Make cleaning feel less of a chore with these beautiful brushes, cloths and soaps
Make cleaning feel less of a chore with these beautiful brushes, cloths and soaps

Megan Burns

Jennifer Slattery designs: timeless with a twist
Jennifer Slattery designs: timeless with a twist

Sarah Finnan

The 2025 wine trends to pour and explore, according to an expert
The 2025 wine trends to pour and explore, according to an expert

Michelle Lawlor

The Irish artists heading to the 2025 GRAMMY Awards
The Irish artists heading to the 2025 GRAMMY Awards

Sarah Gill

Róisín Gartland: ‘I had just enough money left to buy one roll of leather, there was no room for mistakes’
Róisín Gartland: ‘I had just enough money left to buy one roll of leather, there...

Sarah Finnan

New categories announced in IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025
New categories announced in IMAGE PwC Businesswoman of the Year Awards 2025

Leonie Corcoran

28 things life (and Schitt’s Creek) taught me last year
28 things life (and Schitt’s Creek) taught me last year

Sarah Finnan

Step inside artist Anita Groener’s Dublin studio, full of tiny, beautiful things
Step inside artist Anita Groener’s Dublin studio, full of tiny, beautiful things

Katie Byrne

A funeral celebrant shares the end of life planning tips to set in motion now
A funeral celebrant shares the end of life planning tips to set in motion now

Lizzie Gore-Grimes

Expert advice for becoming an at-home wine connoisseur
Expert advice for becoming an at-home wine connoisseur

Sarah Gill

Image / Editorial

Irish man compiles list of free services to keep you entertained during Covid-19 pandemic


By Grace McGettigan
13th May 2020
Irish man compiles list of free services to keep you entertained during Covid-19 pandemic

Staying at home can be monotonous. This list of free services, compiled by Irishman Shane Hastings, will help keep the family busy during the Covid-19 pandemic 


Have you finished all of your favourite shows on Netflix? Fed up with TV re-runs and the constant bombardment of negativity on the news?

Galway man, Shane Hastings has compiled an expansive list of free services to help keep you busy (and entertained) while quarantined at home. From access to audiobooks, fitness, music and wellbeing services – there’s something for all members of the family.

Hastings says the list will be available for free for the duration of the Covid-19 pandemic and is being continuously updated. “If you know of any that are not listed here, let me know and I will get them added,” he said.

Here are just some of the free services he found on offer:

Books / Adult Education

Libraries Ireland

Free eBooks, audiobooks, online magazines and newspapers online for library members. Registration is free and done online.

Audible

Instantly stream an incredible collection of stories, including titles across six different languages, that will help kids continue dreaming, learning, and just being kids.

eCollege.ie

Fully online, tutor-supported and industry certified courses. In response to the Covid-D19 situation, eCollegeIRL courses are temporarily being made available free of charge to over-16s.

Children’s education / Parents

David Walliams

David Walliams is releasing a book reading for children every morning at 11 AM. See link for today’s reading.

CJ Fallon

Free access to school books until the end of the school term, for teachers, students and parents.

Edco Learning

Free access to primary level, Junior Cert and Leaving Cert ebooks for the duration of the pandemic.

Folens

Access to all Folens digital resources on FolensOnline.ie, including eBooks, printable worksheets, interactive posters, videos, audio exercises, games etc.

Lifestyle / Hobbies

Own Your Goals Davina

Free 30 day access to workouts and nutritional information with Own Your Goals Davina, no credit card details required for sign up.

Fender Play music lessons

Access to Fender Play’s guitar, bass and ukulele lessons free for 3 months to the first 500,000 who sign up.

Home School Piano

Free access to anyone who is interested in learning the piano at home, which includes full access to HomeSchoolPiano Level 1

Calm

Calm is offering free meditation resources to support your mental and emotional wellness through this time.

Headspace (meditation)

Free access to the Headspace collection called Weathering the Storm. It includes meditations, sleep, and movement exercises to help you out, however you’re feeling.

Down Dog

Free access to all Down Dog apps – Down Dog, Yoga for Beginners, HIIT, Barre, and 7-Minute Workout.

National Theatre UK

The National Theatre (UK) will be broadcasting some of its most popular productions weekly on Thursdays at 7 PM. Productions will also be on demand for seven days after each broadcast.

To see Shane Hasting‘s full list of free services available during the pandemic, visit his website here.

Photo: Valeria Ushakova from Pexels


Read more: Face masks and temperature checks: This is what flying will look like when travel resumes

Read more: 8 celebrities to follow for light relief during the coronavirus crisis

Read more: Coronavirus care package: 7 thoughtful gifts to send to someone special