tourist sim card dublin

Sorry about that

We can’t process your request right now because of a security issue.

Buying a Prepaid Sim Card for Ireland in 2024

Planning your trip to Ireland and wondering how to stay connected? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans, get yourself an e-sim card for traveling to Ireland or buy a local prepaid sim card on arrival. This is a complete guide for finding the best sim card for your trip to Ireland.

Find out everything you need to know about prepaid sim cards for Ireland, where to buy a sim card, a comparison of the mobile internet providers in Ireland, the best e-sim cards, the best 4G/5G network, up to date prices as per February 2024, my recommendation, information about international sim cards and more.

One of the first things I do when planning my next trip is figuring out how to stay connected. In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival, nowadays I mostly use e-sim cards. Which sim card I prefer depends on how long I stay and how much data I need for my trip.

As I like to document all my travel tips and also try to  visit every country in the world  you can already find more than 200 sim card guides on Traveltomtom from all over the world: Europe , USA , New York , Miami , Los Angeles ,  Canada , Toronto ,  Mexico ,  Rome , London ,  Guatemala , Zambia , Dubai , Abu Dhabi ,  Jordan , Vietnam , Bangkok , Bali , Singapore , Philippines , Australia  and many more.

So next time you are planning your adventure abroad come check out Traveltomtom for my personal e-sim card, international or prepaid sim card advice for your destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money.

Why buying a sim card for Ireland

Saving on high roaming costs is the main reason for getting a prepaid sim card or an e-sim card when traveling to Ireland. Overseas data plans are expensive and they limit data speed. With a local prepaid sim card or an e-sim card you get the best 4G/5G connection and the fastest internet data speed.

When you are staying in Dublin or any tourist destination in Ireland then your hotel or accommodation probably has free WiFi and so do most bars and restaurants. But that is no guarantee! Having a data connection on your phone makes traveling so much easier. Ordering a taxi through an app or getting directions from Google Maps, finding nearby places of interest, emergencies, using banking apps, etc.

Also keep in mind that public WiFi is through an unsecured connection, the use of a VPN in these cases is recommended.

If you decide to buy a local prepaid sim card in Ireland then I have great news for you: prepaid data plans are reasonably priced and come with unlimited data in Ireland and include free EU data roaming! However, Traveltomtom advices you to check out this list of the best sim cards for traveling to Europe in 2024 and find much better sim card deals.

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Three prepaid sim card for Ireland. They have prepaid sim card plans for tourists with unlimited data for €20 EUR ($22 USD) and they have the best 4G/5G network in Ireland. Pretty good sim card deal, right?

However, not everyone needs unlimited data and especially those who just want to stay in touch through WhatsApp, check their email and get directions from Google Maps are better off with an e-sim card for Ireland as they already start from $5 USD for 1 GB.

Traveltomtom is an advocate for using e-sims as it is simply so much easier to connect and set everything up through the internet. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Ireland via SimOptions , Nomad or Airalo .

you may also like...

We also recommend looking into world travel sim cards with data for your trip to Ireland. These sim cards you can order online and get shipped to your home address. Have a look at my  comparison of the best international sim cards with data in 2024 .

Best e-sim cards for Ireland

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Ireland in 2024 is an e-sim card. You order online and set everything up in just a couple clicks. No more visiting a sim card shop or swapping physical sim cards.

You order an e-sim card for Ireland on the internet, you receive a QR code, scan it, follow the simple steps and within less than 2 minutes you have an Ireland e-sim card installed on your phone.

Upon arrival in Ireland it automatically connects you to an available network and you enjoy data on your phone pretty much when the plane lands.

Make sure your phone is e-sim compatible before ordering an e-sim card for Ireland.

Airalo is a reliable e-sim provider that sells e-sim cards from pretty much every country in the world. Have a look at the Airalo e-sim card plans for Ireland in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $5 USD
• 2 GB data for 15 days = $7 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $9 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $22 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $32 USD

Click here to directly order an e-sim card for Ireland .

The above data-only e-sim cards from Fáilte are only valid only in Ireland, calls are NOT supported. Fáilte e-sim cards operate on the 4G/LTE network of Eir and Three.

SimOptions is a reliable e-sim provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. 

SimOptions sells international e-sim cards that are valid in multiple countries, including Ireland and they also come with a phone number and support incoming and outgoing calls/sms.

Here are the SimOptions e-sim card plans for Ireland for 2024:

• 15 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 15 days = $21.90 USD
• 10 GB data-only (5G ready) for 30 days = $24.90 USD
• 12 GB data + 30 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $29.90 USD
• 30 GB data + unlimited calls in Europe for 30 days = $44.90 USD
• 30 GB data + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 14 days = $49.90 USD
• 50 GB data (5G ready) + 120 minutes international calls + unlimited calls in Europe for 28 days = $59.90 USD

Click here for more info or to  order an international e-sim card for Ireland via SimOptions .

Another trusted and reviewed e-sim provider is Nomad and Traveltomtom has used Nomad now in more than 10 countries. Nomad sometimes has amazing competitive e-sim card plans with cheap prices.

Here are the Nomad e-sim card plans for Ireland in 2024:

• 1 GB data for 7 days = $6 USD
• 3 GB data for 30 days = $12 USD
• 5 GB data for 30 days = $14 USD
• 10 GB data for 30 days = $19 USD
• 15 GB data for 30 days = $27 USD
• 20 GB data for 30 days = $33 USD

Click here to order an e-sim card for Ireland via Nomad .

Make sure that your phone is unlocked and your phone is e-sim compatible before buying an e-sim card for Ireland.

