Ireland – Finding Property to Rent

Where do most expats rent in Ireland, and which areas are most popular?

Securing a rental property can be challenging, especially in cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Galway. These three urban centres attract the greatest concentration of international residents, largely due to their abundance of multinational employers, higher education institutions, and well-developed expat networks. Rental costs differ considerably depending on where you look — major city centres command significantly higher prices than smaller towns or the countryside.

Dublin is overwhelmingly the most sought-after location. Expats tend to gravitate towards Ballsbridge, Sandymount, and Grand Canal Dock, where access to international schools and technology employers sustains strong demand. By early 2026, the three neighbourhoods recording the highest average rents were Dublin 4 (covering Ballsbridge and Sandymount), Dublin 2 (Grand Canal Dock and the Docklands), and Dublin 6 (Ranelagh and Rathmines), where two-bedroom apartments routinely exceed €2,500 per month. Those in search of more budget-friendly options within the capital may find suburbs such as Drumcondra, Clontarf, and Dundrum a better fit, offering solid public transport connections at more manageable rents.

Shared housing is particularly common in expensive parts of Dublin city centre and student-dense areas like Rathmines in Dublin and Western Road in Cork. Rathmines and Ranelagh have earned a reputation for their vibrant café scenes, leafy parks, and straightforward access to the city via the Luas tram network.

Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, presents a compelling alternative to the capital. Centrally located apartments in Cork and Galway average between €2,200 and €2,304 per month. The city centre and surrounding suburbs like Douglas and Ballincollig appeal to internationally mobile workers, while Cork Airport’s broad range of European routes makes the city especially attractive to frequent travellers.

Galway suits expats who prefer a smaller city with a strong cultural identity. With a renowned arts and music scene, a sizeable university, and an expanding technology sector, the city has a distinctive energy that sets it apart. Galway and Limerick are generally viewed as more affordable rental markets than Dublin or Cork, even if prices have climbed across the board in recent years.

Limerick has become an increasingly attractive option for cost-conscious newcomers. Although rents have risen by more than 20% year-on-year, the city remains comparatively affordable — a one-bedroom apartment in the city centre averages around €1,375 per month — and it has a lively, diverse community of students and international residents.

Donegal, nestled in the far north of the Republic on the border with Northern Ireland, ranks among the least expensive areas in Ireland for renting and is celebrated for having some of the finest beaches in the country, drawing growing numbers of expats. For remote workers, coastal and rural areas in counties Clare, Kerry, and Wexford offer an appealing pace of life at a fraction of the cost of city living.

When searching for a home in Ireland, it is wise to think carefully about how close a property is to your workplace, preferred schools, and public transport routes. Because state schools typically prioritise pupils living within their catchment area — and places can be limited — securing accommodation near your chosen school before enrolment is strongly advisable.

What are the main property rental websites in Ireland?

Online platforms such as Daft.ie and Rent.ie are the most reliable starting points for rental searches, particularly in cities. All listings are published in English, and the sites are fully accessible to people searching from outside Ireland. The key portals to be aware of are:

• Daft.ie — Ireland’s largest property website, with an extensive range of rental listings spanning apartments, houses, and shared accommodation. It is the go-to resource for most people beginning their search and allows users to create email alerts whenever a new listing matching their criteria appears.
• Rent.ie — A platform dedicated entirely to rental properties, offering a wide database covering various price points and property types. It has particularly strong coverage of Dublin, Cork, and Galway, as well as commuter towns around the capital.
• MyHome.ie — An easy-to-navigate portal for rental properties across Ireland, covering apartments, houses, and commercial premises. Owned by the Irish Times, the site tends to feature listings from established letting agencies.
• Let.ie — A straightforward platform for both residential and commercial rental searches in Ireland.
• HousingAnywhere — A platform tailored to international students and expats, connecting them with rooms and apartments in Irish cities. It is especially well suited to those requiring short- to medium-term accommodation on arrival.

Creating personalised alerts on these platforms is highly recommended so that you receive instant notifications the moment a suitable property comes to market. In central Dublin and areas close to public transport hubs, properties can be let within as few as seven days, making speed essential.

For short-term stays while you search for a longer-term home, platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO are widely used throughout Ireland. Spending a month or two in temporary accommodation gives you the opportunity to get to know your new surroundings and settle into work before committing to a lease.

Are there letting agencies or relocation agents for expats in Ireland?

Letting agencies can be a valuable resource for expats navigating Ireland’s rental market, offering professional expertise and access to a broader range of properties. Estate agents are particularly prevalent in the higher end of the market, where they frequently handle both tenant sourcing and ongoing property management, though they do charge for their services.

