Rents across Ireland increased by an average of 5.7% last year, bringing the typical monthly rent to €1,956, according to the latest Daft.ie rental report in the Irish Independent.
That’s 43% higher than pre-pandemic levels, highlighting the ongoing pressure in the housing market.
Dublin remains the most expensive place to rent, with average monthly costs reaching €2,481 in the final quarter of 2024, up 4% from the previous year. However, rents outside the capital saw even steeper increases—Cork city rents rose by 10% to €2,097, Galway city rents climbed 9.9% to €2,197, and Limerick city experienced the sharpest increase, with rents jumping 19% to €2,271.
The report also highlights that the gap between rental inflation in Dublin and the rest of the country is narrowing. While Dublin rents rose by 4%, rents outside the capital increased by 7% on average—the smallest difference in nearly two years.
Daft.ie report author Ronan Lyons, said the ongoing housing shortage continues to “plague the market,” pushing up rents in the open market while those in rent-controlled properties see smaller increases. He noted that this is creating a divide between tenants benefiting from rent controls and those who do not.
With demand still outstripping supply, experts warn that without a significant increase in rental housing, prices will continue to climb, making affordability a growing concern for renters nationwide.
