Self Storage in Ireland: Market & City Overview

The Irish self storage market may be smaller than in neighbouring countries, but it is expanding at a rapid pace. According to data from The Storage Scanner, there are currently 97 trusted providers operating 143 modern facilities nationwide. The types of storage options available range from classic self storage rooms to garage-style units, container storage, lockers, and even pick-up and delivery options.

Why People Use Self Storage in Ireland

The drivers of storage demand in Ireland mirror those across Europe:

• Housing market pressures - Smaller homes, high rents, and limited storage capacity in urban apartments push many to seek external space.

• Life events - Moving house, studying, emigration, family transitions, or inheritance often create a temporary or long-term need for storage.

• Business demand - SMEs and online retailers increasingly use storage facilities as flexible logistics hubs for stock management and last-mile operations.

• Lifestyle shifts - From sports equipment to seasonal items, Irish households use storage as an extension of their homes.

While pick-up and delivery storage is still a niche segment, the main innovator is Boxdrop Storage, active in Dublin, Navan, and Kildare.

On a national level, Irish facilities currently rent units for an average of €289 per month. Typical unit sizes hover around 11.3 m², which equals €25.5 per m² or €9.9 per m³. This positions Ireland as one of Europe’s more expensive self storage markets on a per-square-metre basis.

Self Storage in Dublin:

With 38 facilities and 24 providers, Dublin is by far Ireland’s largest storage hub. Average monthly rents are €321, with units averaging 10.4 m² - a steep €30.8 per m².

This reflects not only Dublin’s high housing costs but also the limited supply of central land, pushing prices up. Storage demand comes from both households and businesses, with student demand also playing a role. Dublin is also where pick-up and delivery players like Boxdrop are testing the market, as car-free urban lifestyles make doorstep collection and return attractive.

Self Storage in Cork:

Cork has established itself as Ireland’s second-most important self storage market, with 15 facilities and 11 providers. Rents are far lower than Dublin’s at €193 per month, with units averaging 9.7 m², which equates to €19.9 per m².

Cork’s growth reflects its role as Ireland’s second city: a strong local economy, student population, and suburban housing growth combine to drive demand.

Self Storage in Navan:

Navan may not be as large as Dublin or Cork, but with 8 facilities and 7 providers, it has emerged as a significant submarket. Units rent for an average of €216 per month, with sizes averaging 11.4 m² – roughly €19 per m².

Navan’s position along the commuter belt has made it a strong alternative for people living outside Dublin, with lower property prices but continued demand for storage. Boxdrop Storage is also active here, making Navan one of the few places outside the capital where pick-up and delivery is available.

Self Storage in Limerick:

Limerick counts 6 facilities and 6 providers. Average rents are higher than in Cork at €280 per month, with units averaging 11.6 m². That works out to €24.2 per m².

Limerick’s market is smaller but shows growing potential, as new housing developments and the student population continue to drive demand.

Summary Table

Conclusion

Ireland’s self storage market may be small in absolute terms, but it is on a strong growth path. Dublin and Cork dominate, with Navan, Limerick, and Galway emerging as important regional hubs. Prices per square metre are high by European standards, reflecting both housing dynamics and limited land availability.

While traditional self storage and container facilities remain the backbone of the industry, pick-up and delivery services - led by Boxdrop Storage - hint at the next stage of evolution. For now, though, Ireland remains a market where location, accessibility, and price per m² define the competition.