Among the most prominent agencies operating in Ireland are:

• Sherry FitzGerald — One of Ireland’s most widely recognised property agencies, with branches across the country, handling both sales and rentals. A household name in Irish property.
• Lisney — A long-established agency offering residential and commercial rental services throughout Ireland, with particular expertise in Dublin’s premium property market.
• DNG (Douglas Newman Good) — One of the largest independent agency groups in the country, with a strong presence across Dublin and the surrounding commuter belt. Registering your interest with agencies such as Sherry FitzGerald and DNG can put you at the front of the queue when new properties are listed.
• RE/MAX Ireland — Operating at multiple locations across Ireland, RE/MAX offers real estate services including rentals to both locals and international arrivals. As a globally recognised brand, it may feel familiar to expats who have dealt with RE/MAX in other countries.
• Quillsen — A Dublin-based agency offering residential and commercial rental services across the capital and surrounding areas.

Letting agent fees in Ireland generally fall between 6 and 10 percent of the annual or monthly rent, plus VAT, though a flat fee arrangement may be offered in some cases. As of 2025, it is advisable to confirm the precise fee structure with any agency before you commit, as these can vary. It is worth noting that in Ireland, unlike in certain other markets, the tenant is often responsible for paying the letting agent’s fee when the agent is acting exclusively on the tenant’s behalf rather than the landlord’s.

For those moving to Ireland as part of a corporate transfer, many of the multinational companies headquartered here — particularly in Dublin’s technology and pharmaceutical industries — engage dedicated relocation management firms or maintain HR teams who can point employees towards reliable local letting agents. If your employer is covering your relocation, it is worth asking whether accommodation support forms part of your package, as this can take considerable pressure off the process.

What other ways can you find rental properties in Ireland?

Beyond the major portals and agencies, a number of additional channels are worth exploring — especially in a constrained market where the ability to move quickly can make all the difference.

Facebook groups are widely used across Ireland and can surface available properties before they appear on the main listing sites. Useful groups include “Cork – Rent, Let, House Hunting and Rooms to Rent” for Cork, “Rent in Dublin” for the capital, “Galway House Hunting for Sound People” for Galway, “Rent in Limerick” for Limerick, and “Donegal Property Rentals” for Donegal. As with any social media platform, a degree of caution is warranted — rental scams do exist, and you should never transfer a deposit without first viewing the property in person or via a verified video call.

Word of mouth and personal connections continue to carry real weight in Ireland. Building relationships within expat communities, at workplace events, or through social circles can yield rental leads that never reach the public listings. Ireland-specific threads on platforms such as InterNations and Expat.com are also worth monitoring, as members regularly share housing tips and sublet opportunities.

Local noticeboards and print media play a smaller but still relevant role. While less common than in the past, property ads can still be found in local newspapers and on noticeboards in supermarkets and community centres — and these can be particularly fruitful when looking for rooms in shared houses.

Corporate relocation services are commonly used by large multinationals operating in Ireland, particularly those based in Dublin 2, Dublin 4, and the Docklands. Companies such as Cartus, Crown Relocations, and Sirva are active in the Irish market and can manage every aspect of finding and securing accommodation for employees relocating from abroad.

While virtual viewings have become more widespread — particularly for those moving from overseas — attending a viewing in person still gives you a clear advantage in a competitive market. If circumstances allow, travelling to Ireland before your move to view properties directly will significantly improve your chances of securing a home you are happy with.

What should you expect from the rental application process in Ireland?

With the rental shortage continuing to affect Dublin, Cork, and Galway in particular, competition for well-located, good-quality properties remains intense. Landlords have become more rigorous in their vetting, and the dominance of online listing platforms means that tenants must act swiftly and arrive fully prepared.

1. Search and shortlist properties using the main portals. Activate alerts and check listings every day — properties are claimed rapidly and agent inboxes fill quickly, so get in touch with the landlord or letting agency as soon as possible to arrange a viewing. If a property meets all your requirements, be ready to make an offer on the spot.
2. Attend a viewing. Virtual viewings have grown more common in 2025, particularly for overseas relocations, but seeing a property in person still matters. Take all your supporting documents with you so you can submit an application immediately if you want to proceed.
3. Submit your application. Landlords generally ask for a completed application form, photographic identification, evidence of income, and references from previous landlords or employers. An overseas landlord reference is typically accepted, as is a letter of support from your new Irish employer.
4. Provide your PPS number. A Personal Public Service (PPS) number is required before you can apply for a rental, as landlords need it to register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). Applications for a PPS number can be made through the Department of Social Protection.
5. Sign the lease and pay upfront costs. Once your application is successful, you will be asked to sign a tenancy agreement and pay both the deposit and the first month’s rent. Digital lease signing is now standard practice in 2025 — always retain copies of all documents and verify that your tenancy has been registered with the RTB.
6. Move in and document the property’s condition. Walk through the property with the landlord or their agent and photograph every room before you unpack. Record any pre-existing damage and ensure it is captured in a written inventory, which will protect your deposit when you eventually move out.

