Dublin is widely considered the most difficult rental market in Europe. The vacancy rate is near zero, and mass viewings are standard, where 50+ applicants often compete for a single flat. Traditional landlords act as strict gatekeepers, typically demanding a "previous landlord reference," three months of Irish payslips, and a substantial deposit before you even view a property.
Coliving is the "cheat code" for this specific struggle. These operators provide fully furnished apartments with the all-important "License Agreement" (landlord confirmation). You must have this document to register your address for a PPS Number (Personal Public Service Number). Without this registration, you cannot get a tax ID, a local bank account, or even a cell phone contract.
While rent in Dublin is high, coliving prices here are "All-Inclusive." This is a massive financial shield against Ireland's volatile electricity and heating costs, which are fully included in the price. The list below navigates the market from luxury lifestyle resorts to functional student hubs.
For a quick overview of the best options, here is the full list at a glance:
Top Dublin Coliving Spaces (Quick Reference)
- Habyt: The global giant offering standardized rooms across the city, ideal for quick, digital-first moves.
- Cohabs: A community-first operator known for beautiful, restored houses (currently expanding into Dublin).
- Numa: Tech-enabled serviced apartments offering total privacy and hotel standards in central locations.
- Outsite: The nomad standard, operating via partner locations for guaranteed workspace and reliable WiFi.
- Urban Rest: Premium corporate housing and serviced apartments, ideal for business travelers.
- Fresh: High-end living that bridges the gap between student and professional accommodation.
- Node Living: The design-led market leader. Stunning Georgian townhouses in the city center.
- Autumn Rooms: A boutique operator offering high-quality house shares in residential neighborhoods.
- Niche Living: A hybrid of serviced apartments and coliving, offering gym, cinema, and MasterChef kitchens.
- Aparto: Award-winning student housing known for its "experience" program and strong community events.
- HEYDAY Student Living: Modern living in the historic Liberties district.
- Yugo: Large-scale campus living with extensive amenities like bowling alleys and gyms.
- Livinc: A flexible living aggregator platform.
- DUBLIV: Large-scale rental communities with gym and lounge amenities.
- Rathmines House: The first purpose-built coliving development in Dublin, offering studios with massive social spaces.
- Grayling: The operator behind Rathmines House and other key developments in the city.
- Canopy Coliving: A nature-inspired living concept (availability varies).
Habyt
Habyt is the largest coliving player in Europe and has a significant footprint in Dublin, often expanding by acquiring local operators or managing specific blocks. Their primary strength is their digital-first process. For an expat moving to Dublin from abroad, Habyt is often the path of least resistance because they allow you to book a room without an in-person viewing - something traditional Irish landlords almost never agree to. The "Habyt Standard" means you avoid the lottery of scams; rooms are uniformly designed with modern, functional furniture (typically IKEA style), and the billing is centralized via an app.
Location: Operates city-wide with multiple clusters. Key locations include well-connected suburbs like Dublin 8 (The Liberties) and central spots near Dublin 1 and 2. They frequently add new buildings to their portfolio, so checking their live map is essential for the most current inventory.
Website: https://www.habyt.com
Pricing:
- Ranges from €900 to €1,300+ per month, depending on room size and location.
- This price is generally "All-Inclusive," covering your rent, high-speed internet, and utilities, which protects you from winter energy spikes.
Deposit:
- Standard requirement is 1 to 2 months' rent, payable upfront.
- This is held to cover any potential damages and is refundable at the end of your tenancy, provided the room is left in good condition.
Rental Terms:
- Flexible medium-term stays are the norm, usually starting from 3 months.
- The digital contract they provide is fully compliant for PPSN registration, which you will need immediately upon arrival to work in Ireland.
Amenities: Properties typically feature fully equipped shared kitchens, furnished rooms with workspaces, and app-based maintenance support. Some larger buildings may have communal lounges, but the focus is often on functional, private living.
