Alessio De Cristofaro moved to Dublin from his home city of Rome in September 2025. It was not his first time in Ireland, but this move was made with a specific intention: to set up his new tech company, Whalyx, in the capital.
“There are plenty of opportunities for start-ups here, from incubators, to accelerators, to networking events.”
Of course, finding accommodation was a significant challenge to navigate. Aware of the difficulty around finding housing, De Cristofaro spent around three weeks looking for somewhere to live. “I was looking for something that would allow networking, and meeting new people, but still have some sort of privacy,” he recalls.
He settled on Liberties House, a new co-living development located on Cork Street in the heart of trendy Dublin 8.
RM Block
Design-led with plenty of thoughtful touches, the property has a range of studio units for rent, with most residents aged between 20 and 40.
The property, developed by Grayling Properties and Crossroads Real Estate, offers an impressive range of amenities including a fully equipped gym, yoga room and wellness spaces, complete with a sauna and cold plunge pool on the roof. Residents also have access to a private cinema, shared social lounges, a library, and even a rooftop pickleball court.
There is also bicycle parking, rooftop terraces and additional recreation spaces for residents to enjoy.
The presence of a concierge is another plus. “They will take in your packages or food deliveries, which is really handy, and very different from other buildings,” he says.
There are a variety of studio units on offer, each with its own small kitchen, bathroom, comfy bed and plenty of built-in storage. One of the things De Cristofaro appreciates is that there are also multiple shared fully-equipped kitchen and dining areas on each floor.
“The kitchens are accessible to everyone, so it’s a great opportunity to socialise. Still, having occasional privacy options makes it ideal.”
Those large kitchen areas come with some laundry facilities, while there is another dedicated area for laundry in the basement. “It’s accessible through your phone, so no need for cash,” he says. There is an app that also monitors usage, so you’ll never lug a load downstairs to find all the machines in use.
The amenities on offer support his fitness goals. “I go to the gym every day. The space is big, there are plenty of machines, and something that’s very different from other buildings is the yoga room,” he says.
The pickleball court is another perk he really enjoys. “It is a great addition.”
Gym and yoga classes are available, and there’s a residents’ WhatsApp group where a running club and other sporting activities are arranged. “We’ve played games together, and we’ve hiked to Howth and Bray,” he says.
In fact, the social aspect of living at Liberties House is a benefit he really appreciates. “I’ve met lots of people from all over the world,” he says. “I’m making great connections, also business-wise.”
Management works hard to foster this sense of community, with weekly events including movie nights, book clubs, wine tasting, cooking, and fitness classes. Rooftop get-togethers are a firm favourite of De Cristofaro, and he enjoys relaxing up here too. “From the sauna, you have a view across Dublin,” he says.
The cinema is another perk. “There are monthly events that anyone can join in, my friends as well,” he says. And if you want more privacy? “The cinema is bookable, so you decide what you want to watch.”
The local area is a selling point. The Guinness Storehouse and Phoenix Park are on his doorstep, and there are good cafes and restaurants in the vicinity. “The location is great, because we’re close to town, but not too close,” he says.
As a founder in the early stages of a new tech start-up, dedicated workspaces and great Wifi connectivity clearly matter. “I work mostly from here, and I appreciate the fact that there are plenty of co-working areas and spaces to work from.”
Those include a library area which is located inside the entrance. “It has tall ceilings and big windows and is a more silent space for those who prefer to read or just work in a silent environment. Then on the opposite side of the building, there is a proper working space, with desks, ergonomic chairs, second screens, and so on,” he says.
There are also booths for calls to ensure privacy, and each of the shared kitchens has a co-working space as well.
“There is even a presentation area,” he says, of the small area he uses for meetings or to show slide decks.
Visitors are welcome, which means that for De Cristofaro, living here means business as usual for clients, colleagues and friends.
Of course, there is a cost to factor in all of this. De Cristofaro says the price is worth it, given what he gets for his money. “Everything is included,” he says. That means utilities, Wifi and services are included in a single monthly payment, which offers transparency.
Ultimately, this has been a positive move for this Italian entrepreneur. He says it best. “Liberties House is exactly the sweet spot I was looking for.”
For more information visit libertieshouse.com.