One of the more common hurdles for newly arrived expats is that many landlords ask for evidence of Irish income or employment. Demonstrating secure employment and adequate savings goes a long way, and having a supporting reference from your Irish employer is particularly helpful. If you do not yet have a job offer in place, showing strong overseas references alongside sufficient savings can still make a convincing case. You will also generally need to demonstrate that you have lawful permission to remain in Ireland for the full duration of the tenancy, and having an Irish bank account in place for rent and bill payments will smooth the process considerably.

What are the typical costs of renting in Ireland?

Ireland ranks among the most expensive rental markets in Europe. National average rents broke the €2,000 per month barrier for the first time in 2025. What you pay depends greatly on location, property size, and whether the home comes furnished or unfurnished.

Sources: RTB Rent Index Q1 2025, Daft.ie Q1 2025 report. Verify current figures on rtb.ie or the main property portals.

Deposit: Regulations introduced in late 2024 place a firm ceiling on what landlords may request at the outset of a tenancy: a deposit of one month’s rent alongside one month’s rent paid in advance is the legal maximum. Landlords are not permitted to demand several months’ rent upfront. This represents a notably tenant-friendly position compared with many other markets, where two or three months’ deposit is commonplace.

Agency fees: Where a letting agent is involved, fees typically range from 6 to 10 percent of the annual or monthly rent plus VAT, though a flat-fee arrangement is sometimes offered. Many landlords advertise directly without using an agent, in which case no agency fee applies. Always clarify this before agreeing to anything.

Utilities: In most cases, tenants are responsible for paying their own utility bills, so factor these into your monthly budget from the outset. Some apartments and serviced properties include utilities in the headline rent — always confirm whether this is the case before signing. Electricity, gas, refuse collection, and broadband are typically billed separately.

What types of rental contract are common in Ireland?

Tenancy agreements in Ireland are governed by the Residential Tenancies Acts and must be set out in writing. All contracts are in English. Fixed-term tenancies of 12 months are the most common arrangement. Once a tenant has been in a property for six months, they acquire additional statutory rights regardless of what the contract says.

The two principal contract types are fixed-term and periodic tenancies. A fixed-term tenancy runs for a defined period — typically 12 to 24 months — and can only be ended before its expiry under specific legal circumstances, with the required notice given. A periodic tenancy rolls on indefinitely once the fixed term concludes and may be brought to an end by either party provided appropriate notice is served.

Before putting pen to paper on any lease in Ireland, the following points deserve careful attention:

• Rent review terms: Most tenancy agreements provide for an annual rent review. Tenants are also expected to maintain the property and pay bills on time, while landlords are obliged to provide a safe, habitable home and respect the tenant’s right to quiet enjoyment.
• Rent increase limits: A Rent Pressure Zone (RPZ) is a designated area in which rent increases are restricted. Within an RPZ, rents may only be reviewed once every 12 months and increases are capped at 2% per year, or the rate of inflation if that figure is lower. From 20 June 2025, RPZ rules were extended to cover the entire country and now apply to all private and student-specific tenancies in Ireland.
• Break clauses: Unlike some other jurisdictions, standard Irish leases do not routinely include tenant break clauses. Leaving a tenancy early can be legally complicated — read the lease thoroughly and take advice before signing if you have any doubts about your obligations.
• Inventory: Always ask for a written inventory of all furnishings and their condition at the start of the tenancy. This document is your best defence when it comes to recovering your deposit at the end of your stay.
• RTB registration: Every private tenancy must be registered with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). After signing your lease, confirm with your landlord that this registration has been completed.

From 1 March 2026, new tenancies fall under the Tenancies of Minimum Duration (TMD) framework — rolling six-year arrangements designed to provide tenants with greater long-term security. This is a particularly significant development for expats intending to remain in Ireland for an extended period. Given how rapidly tenancy legislation has been evolving, it is always worth verifying the current position directly with the RTB or a qualified letting agent.

What are your legal rights as a tenant in Ireland, and where can you get help?

Tenant protections in Ireland have expanded considerably in recent years, and by 2025 renters enjoy a stronger set of rights than at any previous point. The legislative framework is administered primarily by the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB), which acts as both a regulatory body and a dispute resolution service.

The RTB runs the National Tenancy Registration System and serves as the first port of call for any conflict between landlord and tenant. Its website at rtb.ie sets out tenant rights and responsibilities in detail and explains how to initiate a dispute resolution case.