Cohabs
Cohabs is a rapidly expanding operator known for its incredibly high design standards and focus on community. Originally from Brussels, they specialize in restoring large, characterful houses and turning them into warm, social homes for 10-20 people. Unlike large anonymous blocks, Cohabs houses feel like a family home. Their model is distinct because they prioritize "social density." You aren't just renting a room; you are joining a house. They interview applicants to ensure a good personality fit, which drastically reduces friction between housemates.
Location: They target "cool" and authentic residential neighborhoods rather than the central business district. Expect to find them in areas like Phibsborough, Rathmines, and Portobello, which are famous for their cafes, canals, and red-brick architecture.
Website: https://cohabs.com
Pricing:
- Estimated at €1,000 – €1,400 per month based on their pricing in similar capitals like Brussels and Paris.
- This includes weekly cleaning, common supplies (like olive oil and toilet paper), and Netflix subscriptions.
Deposit: Typically 1 month's rent. This is standard for the sector and secures your room and your commitment to the community guidelines.
Rental Terms:
- Minimum stays are usually 6 months, which is longer than some competitors.
- This is intentional to prevent a "revolving door" of tenants and ensure a stable, cohesive community vibe.
Amenities: Expect high-end features like cinema rooms, daily cleaning services, monthly community events (like brunch), and a dedicated app to connect with housemates. The interiors are often sustainable, using reclaimed materials.
Numa
Numa (formerly known as COSI) offers tech-first serviced apartments. You check in via your phone, and the apartments are designed to be "Instagram-ready" with contemporary decor. It offers total privacy - you won't have to share a bathroom or kitchen with anyone. It is perfect for a soft landing if you prefer hotel standards over community vibes. The "invisible concierge" model means there is no front desk, but support is available 24/7 via WhatsApp. This appeals to tech workers and digital nomads who value autonomy.
Location: Located in prestigious central areas. Their key property at Earlsfort Terrace (Dublin 2) is right next to the National Concert Hall and St. Stephen's Green, placing you in the absolute center of the city's luxury district.
Website: https://numastays.com
Pricing:
- Uses dynamic pricing similar to hotels, which fluctuates with demand.
- Expect to pay premium rates (often €2,000+) during peak tourist seasons or major events, though monthly rates can be negotiated.
Deposit:
- Usually a credit card hold or a small security deposit, depending on the length of the booking.
- This is much lower friction than the 1-2 months required by traditional landlords.
Rental Terms:
- Designed for short- to medium-term stays (days to months).
- It is an ideal "bridge" solution for your first 1-3 months in Dublin while you hunt for a more permanent apartment.
Amenities: Private kitchenettes, Nespresso machines, high-speed WiFi, sustainable toiletries, and 24/7 digital support via WhatsApp. The units are fully furnished with linens and towels provided.
Outsite
Outsite is the global nomad membership standard. They operate through partner locations or dedicated spaces. This is the best way for a digital nomad to ensure they have a workspace-ready apartment without verifying WiFi speeds themselves. The membership also connects you to other nomads in the city, helping you build a network instantly. Unlike a standard Airbnb, Outsite guarantees a work-friendly environment. This means ergonomic chairs, verified upload/download speeds, and a "quiet hours" policy that respects professionals.
Location: Locations vary as they often partner with existing buildings. They generally look for spots in Dublin 1 or 2, or trendy cultural districts like Temple Bar that are close to coworking hubs and nightlife.
Website: https://www.outsite.co
Pricing:
- Requires an annual membership fee (approx. €150) plus the nightly or monthly cost of the room.
- Members get significant discounts on longer stays (30+ days).
Deposit:
- Minimal, often just a booking hold or small deposit.
- This is designed for travelers who may not have local bank accounts to transfer large sums.
Rental Terms:
- Highly flexible, catering to digital nomads.
- You can stay for 1 week up to 3 months. It is not intended for permanent residency but for "slow travel."
Amenities: Guaranteed workspace (desk + ergonomic chair), high-speed WiFi verification, community connection via the app, and often access to local partner coworking spaces.
