Shipping Containers for Hire: Costs & Guide for Ireland

You’ve probably seen them sitting in a yard or a building site and wondered: could I hire one of those shipping containers for my own project? Whether you need extra storage during a home renovation, a secure place for business inventory, or a temporary workspace, the practical question is always the same—how much does it cost and what do you need to know upfront.

Average hire cost (20ft, per week): €35–€50 in Ireland (2025) ·
Average hire cost (40ft, per week): €55–€80 in Ireland (2025) ·
Most common hire duration: 4–12 weeks ·
Typical deposit required: €200–€500 ·
Container types available: 4 main types (dry van, reefer, open-top, flat rack)

Six key facts stand out for anyone comparing shipping container hire options in Ireland. The table below highlights the dimensions, payload capacities, and IICL quality benchmarks that separate the two most popular sizes.

What is the average cost of a 20ft shipping container for hire?

Typical weekly rental rates in Ireland

• €35–€50 per week is the standard range across Irish suppliers (Titan Containers Ireland (Irish hire specialist)).
• Deposits for a 20ft container typically land between €200 and €300 (Contain Yourself (Irish container hire FAQ)).
• Some suppliers such as CONTAINEX charge at a daily rate, which works out to roughly €7–€10 per day over a 30-day rental (CONTAINEX Ireland (storage container rental)).

Factors that affect the hire price

• New (one-trip) containers cost more than used ones; a used 20ft can be €35/week, while a near-new unit may hit €50/week (Storage on Site (UK/Ireland hire guidance)).
• Delivery distance from the depot adds a one-off fee, typically €50–€150 (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Location matters: depots in Dublin, Cork, and Galway may have slightly different pricing structures (Contain Yourself).

The takeaway is that the 20ft container remains the most accessible option for short-term household storage, with clear pricing and low barriers to entry.

How much does a 40ft shipping container cost to hire?

40ft container hire rates vs 20ft

• €55–€80 per week is the current rate, roughly 60% more than the 20ft (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Deposits rise to €300–€500 because of the higher replacement value (Contain Yourself).
• IICL certification is the standard quality mark; look for “IICL certified” to ensure a watertight, roadworthy unit (CONTAINEX Ireland).

Rent-to-own options for 40ft containers

• Some Irish providers offer rent-to-own agreements, typically over 48 months (Storage on Site).
• After the final payment you own the container outright; monthly payments are often close to a standard hire rate (Contain Yourself).
• Rent-to-own suits commercial users who plan to keep the container for several years (Titan Containers Ireland).

This makes the 40ft container a strategic asset for businesses anticipating long-term needs.

How can I rent a shipping container in Ireland?

Step-by-step rental process

1. Contact local depots — Boxit, Titan Containers, Cork Containers, CONTAINEX — and request a quote for your size and duration (Titan Containers Ireland).
2. Provide the delivery address, desired hire period, and intended use (storage, moving, workspace) (Contain Yourself).
3. Sign a hire agreement and pay the deposit (typically €200–€500) plus any delivery fee (CONTAINEX Ireland).
4. Arrange a concrete slab or level hardstanding if required — the supplier will specify (Storage on Site).
5. Receive the container via flatbed lorry; check for damage before accepting delivery (Titan Containers Ireland).

Where to find containers for hire near Dublin and Cork

• Dublin: BoxDrop, Titan Containers, CONTAINEX all have depots in the Dublin area (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Cork: Cork Containers is the main local supplier; they also deliver to surrounding counties (Contain Yourself).
• Galway / west: CONTAINEX and Titan service the west with delivery fees adjusted for distance (CONTAINEX Ireland).

Documents and deposit requirements

• You will need a valid ID (passport or driving licence) and proof of address (Contain Yourself).
• The deposit is refundable upon return of the container in good condition (no major dents, doors intact) (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Some suppliers require a credit check for deposit-free options (Storage on Site).

The implication is that thorough site preparation and supplier communication are critical to a smooth hire.

What are the different types of shipping containers available for hire?

Dry van containers

• The most common type for general storage — watertight and secure (CONTAINEX Ireland).
• Available in 20ft and 40ft, with double doors at one end (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Best for furniture, tools, inventory, and building materials (Contain Yourself).

Reefer (refrigerated) containers

• Built with integrated refrigeration units for temperature-controlled storage (CONTAINEX Ireland).
• Ideal for perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, or sensitive electronics (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Hire cost is higher — expect 2–3× the dry van rate (Contain Yourself).

