Cork

As of June 2026, Cork, Kinsale, Killarney have 1,259 active Airbnb and VRBO listings. This represents a 11% decrease from the previous year.

The average Airbnb or VRBO in Cork generates €25K per year. High-performing properties earn €47K/year, while low-performing properties earn €12K/year. This significant revenue spread highlights how top-tier listings capture disproportionate market share despite a contraction in total supply and revenue.

Airbnb and VRBO can be profitable in Cork. Average annual revenue is €25K with 40% occupancy. High-performing properties earn up to €47K/year. The 40% occupancy rate suggests that market saturation is manageable, though earnings volatility remains high between average and top-performing listings.

The average occupancy rate for Airbnbs and VRBOs in Cork is 40%. This occupancy level, combined with an average nightly rate of €187, results in a RevPAR (revenue per available room) of €42 per day.

4+ bedroom properties demonstrate the strongest performance in Cork, with annual revenue of €39K. These properties balance operating costs and rental demand most effectively in the Cork market. Property performance varies significantly by location, amenities, and management quality.

Short-term rental regulations vary by jurisdiction in the Cork area. Cork: Moderate. Planning permission required for most STRs since 2019. Owner-occupancy exemption exists. Enforcement increasing but inconsistent - many operate without permission. Kinsale: Moderate. Same national rules apply - planning permission needed. Small town means higher visibility but enforcement sporadic. Tourism-dependent area sees lenient local approach. Killarney: Moderate. Planning permission required. High tourism demand, enforcement light despite housing pressure. Many hosts operate without formal approval given tourism economy reliance. Always verify current regulations with local authorities and obtain necessary permits before operating a short-term rental.

The Cork Airbnb and VRBO market is currently showing balanced conditions. Supply has declined 11% year-over-year, while RevPAR has decreased 14%. This indicates balanced supply-demand dynamics. The synchronized decline in supply and revenue suggests that operators are adjusting to a lower equilibrium of total market demand.

Launch around January, 2-3 months before peak summer season (April peaks). This pre-peak timing lets you build reviews when competition is 10% lower than peak months. Avoid launching during peak season when established listings dominate, or slow months (November-January) when gaining traction is harder.

The most common amenities in Cork listings include: Kitchen (95%), Heating (87%), Tv (86%), Washing Machine (75%), Private Yard (58%). Amenities that boost revenue the most include Washing Machine, Gym, Parking, with Washing Machine properties earning approximately 26% more (€40K/year vs €32K/year).

Monthly estimated revenue per listing in Cork over the last 12 months: May: €1K, June: €1K, July: €2K, August: €2K, September: €1K, October: €1K, November: €970, December: €1K, January: €733, February: €780, March: €1K, April: €2K. These figures are based on RevPAR (revenue per available room) multiplied by the number of days in each month.

The overall average nightly rate in Cork is €187, up 23% year-over-year. By property size: 1-bedroom properties average €128/night, 2-bedroom properties average €183/night, 3-bedroom properties average €214/night, 4+ bedroom properties average €376/night. Rates peak in December and are lowest in May.

Guests in Cork book an average of 39 days in advance, down 26% from last year. By property size: 1-bedroom: 36 days, 2-bedroom: 39 days, 3-bedroom: 39 days, 4+ bedroom: 46 days. Larger properties tend to have longer booking windows as guests plan group trips further ahead.

Over the past year, the Cork Airbnb and VRBO market has seen the following changes: supply declined 11%, revenue per listing decreased 14%, occupancy fell 7%, average nightly rates increased 23%, and lead time decreased 26%. These shifts point toward a preference for shorter booking windows and higher pricing resilience despite lower overall utilization.

In Cork, Saturday sees the highest booking demand while Monday has the lowest. Nightly rates peak on Friday and are lowest on Wednesday. Weekends show 22% higher occupancy than weekdays.