Urban Rest
Urban Rest focuses on the corporate and business travel market. These are high-spec serviced apartments designed for professionals relocating to Dublin. Unlike "dorm-style" coliving, these are mature, private apartments often located in the Docklands area, right next to the major tech HQs like Meta and Google. Their properties are designed for "extended stay" comfort, meaning full-sized kitchens (not just kitchenettes), in-unit washer/dryers, and premium bedding. It caters to the executive who needs a home-away-from-home.
Location: Centered around the Dublin Docklands and North Wall Quay, the financial and tech heart of the city. This location minimizes commute times for anyone working in the Silicon Docks.
Website: https://stayurbanrest.com
Pricing: Corporate premium rates apply. While expensive compared to a shared room, the rates are often lower than a hotel when booked for a month or more, offering better value for business travelers.
Deposit: Varies by contract type. Corporate accounts may have waived deposits, while individuals will likely need to provide a credit card guarantee or one month's rent.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms ranging from weeks to months. This flexibility is perfect for professionals on probation periods or those waiting for their shipping container to arrive.
Amenities: Weekly cleaning service, business-grade Wi-Fi, premium linens, Nespresso machines, and uniquely for Dublin, some units are pet-friendly, solving a huge headache for pet owners.
Fresh
Fresh operates some of the highest-quality student accommodation in the city, but they are also a viable option for interns and recent graduates. Their "Highlight" building is particularly high-spec, featuring a gym and rooftop terrace that rivals luxury hotels. It is a safe, secure, and highly managed environment. While technically "Student Living," the quality of Fresh builds often exceeds that of private rental apartments. For summer interns (May-August), this is often the smartest, highest-quality booking you can make.
Location: Located on Thomas Street in The Liberties, a historic neighborhood famous for the Guinness Storehouse and NCAD. It is walking distance to the city center and very well connected by bus.
Website: https://www.thisisfresh.com
Pricing:
- Approx. €250 - €350 per week, billed in installments.
- This includes all bills, gym access, and internet, offering a predictable monthly cost.
Deposit:
- A booking fee or deposit is required to secure the room.
- This is typically lower than the standard private rental deposit, often around €300-€500.
Rental Terms: Standard contracts run for the academic year (Sept-May), but they often have availability for summer stays, which are perfect for interns or short-term workers.
Amenities: On-site gym, stunning rooftop terrace with city views, social events calendar, courtyard, concierge security, and secure parcel collection service.
Node Living
Node is the design-led market leader in Dublin. They have redefined the market with two distinct properties: Node Fitzwilliam Square and Node Phibsborough. These are not just apartments; they are curated communities. Fitzwilliam Square is located in a historic Georgian townhouse, offering a "private club" feel, while Phibsborough is modern and industrial. What sets Node apart is the "Community Curator." This isn't just a property manager; it's a person dedicated to knitting the residents together through monthly events like potluck dinners and wine tastings.
Location:
- Fitzwilliam Square (Dublin 2): The absolute center of Georgian Dublin, near LinkedIn and Google.
- Phibsborough (Dublin 7): A trendy, hipster-friendly neighborhood on the northside.
Website: https://node-living.com
Pricing: Premium pricing ranging from €1,400 to €2,400+ per month, depending on whether you choose a private apartment or a shared unit. Utilities are bundled.
Deposit: Typically 1 month's rent. This is a standard security deposit held against damages and is refundable at the end of the lease.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms, usually ranging from 1 to 12 months. Many residents choose to stay long-term (1 year+) because of the strong community bonds formed.
Amenities: Rooftop terraces (Fitzwilliam), residents' lounge with fireplace, coworking spaces, high-speed mesh Wi-Fi, and a dedicated resident app for chatting and maintenance tickets.