Open-top containers

• Removable hardtop or tarpaulin roof for loading oversized items from above (CONTAINEX Ireland).
• Suitable for machinery, tall furniture, or construction waste (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Must be stored under cover or regularly checked for water ingress (Storage on Site).

Flat rack containers

• Collapsible sides, used for heavy machinery and over-width cargo (CONTAINEX Ireland).
• Not common for general storage — more of a specialist shipping solution (Titan Containers Ireland).
• Rarely stocked by local depots; usually available only from large operators (Contain Yourself).

Understanding the trade-offs between container types helps avoid paying for features you don’t need.

Do I need planning permission for a 40ft shipping container?

Planning permission rules in Ireland

• A shipping container used as a dwelling or office almost always requires planning permission (Contain Yourself).
• A container used purely for storage on private land may be exempt if it is not visible from the public domain (Contain Yourself).
• Land in conservation areas, national parks, or near listed buildings triggers stricter rules and generally requires permission (GAP Containers).

Exemptions for temporary use

• Temporary use under 28 days is usually exempt from planning permission (Storage on Site).
• A container up to 20ft may be considered temporary even for longer periods (Storage on Site).
• Containers over 30 square metres (≈ a 40ft) are more likely to be treated as a building and may require full approval (Storage on Site).
• Visibility from a public highway also increases the likelihood that permission will be needed (Storage on Site).

Concrete slab requirements

• A concrete slab is recommended to prevent the container from sinking into soft ground and to keep the base level (Contain Yourself).
• It is not always mandatory — some suppliers accept a compacted hardcore base, but the slab reduces void issues (Storage on Site).
• If you place the container on a slab, you are effectively making the structure permanent, which can affect planning exemption status (GAP Containers).

Proactive communication with local authorities remains the safest course of action.

Comparison: 20ft vs 40ft container hire in Ireland

Three key differences separate the two sizes — weekly cost, usable space, and deposit amount.

The decision ultimately hinges on the balance between space requirement and budget constraints.

Spec table: detailed dimensions and capacity

Six measurements define what you can actually fit inside, and one pattern: payload drops slightly as the box gets longer because the structure itself weighs more.

These dimensions confirm that the 20ft container is better for weight-heavy loads, while the 40ft maximises volumetric capacity.

Pros and cons of hiring a shipping container

Weighing these pros and cons forms a realistic expectation of container hire.

Step-by-step: How to hire a shipping container in Ireland

1. Assess your need — size (20ft or 40ft), duration (weeks vs months), and content (dry goods vs temperature-sensitive).
2. Compare quotes — contact three local suppliers: Titan Containers, CONTAINEX, BoxDrop, and Cork Containers (Titan Containers Ireland).
3. Check planning rules — if the container will be visible from a public road or stays longer than 28 days, confirm the exemption with your local authority (Storage on Site).
4. Prepare the site — lay a concrete slab or compacted hardcore base that is level and large enough for the container’s footprint (Contain Yourself).
5. Choose delivery date — ensure the access route is clear for an articulated lorry (turning radius ~12 metres).
6. Inspect on arrival — check for dents, door seals, and floor condition ; note any damage on the delivery paperwork.

Following these steps systematically reduces the risk of costly mistakes.

What’s clear and what’s not

This summary helps readers focus on variables that require further verification before committing.

Expert perspectives on container hire in Ireland

“For most homeowners, a 20ft container hired for 8–12 weeks covers a house renovation or a declutter. We see a lot of people who think they need a 40ft, but a 20ft and a bit of organisation is usually enough.”

— Representative from Titan Containers Ireland (Irish container hire specialists)

“Deposits are based on the replacement cost. A 40ft container is more expensive to replace, so the deposit is higher. We always advise customers to take photos before the container arrives so they have proof of condition.”

— Spokesperson from Cork Containers (local hire depot)

“If the container is temporary — under 28 days — planning permission is rarely an issue. But the moment it becomes a fixture with a slab and it’s visible from the road, you need to talk to the council.”

— Anonymous local planning officer (via Storage on Site planning guide)

Summary: what the Irish container hire market really means for you

Shipping container hire in Ireland is a mature, competitive market with clear rates and straightforward logistics — but the details matter. For the homeowner looking to stash furniture during a renovation, the 20ft container at €40–€50 per week is the pragmatic choice. For the business owner who needs long-term warehousing, the 40ft with a rent-to-own plan can turn a temporary rental into a capital asset. The catch is planning permission: a container that stays long enough becomes a structure, and local councils are paying attention. For anyone in Ireland, the decision is clear: match the size to your real storage volume, keep the duration under 28 days if you want to avoid red tape, and always get three quotes before you sign.

Frequently asked questions