Ireland's regional office market recorded take-up of approximately 20,400 sq m during the first half of 2026 across Cork, Galway and Limerick-Shannon, according to Cushman & Wakefield’s latest Ireland Regional Offices MarketBeat report. While activity moderated compared to the exceptionally strong levels recorded in H1 2025, occupier demand remained resilient for high-quality, centrally located office accommodation, particularly in Cork, which accounted for almost two-thirds of regional take-up.
Cork outperformed the other regional markets, recording approximately 13,400 sq m of take-up during H1. Demand remained heavily concentrated in the city centre, which accounted for 83% of all activity, while the availability rate fell to 9.3%. The ongoing shortage of Grade A city centre accommodation, combined with a limited development pipeline, supported further rental growth, with prime rents increasing to a record €455 per sq m during the quarter.
Elsewhere, the Galway office market delivered a solid first half with approximately 5,300 sq m of take-up recorded. Availability stood at 7.4%, while prime rents remained stable at €430 per sq m. In the Limerick- Shannon market, occupational activity was more subdued, with approximately 1,700 sq m of take-up during H1.
Regional office investment activity improved during the first six months of the year, with transaction volumes reaching approximately €30.5 million. The largest transaction involved the sale of Hawthorne House in Limerick to Arkea REIM for approximately €16.3 million.
Patricia Staunton, Regional Director, Ireland, Cushman & Wakefield, said:"While overall occupier activity moderated in the first half of 2026, demand for best-in-class office accommodation remains evident across Ireland’s regional markets. Occupiers continue to prioritise high-quality, centrally located buildings that support, proximity to business networks, talent attraction and operational performance."
Tom McCabe, Head of Research & Insights, Ireland, Cushman & Wakefield, said:"The dominant theme across Ireland's regional office markets remains the growing divergence between occupier demand for Grade A office space and the limited development pipeline available to satisfy it. Supply constraints are already translating into rental growth in Cork and should continue to support rental performance over the medium term.