Autumn Rooms
If the idea of a large complex feels too overwhelming, Autumn Rooms offers a more intimate alternative. They specialize in "coliving lite" - renovating high-quality residential houses and renting them by the room. You get a house-share vibe with professional management, meaning no arguments over internet bills or whose turn it is to clean the hallway. They target slightly quieter, more residential neighborhoods, appealing to professionals who want to leave the "hustle" of the city center when they come home.
Location: They operate in residential neighborhoods like Finglas, Glasnevin, and Dublin 8. These areas offer a more "local" experience with traditional pubs and parks, away from the tourist traps.
Website: https://autumnrooms.com
Pricing: More affordable than the big blocks, often ranging €750 – €950 per person/bed space. This price typically includes bills and cleaning, offering great value.
Deposit: 1 month's rent is required. This secures your room and protects the landlord against damage to the communal or private areas.
Rental Terms: Flexible, but they usually prefer 6-month minimums. This helps maintain a stable household dynamic, which is crucial in a smaller shared house.
Amenities: Fully furnished bedrooms, shared domestic kitchens finished to a high spec, comfortable living rooms with smart TVs, and often private garden access.
Niche Living
Niche Living bridges the gap between a boutique hotel and a coliving space. They offer "serviced studio apartments" that are fully equipped with kitchenettes, but the real value is in the shared building amenities. Their Dun Laoghaire location is particularly special; being on the coast, it offers a lifestyle that city-center blocks can't match - sea swims at the Forty Foot, walks on the pier, and fresh air. Inside, the "MasterChef" kitchens allow residents to host dinner parties that wouldn't fit in a studio.
Location:
- Dun Laoghaire: A stunning coastal town 20 mins south of the city by DART.
- Rathmines: A vibrant, central suburb close to the city center.
Website: https://www.nicheliving.com
Pricing: Premium pricing, often starting from €1,900+ per month. This includes bi-weekly room cleaning and linen changes, adding significant value for busy professionals.
Deposit: Standard 1 month rent. This is consistent with the market and secures against any damage to the high-spec furnishings.
Rental Terms: Flexible stays available, catering to both short-term corporate relocations and long-term residents who want a hassle-free life.
Amenities: Cinema rooms, games rooms, home-working hubs, extensive fitness suites, and large shared kitchens designed for social cooking and events.
Aparto
Aparto is famous for its "be wellbeing" program and active social calendar. If you are a student or recent grad looking to make friends, their events (cooking classes, yoga, mental health workshops) are excellent. Their properties like The Loom on Cork Street are instrumental in the regeneration of Dublin 8. The design is vibrant and youthful, far removed from the drab student halls of the past. The "Experience" team works full-time to ensure that residents are mixing, making it very difficult to feel lonely here.
Location: Operates multiple sites including Dorset Point (Dublin 1), The Loom (Dublin 8), and Beckett House (Dublin 1). All are central and near major universities and transport links.
Website: https://apartostudent.com
Pricing:
- Premium student rates, typically billed weekly or by semester.
- Expect to pay for the high level of service and facilities provided.
Deposit: A booking fee (approx €250-€400) is usually required to secure the room, which often converts to a refundable deposit at the end of the tenancy.
Rental Terms:
- Focuses on the academic year (Sept-May), but often has flexibility for summer bookings.
- Contracts are individual, so you aren't liable for flatmates.
Amenities: Rooftop terraces, modern gyms, common rooms with gaming consoles, and extensive study spaces designed for both quiet work and group projects.
HEYDAY Student Living
HEYDAY offers a modern, safe, and community-focused environment in the heart of the Liberties. It is a slightly smaller, more focused operator than the giants like Yugo, often resulting in a more personal feel. The location is key here - Carmans Hall is deep in the Liberties, a neighborhood that retains a strong "Old Dublin" character while being rapidly modernized. Living here gives you access to some of the best cafes and culture in the city. The building itself is designed to be a sanctuary, with study spaces that are actually quiet.
Location: Carman's Hall (Dublin 8). This is right next to the NCAD art college and a short walk from the Digital Hub tech campus.
