Moving a mobile home is a pretty big deal. Think about it, you are not just moving an artifact; you are moving a home. So it comes with a lot of emotional attachment for the owner and stress for the moving company. So it will be expensive.
The transport costs alone may cost up to 15 to 20% of the price of your mobile home in some cases.
You need to find a mover who is willing to do the job first, and you also need to consider that it requires specialist equipment, permits, and planning. Costs will obviously vary widely depending on the distance, size, and complexity of the job (i.e, windy rural roads, location, elevation, weather, etc).
This guide breaks down typical costs, key factors to consider, and some real-world examples from across Ireland.
Typical Costs for Mobile Home Transport in Ireland.
| Distance / Scenario | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Local Move in Small counties (within ~30 km) | €500-€1000 |
| Mid-range move (up to ~160 km) | €1000+ |
| Cross-country move (>160 km) | €2,000 – €5,000 |
| Example: ~30 km move (2015) | €400 reported (Adjust for timing and inflation today and you can expect a minimum of €800) |
| Example: Wicklow move (~6 km) | €1,000 quoted |
| Example: Dublin to Clare (~220 km) | €1,000 quoted |
👉 As you can see, distance is a big factor, but access issues, level of traffic disruption and setup costs often make short moves surprisingly expensive.
What Affects the Cost?
- Distance
More kilometres mean more fuel, time, and logistics.
2. Size & Weight of Home
- Single-wide mobile homes – cheaper and easier to move.
- Double or larger units – require flatbed transport, cranes, and sometimes escorts.
3. Transport Method
- Towable units are cheaper (if road-legal and in good condition).
- Flatbed/crane moves are pricier but often necessary.
4. Permits & Escorts
Oversized loads may require Garda permits or escort vehicles, especially on national routes, or if the route to be used is through a busy side of town and traffic could be greatly disrupted.
5. Fuel & Talent/Labour
6. Insurance
5. Site Access & Setup
Narrow lanes, soft ground, or sloped sites can add crane hire or extra labour.
6. Hidden Extras
Quotes sometimes exclude disconnecting the house, setup, insurance, or utility reconnection. Always ask!!
Real-World Examples
- A 30 km move was quoted at around €400 on Irish Fowl in 2015. Expect that price to be close to €1000 today on average.
- A short Wicklow relocation (~6 km) came in at nearly €1,000, mainly due to access and crane requirements. (Facebook 2025)
- A longer Dublin to Clare move in 2019 (~220 km) was also quoted at around €1,000, showing that distance alone doesn’t always dictate cost (Boards.ie). However, it will be worth investigating why the price was so suspiciously low. I’d expect a quote of between €2000 – €5000 today.
Personal Opinion.
From my research, Irish mobile home transport feels like a niche service with limited providers. That means:
- Prices fluctuate more than expected across various movers.
- A short local move can cost nearly as much as a cross-county relocation if cranes or permits are involved.
- Many quotes are transport-only. This can lead to frustration when owners discover that setup, siting, or reconnection doubles the cost.
MY ADVICE?
Always get at least three quotes and demand an itemised breakdown.
Mover Recommendation & Tips for Reducing Overall Costs.
Across various online discussion groups and boards I am a part of, CMC Crane Hire & Transport keeps coming up with stellar reviews from customers that have dealt with them.
I believe you can use them as a guide when going through the three quotes you need before making your decision. (Adverts.ie)
As for the tips to reduce your overall moving bill, consider the following:
- Prepare the Site if Possible – Clear access roads, trim hedges, and ensure there is enough space for turning.
- Book Early – That can give you time to compare and to negotiate. Just like with most specialist or niche services, I expect that crane and escort hire quotes can rise if they are booked last-minute.
- Check Insurance – make sure that both transport and the home itself are covered.
- Bundle Services – If a mobile home dealer offers delivery at a reduced rate after selling you the mobile home, consider it and also find out from them if they offer utility reconnecting services too.
Final Thoughts
Transporting a mobile home in Ireland can cost anywhere between € 1,000 and € 5,000. The final price depends less on kilometres alone and more on access, size, and setup requirements.
If the figures may seem high, remember – you’re moving an entire house.
With proper planning, clear quotes, and realistic expectations, the process can be straightforward, and worth every cent for the benefits mobile homes can provide.
