Your Complete Guide To Accommodation Costs In Ireland 

Ireland may not typically be the first thing that comes to mind when considering overseas university destinations.

But this island nation is slowly attracting more international students with all it has to offer. Its panoramic landscapes, the warm and friendly locals, and the quality of education—the list goes on.

However, just like with any overseas study journey, expect to have the majority of your expenses go toward accommodation. Thankfully, there is a wide variety of student accommodations in Ireland to choose from, depending on your city and budget.

In this guide, we’ve gathered all the possible lodging options and everything you must know about accommodation costs.

6 Types Of Accommodation In Ireland & How Much They Cost

1. In-Campus Student Share Room

Commonly known as residence halls, in-campus student share rooms are one of the most common on-campus accommodations in schools across the globe.

These are essentially student housing filled with a variety of apartment units. In Irish residence halls, each unit would typically house 4 to 8 students at a time and come with various living facilities like a private bedroom and shared bathroom, kitchen, and communal area.

Since this option is always in demand, it may be tough to secure a spot and be on the pricier end as well.

At Trinity College Dublin, weekly payments for a private room cost €176 per week while private rooms at the National University of Ireland, Galway (NUIG) cost €540 per month, excluding other utilities.

For in-depth information on residence halls in Ireland, visit the respective university websites to learn more.

2. Homestay With Host Family

Did you know you can live with an Irish family as a paying guest?

Homestays are a great way to immerse yourself in the culture and learn from the locals. Students will have the unique opportunity to experience what a typical day in an Irish family looks like and even taste their cuisine’s specialities.

Typically, guests will share the kitchen and living area but will be given their own room. There are also usually no extra charges for electricity, water, and heating as well.

For anywhere between €500 to €700 a month, students can have their own space in the comfort of a home environment while being surrounded by the warmth of the host family.

Here are some homestay opportunities to explore in the country.

3. Private Student Apartments

If you were unable to secure a room or student accommodation on campus, private student apartments are your next bet.

This housing option is designed for 4 to 5 students to share a designated apartment unit complete with private bedrooms, a communal living area, plus a shared bathroom and kitchen.

While most of these accommodations can be found within university grounds, some of them can also be nearby, serving as a feasible alternative without compromising proximity.

Depending on the city you’re in, the average cost for a month is €600 to a little over €1,000 and will only be charged each semester as a lump sum.

Have a look at these student apartment options here.

4. Student Hostel

This accommodation option is popular in many parts of Europe and best suited for those who don’t mind socializing with different people from time to time.

Most living arrangements in hostels comprise mixed or female-only dormitories, where you’ll be sharing a room with other guests as well as a shared kitchen, communal area and restroom.

Depending on the university or respective institution, student hostel accommodation options in Ireland cost anywhere between €400 to €1000 per month.

Factors that affect your monthly fee include the number of people in a room and the amenities provided such as an en suite bathroom.

You can find hostel accommodations in various Irish cities here.

5. Town House

Townhouses are multistoried homes that share a wall with adjacent properties but are still considered standalone properties with their own entrance.

Apart from being family homes, these charming houses are usually listed as bed and breakfast (B&B) establishments that students can explore as accommodation options in Ireland.

Found in most cities, towns, or villages, the majority of these townhouses are within proximity to train and bus services. So you don’t have to worry about travelling to campus or getting to the city center.

The cost to rent a townhouse falls on the pricier end of things from €99 to €416 a week for the entire property, which varies from city to city.

But this is a great opportunity to gather a few friends to work out a co-living arrangement together. Not only will you share the rental costs, but you also have the luxury of having an entire space to yourselves.

Here are a few townhouse options to consider.

6. Farmhouse

Ireland has been long known for its endless green pastures and its rich agriculture. What better way to experience this than at a farmhouse?

Unlike a townhouse stay, farmhouse B&Bs are perfect for students who want a change of scenery and to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Both modern and traditional farmhouses may be situated on the outskirts of major cities and parts of rural Ireland. Yet, they remain accessible and have all the amenities and facilities an international student would need.

Since most farmhouse stays are not as widely publicized on social media with their rates as other accommodations, students would have to get in touch directly with the host and make an inquiry.

Check out these 10 best farmhouse stay options in the country and find the one you love! 

7. Private Rental Apartment

With no association with universities and other institutions whatsoever, students opting for private rentals have more freedom in terms of house rules, curfew, inviting guests over, and even decorating the space.

However, private apartments in Ireland are considered a luxury, especially for university students on a tight budget.

Expect to be paying €1,800 to €6,000 per month depending on the size and number of bedrooms. With that in mind, it’d be wise to consider sharing accommodation with others.

You can find private rental apartment options here.

Let Us Help With Your Accommodation And Beyond!

Searching for the ideal accommodation that meets both your needs and your budget can be a challenge for any university student. But that doesn’t mean you have to figure it out on your own.

At IDP, our dedicated team of education counsellors can assist students with all that they need to get settled into their study destination, university applications, and everything in between.

Let us help guide you through each step of the way. Book your free counselling session today!