Website: https://heydayatcarmanshall.com
Pricing: Competitive for the area, often slightly better value than the larger "resort-style" student accommodations while still offering ensuite rooms.
Deposit: Standard booking deposit applies. This secures your room for the upcoming semester and acts as a damage deposit.
Rental Terms:
- Contracts typically run for the academic year or semester.
- Summer availability varies, so it is worth checking if you are an intern.
Amenities: A multi-functional cinema room, a fully equipped gym, a coffee dock for morning caffeine, and designated study spaces.
Yugo
Yugo operates massive campuses that function like mini-villages. They are "experience" focused and offer some of the most extensive amenities in the city. Properties like Ardcairn House and New Mill are so large they contain facilities you would usually find in a leisure center. The scale of Yugo means you are joining a massive population of residents. This "campus" feel is perfect for those who want a high-energy environment. The sheer volume of residents means there is always something happening, from study groups to FIFA tournaments.
Location: Major campuses include Ardcairn House (Grangegorman), New Mill (The Liberties), and Highfield Park. Grangegorman is particularly convenient for the new TU Dublin campus.
Website: https://yugo.com
Pricing:
- Varies by room type, ranging from shared ensuite rooms to private studios.
- Prices are all-inclusive of bills and internet.
Deposit: A booking fee is required to reserve your space. This is standard practice for large PBSA (Purpose Built Student Accommodation) operators.
Rental Terms: Fixed terms aligned with university semesters (40 or 51 weeks). This provides security of tenure for the whole academic year.
Amenities: Unmatched social spaces including bowling alleys, music practice rooms, huge landscaped courtyards, cinema rooms, and multiple study/coworking areas.
Livinc
Livinc is not a building operator but a flexible housing platform. They aggregate furnished apartments and coliving spaces, acting as a search engine for flexible living. They often list inventory from operators like LIV Student (Church Street), which offers a boutique experience. Using Livinc is often smarter than trawling general rental sites because their inventory is vetted for "move-in readiness." This means Wi-Fi is already active, bills are handled, and linens are provided. For HR managers or individuals relocating for a 3-6 month project, Livinc simplifies the search.
Location: City-wide listings. They do not own buildings but partner with operators across Dublin, giving you a broad view of the flexible market.
Website: https://livinc.com
Pricing:
- Variable depending on the provider they list.
- Prices are transparently displayed as monthly rates, usually inclusive of utilities.
Deposit: Varies by property. Each partner operator will have their own deposit policy, but Livinc outlines this clearly before you book.
Rental Terms: Flexible terms tailored for professionals. You can find stays ranging from one month to a year, avoiding the rigid 12-month leases of traditional rentals.
Amenities: Varies by property, but generally includes high-speed Wi-Fi, bills management, and furnished spaces. Some listings may include gyms or concierges.
DUBLIV
DUBLIV is the brand for a series of large-scale "Build-to-Rent" developments. While these are technically private rental apartments rather than "coliving" (you rent the whole apartment, not just a room), they include coliving-style amenities like residents' gyms, media rooms, and co-working lounges. Their "Hali" development in Cherrywood is a prime example. Located in a new town connected by the Luas Green line, it offers a suburban quality of life with urban connectivity. The "resident app" culture here allows you to book amenities and manage your tenancy from your phone.
Location: Key sites include Hali (Cherrywood), Stoneybatter, and Grand Canal Harbour. These are strategic locations either near tech parks or the city center.
Website: https://www.dubliv.ie
Pricing: Starts from €2,000+ for a 1-bed apartment. While high, this includes access to amenities that would cost hundreds if purchased separately (gym, workspace).
Deposit: 1 month rent. This is the standard legal maximum for a security deposit in Ireland and is fully refundable.
Rental Terms: Standard 12-month leases are the norm, though some flexibility exists depending on the development and vacancy rates.
Amenities: Residents' gyms, yoga studios, media rooms, co-working lounges, landscaped courtyards, and dedicated resident apps for logging issues.
