might need.

3. Direct cable connection: The gold standard for reliability

If you want a fast, stable, lag-free internet connection, nothing beats a direct cable connection. This involves running an Ethernet cable from your main router to your garden office. Unlike wireless solutions, a wired setup isn’t affected by walls, distance, or interference, and so, it’s a great choice for those who rely on video calls, large file transfers, or uninterrupted streaming for work.

The main downside, however, is that installation takes effort. If your office is just a few metres away, a simple outdoor-rated Ethernet cable can be run along a fence or underground. For DIY setups, Harvey Norman and DID Electrical stock outdoor-rated Ethernet cables, ranging from €10 to €50, depending on length and quality. 

But for longer distances, you may need professional installation to bury cables properly and protect them from the elements, which will drive up the price. It’s also worth mentioning that a wired setup limits flexibility. Once the cable is in place, you’re tied to that connection point.

4. Outdoor WiFi transmitter: Strong signal for long distances

If your garden office is too far away for a standard WiFi extender but you don’t want to mess with cables, then an outdoor WiFi transmitter could be the perfect solution. Outdoor transmitters are built for long-range use and can handle open spaces, trees, and walls better than indoor WiFi solutions. Some models are weatherproof, making them ideal for Ireland’s unpredictable rain. 

However, they do require proper placement to be optimally effective. Ideally they should be mounted on a wall or pole to avoid obstructions and get the best coverage. While they tend to be more expensive than standard extenders, they offer stronger, more stable WiFi across larger outdoor areas. This makes them a great investment for rural properties or garden offices set far from the main house. Harvey Norman has a range of outdoor WiFi transmitters for around €149.

5. Powerline networking: A clever hack 

This method uses your existing electrical wiring to send internet data from your router to your garden office. It works by plugging one adapter into a socket near your router and another into a socket in the office, effectively creating a wired internet connection without having to install new cables.

The main advantage is convenience. The setup is simple and there’s no need to drill holes or run wires across the garden. However, performance depends heavily on the quality of your home’s electrical wiring. Older houses might not get the full speed you’d expect and powerline adapters don’t work if your garden office is on a separate fuse board from the main house. The powerline adapters are available from a range of electrical stores across Ireland, from Curry’s to Laptops Direct, Cable Monkey and Harvey Norman to name a few and they range in price from €49 to around €110.

6. Starlink satellite internet: A high-tech solution for rural areas 

For those living in rural Ireland where traditional broadband options are limited, Starlink satellite internet could be the answer. Unlike standard broadband, which relies on cables or mobile networks, Starlink connects to low-orbit satellites to deliver high-speed internet even in remote locations. This makes it one of the best options for garden offices in areas with weak or unreliable WiFi coverage.

The biggest advantage is accessibility because as long as you have a clear view of the sky, you can get fast, stable internet regardless of how far your garden office is from the house. However, this comes at a premium price. Starlink requires specialist equipment and a monthly subscription which makes it a costly alternative. Installation is also a bit more involved as the satellite dish needs to be securely mounted in an open area to avoid signal blockages.

Starlink kits are available directly from the Starlink website and typically cost €349 for the equipment and €50/month for the subscription. Currys and Harvey Norman also stock Starlink kits and occasionally you can get the equipment here at a discount.

Factors to consider when choosing your WiFi option

The option you choose will depend on your particular set of circumstances, but here are 5 of the most important things to consider:

1. Distance from the main house: A small suburban garden office might only need a simple extender, while a larger rural property may require a more in-depth solution for reliable coverage.

2. Obstacles: A wired connection or a high-powered outdoor transmitter may be needed if interference is an issue.

3. Speed requirements: Your solution will depend on the scope of the work you need it for.

4. Budget: What you are able to spend will of course influence what you choose.

5. Weatherproofing: Ireland’s rain, wind, and moisture can affect outdoor tech. If using an outdoor WiFi transmitter or cabling, ensure it’s weatherproof-rated and properly installed to withstand the elements.

Conclusion

A garden office is only as good as its internet connection. Without reliable WiFi, it’s just an expensive shed. The key to choosing the right WiFi extending solution for your situation is to think about what’s most important to you – speed, reliability, budget or ease of installation – and then go with the option that keeps you online without frustration.