Shared, managed or cloud hosting?
- Shared hosting: many websites share one server. It's the cheapest option and can suit a simple site, but you're responsible for your own updates, security and backups, and a busy neighbour can slow your site down.
- Managed hosting: the server is set up and tuned for your kind of website, and the provider looks after backups, security and often software updates. It costs more, but there's much less for you to do.
- A cloud server or VPS: your own virtual server, with resources nobody else uses. It's flexible and fast, but someone has to manage the operating system, security and backups. It suits busy online shops and custom web applications.
Why the data centre's location matters
- Speed. A server in Ireland or elsewhere in the EU responds faster to Irish visitors than one on the other side of the Atlantic. A content delivery network (CDN) can help if your visitors are spread around the world.
- Data protection. If your website collects personal data through contact forms, bookings or orders, hosting it in the EU keeps the data's location simple to explain in your privacy policy. Sending personal data outside the EU needs extra safeguards under GDPR.
- Support. A provider in Ireland works in Irish business hours, so planned changes and urgent problems are dealt with while you're open.
What to check in any hosting plan
- Backups: taken daily, stored away from the server, kept for long enough to matter, and restored by someone who knows how. Ask whether a restore costs extra.
- SSL certificate: included, and renewed automatically, so visitors never see a security warning.
- Security: a web application firewall, malware scanning, and current PHP versions. PHP 8.1 and older no longer get security fixes, and PHP 8.2 reaches end of life on 31 December 2026. Our October 2026 security patches guide explains why that matters.
- Monitoring: someone is alerted when the website goes down, and knows what to do about it.
- Support: who answers, how you reach them and during what hours.
- Enough resources: storage, memory and database limits that suit your site, with no surprise caps on traffic or email.
- Renewal price: many hosts advertise a low price for the first term that rises when the plan renews.
- A way out: you can download your website and backups at any time, and the domain stays in your name.
What hosting costs
| Type of hosting | Typical cost (excl. VAT) | Who looks after the site |
|---|---|---|
| Basic shared hosting | From a few euro a month, often more at renewal | You |
| Managed WordPress hosting | Around €20 to €60 a month | Shared between you and the host |
| Cloud server or VPS | Varies widely with the resources you need | You or an IT provider |
| Hosting with maintenance included | Usually more than hosting alone, but covers updates and support too | The provider |
The cheapest plan is only cheap if nothing goes wrong. Add up the cost of hosting, backups, updates and someone to fix problems before comparing. Our guide to what website maintenance costs in Ireland covers the maintenance side.
Hosting, domain and email: keep them straight
Your domain name, your website hosting and your email are three separate things, often bought from different companies. Many businesses use Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace for email while the website is hosted elsewhere.
- Own your domain. Make sure it's registered in your business's name, and that you can log in to the account where it's renewed.
- Protect your email settings. Your domain's DNS records tell the world where to deliver your email. A careless hosting change can stop your email arriving.
- Keep a note of who provides what. Record each provider, account login and renewal date in one place.
Moving to a new host
- Take stock. List the website files and database, the domain and its DNS records, email settings, the SSL certificate and anything connected to the site, such as forms, payments or bookings.
- Copy and test first. Set the site up on the new host and check it works before anything changes for visitors.
- Switch at a quiet time. Change the DNS outside busy hours, and keep the old hosting running until everything is confirmed.
- Check everything afterwards. Test forms, checkout, email and the SSL certificate, then cancel the old plan, keeping its notice period in mind.
Done this way, visitors shouldn't notice the move.
How InstaIT hosts websites
Websites on our Website Care plan are hosted on infrastructure in Irish data centres, with server-level malware scanning and a web application firewall. The plan covers hosting, SSL, daily off-server backups, routine updates, uptime monitoring and technical support, from €19 a month plus VAT until 31 December (usually €39). We also move existing websites, testing a copy before the switch and keeping a way back if anything goes wrong.
Read more about our managed web hosting in Cork and our website maintenance plans. If the plans don't fit what you need, email [email protected] and we'll see what we can arrange.
WEB HOSTING IN CORK AND IRELAND
Hosting with someone to call
InstaIT hosts business websites on Irish infrastructure, with backups, security and updates looked after, and a local contact when you need help. Website Care starts at €19 a month plus VAT until 31 December (usually €39).
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