Rathmines House
Rathmines House is Dublin's first true large-scale "co-living" development. It transformed a former office block into 110 studio apartments designed specifically for community. It sits somewhere between a luxury student residence and a professional club. The concept here is "small private space, massive shared space." Your studio is compact, designed for sleeping and basic privacy, but the building encourages you to live in the common areas. The rooftop terrace offers one of the best views of the Dublin Mountains in the city.
Location: Rathmines (Dublin 6). This is one of the most desirable suburbs in Dublin, packed with cinemas, bars, and restaurants, and just a short cycle to the city.
Website: https://graylingproperties.ie
Pricing: Studios range from approx. €1,600 – €2,100 per month. This is an all-inclusive bill, covering heating, electricity, and high-speed internet.
Deposit: 1 month rent. This is required to secure the unit and covers the studio against any potential damages during your stay.
Rental Terms: Flexible, typically 6-12 months. This flexibility is a key selling point over traditional apartments which often demand strictly 12 months.
Amenities: Concierge service, on-site cafe, communal kitchens (MasterChef style), gym, cinema room, and a panoramic rooftop terrace.
Grayling
Grayling Properties is the operator behind Rathmines House, but they also manage other significant developments like Liberties House. They are one of the most professionalized landlords in the city. Renting from Grayling means you are dealing with a corporate entity rather than an individual landlord, which provides greater security regarding repairs and deposit returns. Their developments are often "Build-to-Rent" or refurbished blocks that are professionally managed with facilities teams.
Location: Manages various developments across Dublin, with a heavy presence in Rathmines and The Liberties (Dublin 8).
Website: https://graylingproperties.ie
Pricing: Varies by development. They offer a range of price points depending on whether the building is a new build or a refurbishment.
Deposit: 1 month rent. They are strictly compliant with RTB regulations regarding the holding and return of deposits.
Rental Terms: Standard leases with professional management. They provide clear contracts and are known for being responsive to tenant needs.
Amenities: Their buildings typically feature bike storage, secure access systems, and often shared communal grounds or courtyards.
Canopy Coliving
Canopy is a newer or smaller entrant often associated with nature-inspired living themes. While less ubiquitous than Habyt or Node, the "Canopy" concept generally focuses on wellness and green living. In Dublin, this may refer to specific boutique developments or white-label floors within larger buildings that focus on a greener, more sustainable lifestyle. These spaces often differentiate themselves by integrating biophilic design - lots of plants, natural light, and organic materials - appealing to those who find industrial chic too cold.
Location: Specific locations vary as they often occupy niche buildings. Check listings for "Canopy" tagged units in Dublin 2 and 4.
Website: Check aggregator listings like Livinc or local letting agents. They do not always have a standalone consumer-facing brand site.
Pricing:
- Competitive with market rates for ensuite rooms in the city center.
- Expect to pay a premium for the wellness-focused design.
Deposit: Standard 1 month. As with most boutique operators, this secures the room and inventory.
Rental Terms: Flexible. Often geared towards professionals on medium-term contracts who value a calm environment.
Amenities: Focus on natural light, plants, and wellness-oriented shared spaces. Some locations may offer access to yoga spaces or gardens.
To choose the right space in Dublin, you must align with your lifestyle:
- For the Lifestyle: Node Living (Fitzwilliam Square) is unmatched. It feels like a boutique hotel where you actually know the neighbors.
- For the Community: Rathmines House offers the most structured social life for young professionals.
- For the Budget: Autumn Rooms offers the best value for a private room in a "real" house.
- For the Commuter: Urban Rest or DUBLIV offer high-end apartments that cut your commute to the Silicon Docks to zero.
Insider Tip: In Dublin, always ask if the property is "RTB Registered" (Residential Tenancies Board). All the professional operators above are compliant. This registration is your legal protection and is required for many government formalities. Informal sublets often lack this, leaving you vulnerable to sudden eviction or deposit theft.
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