I need a cheap website: what are my options?
The cheapest way to get a professional website in Ireland is a subscription that builds it for you, from about €120 a year with Sitefront, or a DIY builder you set up yourself, from roughly €177 a year. A web designer or agency costs more up front, often a few thousand euro, but does the work for you.
Last updated 10 November 2026
What are the options, and what do they cost?
| Option | Typical cost | Who does the work | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Done-for-you builder (Sitefront) | €120 a year | It's written and designed for you; you make changes | Local businesses that want a proper site quickly |
| DIY website builder | For example Squarespace Basic at €14.76 a month, billed yearly | You choose a template and build every page | People who enjoy designing and have time |
| Freelance web designer | Usually less than an agency; get itemised quotes | The designer, with your input | A custom look on a modest budget |
| Web design agency | €2,000 to €4,000 for a basic five-page site (one Dublin agency's 2026 guide) | The agency | Bigger sites, shops and custom features |
On top of a designer or agency build you'll usually pay every year for hosting and your domain: the same Dublin guide puts that at €120 to €350 a year. Builder and subscription prices already include hosting.
What's the cheapest way that still looks professional?
A site looks professional when it's clear, quick on a phone and easy to contact you from. You don't need a big budget for that. You need good words, a clean design and your own photos.
That's why a done-for-you builder is usually the cheapest route that still looks right: the writing and design are handled, and at €120 a year it costs less than most DIY plans. A DIY builder can look just as good, but only if you put in the hours.
What should a cheap website still include?
- Your own domain, such as yourbusiness.ie or yourbusiness.com
- A design that works on phones, with a tap-to-call button
- Your services, the areas you cover and your contact details
- An enquiry form that reaches your inbox
- A secure https connection
- The ability to change it yourself, without paying for every edit
Is there a grant for a website?
Not for most small businesses right now. The Trading Online Voucher, which part-funded many websites through the Local Enterprise Offices, closed to new applications in December 2024.
Its replacement, the Grow Digital Voucher, funds 50% of eligible software and training costs, from €500 to €5,000. It's for businesses with 1 to 50 employees that have already completed a Digital for Business project in the last two years, and it doesn't support bespoke website development. Ask your Local Enterprise Office what's open before you rely on a grant.
Which should you choose?
If you want a good site this week and don't want to learn a website tool, use a done-for-you builder. If you enjoy design and have the time, a DIY builder gives you more control. If you need an online shop, bookings or a custom design, pay a web designer or agency and get two or three itemised quotes.
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