Shipping Container for Sale Ireland: Prices, Used & New

Shipping containers in Ireland range from €1,500 for a used 20ft unit to over €5,000 for a new or specialised 40ft model. DoneDeal.ie hosts more than 900 ads at any time, while specialist suppliers like Titan Containers and Container Axis stock new and used options nationwide.

Common sizes: 10ft × 8ft, 20ft × 8ft, 40ft × 8ft | Top platforms: DoneDeal.ie, Adverts.ie | Delivery: Nationwide Ireland | Stock: New and used | Top locations: Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Kildare

Standard ISO shipping containers follow these dimensions across manufacturers, making them interchangeable for transport and storage purposes. The 20ft unit fits most residential driveways, while the 40ft requires more space but offers double the capacity.

How much does a 20 ft shipping container cost to buy?

New vs used 20ft prices

New 20ft one-trip containers on DoneDeal.ie command €3,150 in Limerick, while used 20ft units range from €1,500 in Stillorgan, Co. Dublin to €2,400 elsewhere. Adverts.ie lists 150 ads for 20ft containers with prices from €1,000 for basic steel storage units to €2,250 in Rush, Dublin. Titan Containers offers both new and used 20ft containers for sale across Ireland.

“We have thousands of shipping containers for sale in Ireland.”

— Titan Containers, Supplier

Factors affecting cost

Condition drives most of the price gap. One-trip (new) containers cost roughly double used units. Location matters too: Cork listings show 40ft at €5,000 while Dublin and Meath areas feature used 40ft from €1,500. Delivery charges vary by distance from depot—Titan Containers depots nationwide help keep costs affordable for nearby buyers.

How much does a 40 ft shipping container usually cost?

Standard pricing ranges

Used 40ft standard containers start at €1,500 in Finglas, Dublin and Bohermeen, Co. Meath. High cube variants run €1,700 in Finglas. Specialised 40ft double door containers in Ballygarvan, Co. Cork reach €5,000. Container Axis offers high-quality 40ft containers including new refrigerated and open side variants with fast nationwide delivery.

Quality considerations

ISO-certified and inspected containers provide guaranteed quality. Suppliers like Container Axis emphasise their inspection processes for used units. The implication: spending extra on a certified unit may prevent costly repairs on wind or water ingress within months.

Do I need planning permission for a shipping container?

UK vs Ireland rules

Irish planning rules differ from the UK. Temporary structures under 25 square metres generally do not require planning permission if they meet specific conditions, but permanent installations or those used as dwellings or commercial premises may trigger requirements. The Planning and Development Act 2000 governs these decisions, with local authority discretion on borderline cases.

Converted container specifics

Containers converted into habitable spaces (offices, studios, granny pods) typically require planning permission regardless of size. The 7-year rule in Ireland allows temporary structures without permission for up to 7 days per calendar year—but extended use changes that status. Always check with your local planning authority before placing a container for long-term use.

20ft container permission

A single 20ft container on private land for storage typically falls under exempted development, but height restrictions (usually 4 metres for structures without foundations) and distance from boundaries apply. If the container will sit on a concrete slab or foundation, it may be classified as a structure requiring permission.

“For storage purposes, containers generally qualify as permitted development under certain thresholds.”

— Department of Housing, Government Guidance

Are used 20ft containers worth buying?

Top benefits and uses

Used 20ft containers offer strong value for storage, on-site workshops, or conversion projects. DoneDeal.ie shows 908 ads for 20ft containers for sale, indicating healthy supply. Benefits include lower purchase cost, immediate availability, and sufficient condition for non-habitable uses. Titan Containers notes they have thousands of used containers in stock across Ireland.

2025–2026 prices

Used 20ft containers ranged from €1,500–€2,400 in recent listings. The spread reflects condition, age, and location. The pattern: Dublin-area listings cluster around €1,500–€1,700, while rural listings sometimes appear higher or lower based on local demand. What this means: buyers willing to travel or arrange transport often find better deals in Dublin depots.

Do you need a concrete slab for a shipping container?

Best materials underneath

A concrete slab provides the most stable foundation, but level hardcore or railway sleepers work for short-term or temporary placements. The key requirement is drainage—containers sitting in standing water rust faster. Level ground prevents door misalignment and structural stress. Containers are rated for corner-post support only, meaning the floor structure carries the load where the corners meet the foundation.

Reinforcement for buried use

Buried shipping containers (sometimes used for bunkers or root cellars) require extensive anti-corrosion treatment. Standard container paint fails underground. Specialist coatings and proper drainage extend buried container life significantly, though most manufacturers do not warranty below-ground use.

“Containers must sit on a level, well-drained surface. Corner supports carry the load—distribute weight evenly.”

— Container Axis, Technical Guidance

Hiring vs buying: what are the options?

Boxit Containers offers 20ft shipping containers for hire from £12.54/week or sale, with delivery across Ireland. Cabins and Containers provides 10ft, 20ft, and 40ft options for both hire and purchase throughout Ireland. Hire suits short-term projects—construction sites, events, temporary storage during home renovations. Purchase makes sense for permanent installations or long-term storage needs.

International shipping costs for context

Shipping a 20ft container from the US to Ireland costs around $4,169 on average, while a 40ft runs approximately $5,483 according to Sirelo. Forest Shipping estimates 2026 costs of USD 1,800–2,500 for 20ft and USD 3,000–4,000 for 40ft, with transit times of 30–40 days. These figures highlight why local Irish purchases often cost less than international shipping alone—even before the container price.

Ireland buyer checklist

1. Define your use case: Storage, workshop, habitable conversion, or commercial? This determines size and condition requirements.
2. Set a budget: Used 20ft from €1,500; used 40ft from €1,500; new 20ft from €3,150; specialised 40ft up to €5,000.
3. Check local listings first: DoneDeal.ie (908+ ads), Adverts.ie (150+ ads), and supplier websites cover the Irish market.
4. Verify supplier credentials: Look for ISO-certified units and inspection reports, especially from Titan Containers and Container Axis.
5. Factor in delivery: Ask for delivered pricing, not just unit price. Regional variation in Cork, Dublin, Limerick, and Kildare affects final cost.
6. Confirm planning status: Contact your local authority if the container will be permanent, converted to habitable space, or exceed size thresholds.
7. Prepare the site: Ensure level, well-drained ground. Concrete blocks under corners suffice for most uses.
8. Inspect before collection: Check for rust, door operation, and floor integrity. Take photos for reference.