The most important tenant protections to be aware of include:

• Deposit protection: Your deposit — equivalent to one month’s rent — must be returned in full at the end of the tenancy unless there are rent arrears, outstanding bills, or damage beyond normal wear and tear. Always obtain a signed receipt when handing over your deposit.
• Rent increase limits: As outlined above, all landlords in Ireland are now subject to RPZ rules, which cap annual rent increases at 2% or the rate of inflation, whichever is the lesser figure. A landlord found to have charged an unlawful rent can face a fine of up to €15,000.
• Protection from “no-fault” evictions: Landlords wishing to end a tenancy for reasons unrelated to tenant conduct — such as selling the property or accommodating a family member — are now required to follow strict legal procedures before doing so.
• Minimum property standards: All rental properties in Ireland must comply with legally prescribed minimum physical standards, and landlords are legally obliged to ensure their properties meet these requirements.
• Rent review notice: A landlord must give the tenant a minimum of 90 days’ written notice before a rent increase takes effect.

Should a problem arise with your landlord, the following organisations are available to assist:

• Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) — Ireland’s statutory body for resolving tenancy disputes. If you receive a notice of termination or rent increase that you believe contravenes the rules, the RTB can be contacted to challenge it.
• Citizens Information — A free, government-funded advisory service offering clear, accessible guidance on tenant rights, housing legislation, and where to seek further support.
• Threshold — A national housing charity offering free advice and advocacy to tenants facing difficulties, including disputes over deposits, unlawful rent increases, and threatened evictions.
• FLAC (Free Legal Advice Centres) — Provides free legal advice on a wide range of matters including tenancy law, delivered through clinics held at locations throughout Ireland.

Frequently asked questions: renting property in Ireland

Can foreigners rent a property freely in Ireland?

Yes. There are no restrictions preventing foreign nationals from renting property in Ireland. You will generally be expected to demonstrate to your landlord that you have lawful permission to remain in the country for the full duration of the lease — for example, by producing a valid visa or residency permit where required. Citizens of EU and EEA member states do not need a visa to live in Ireland. Non-EEA nationals should ensure that their immigration permission extends to cover the length of their tenancy.

What are the upfront costs when renting in Ireland?

Under rules introduced in late 2024, the maximum a landlord may request at the outset of a tenancy is one month’s deposit plus one month’s rent in advance. Demanding several months’ rent upfront is not permitted, and any holding deposit must be properly documented and refunded if the tenancy does not go ahead. You should also set aside money for connecting utilities and, where applicable, for a letting agent’s fee.

Are rental properties in Ireland usually furnished or unfurnished?

Most apartments in Ireland are let furnished, enabling tenants to move in without delay. Houses, especially those in suburban locations, are more likely to be offered unfurnished or only partially furnished. Check the listing carefully and confirm the position with the landlord or agent ahead of any viewing.

Do I need a PPS number to rent in Ireland?

Yes. A PPS (Personal Public Service) number is required before you can apply for a rental property, because landlords need it to register the tenancy with the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB). You can obtain a PPS number at your nearest Intreo Centre or Social Welfare office. Bring your passport, evidence of your address, and documentation explaining why you need the number — such as an employment contract or a confirmed job offer.

How do I avoid rental scams in Ireland?

Always inspect the property before parting with any money, and never hand over a deposit or rent payment without first signing an official tenancy agreement. Verify that the property matches its advertised description and photographs, and satisfy yourself that the person renting it out is legitimate. Use well-established websites and registered agents, and be cautious of anyone applying undue pressure to pay immediately. If a listing appears unusually cheap for its location, treat it with scepticism — deals that look too good to be true almost always are.

Is it easy to find short-term rentals in Ireland?

Short-term accommodation is available through platforms such as Airbnb and VRBO, while HousingAnywhere is specifically designed for international arrivals needing medium-term lets. Bear in mind that the supply of short-term properties has contracted in recent years as a result of regulatory changes. Starting out in short-term accommodation for the first month or two is a sensible approach, as it gives you the chance to explore different neighbourhoods and find your feet before taking on a longer lease.

What happens if my landlord tries to raise my rent above the legal limit?

From 20 June 2025, every part of Ireland is classified as a Rent Pressure Zone. This means rents may only be reviewed once every 12 months and cannot be raised by more than 2% annually, or by the rate of inflation if that figure is lower. If you believe that a rent increase you have received is unlawful, contact the RTB at rtb.ie or reach out to the housing charity Threshold for free advice.

What is the Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) and how does it help tenants?

The Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) is the state body responsible for resolving disputes between landlords and tenants and for maintaining the National Tenancy Registration System. It offers a free dispute resolution service, a publicly accessible rent register showing previous rents paid on registered properties, and comprehensive up-to-date guidance on tenant rights and obligations. It is well worth bookmarking the RTB website and checking it periodically for any changes to rent caps, notice periods, or tenancy legislation.