Is your phone unlocked but not e-sim compatible then you can to order a physical prepaid sim card for traveling in Ireland. What about a prepaid sim card with 30 GB data in Ireland and Europe for $44.90 USD? You can order a physical prepaid sim card for Ireland via SimOptions .

Mobile internet operators in Ireland

There are 3 major mobile internet providers in Ireland: Three, Eir and Vodafone Ireland. On top of that there are a couple MVNO's Mobile Virtual Network Operators like Lebara and Lycamobile.

For finding the best Ireland sim card for tourists I narrowed down my research to the main mobile internet providers who all offer pay-as-you-go sim card for Ireland for tourists. That is how they call prepaid sim cards in Ireland.

Ireland prepaid sim cards and EU data roaming

When buying a prepaid sim card in Ireland and you are traveling onwards in Europe then make sure your prepaid sim card includes free EU data roaming. That means that you can use your data, voice and text bundles from your Ireland sim card also in Germany, Netherlands, Spain, France and the rest of Europe.

Since Brexit there are different rules for the UK. Check out my article about the best prepaid and e-sim cards for the UK in 2024  or Traveltomtom's complete guide for buying a local prepaid sim card on arrival in Europe for more tips about EU data roaming.

Prepaid sim card plans in Ireland include free EU data roaming, Traveltomtom specified it in the prepaid sim card comparison below.

You can also arrive prepared for your trip to Europe by ordering a sim card for traveling in Europe online. Traveltomtom compared the best Europe travel sim cards in 2024 .

Where to buy a sim card for Ireland

Dublin airport.

The most convenient place to buy a prepaid sim card on arrival in Ireland is at Dublin International Airport of course. In the arrival hall there are several phone stores that sell prepaid sim cards for tourists.

Check out Traveltomtom's complete guide for  buying a sim card at Dublin Airport in 2024  for more detailed info.

Phone stores city center

If you have missed the opportunity at Dublin airport or you simply want a cheaper prepaid sim card deal then you can easily buy a prepaid sim card for Ireland in Dublin city center or any other tourist destination in Ireland. All mobile internet operators have official retail stores and in for example Henry Street in central Dublin you will find a Vodafone, Eir and Three store pretty much next to each other.

The easiest way to find the nearest mobile phone store is through Google Maps. At the official phone stores you get the best service, rates and everything will be set up for you. This is also the only place where you can get an e-sim card instead of a physical prepaid sim card.

Supermarkets, gas stations and convenience store

Traveltomtom recommends buying a prepaid sim card for Ireland in an official retail store of the internet provider, not in a random phone store, gas station, supermarket or convenience store. In these places you will find sim cards from for example Lycamobile or Lebara, so called MVNO's. They also work, but you will need to register yourself and activate the prepaid plans, etc. There is little service from the staff of these store obviously and therefore not directly recommended for tourists. An advantage that these stores have is that they are open till late and phone stores are only open during office hours.

All this hassle can be avoided by simply ordering a sim card for your trip to Ireland on the internet. Be prepared and online as soon as the plane lands.

If your phone is e-sim compatible then simply order your e-sim card for Ireland online. Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Ireland via SimOptions , Nomad or Airalo .

before but you can also stay connected in Ireland by buying a sim card online. E-sim cards are super easy to get and you can only buy them online. They are the easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Ireland, but you can also buy a sim card for Ireland and get it shipped to your home address before your trip.

Registration process

When buying a prepaid sim card in Ireland you will need to bring your passport. A copy of your passport is taken in the store and your new Ireland sim card is linked to your name and passport number. The registration is free. You will receive a new physical prepaid sim card that comes with a phone number that starts with +353.

If for some reason you are not ok with this then you want to order an e-sim card for Ireland or an  international travel sim card with data  that works in Ireland.

These sim cards that you order on the internet do not require an ID verification, just your email address.

Prices Ireland prepaid sim cards in 2024

Prepaid sim cards in Ireland are free when you opt for any of the prepaid sim card plans.

All prices and info below are up to date as per February 2024. Prices are in shown in Euros: $1 USD = €0.92 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.08 USD.

Vodafone Ireland

Vodafone Ireland offers multiple pay as you go plans for prepaid costumers. They are valid for 28 days:

• Unlimited 5G high speed data + 100 (internatonal) minutes/text  = €20 EUR - ($22 USD)
• 10 GB data at 4G+ speed + unlimited calls/text = €20 EUR - ($22 USD)
• Unlimited 5G high speed data + unlimited calls/text + 100 international minutes = €30 EUR - ($33 USD)

Vodafone Ireland allows up to 35 GB free data roaming in the EU. For more info see the  Vodafone Ireland website . In the Vodafone stores in Ireland you can opt for an e-sim as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Eir Mobile Ireland

Eir Ireland offers only one pay as you go prepaid sim card with data for tourists and it is valid for 4 weeks:

• Unlimited 5G high data + unlimited calls/sms = €20 EUR - ($22 USD)

EU data roaming is capped at 31.5 GB. For more info have a look at the Eir website  for their up to date prepay offers. In the Eir stores in Ireland you can opt for an e-sim as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Three 3 Ireland

Three (3) offers 3 different prepaid sim card plans for tourists for 28 days:

• 1 GB data + unlimited calls = €15 EUR - ($16.5 USD)
• Unlimited data at 5G speed* + 60 minutes = €20 EUR - ($22 USD)
• Unlimited data at 5G speed** + unlimited calls/sms = €30 EUR - ($33 USD)

*21 GB EU data roaming. **32 GB EU data roaming.

For more info have a look at the Three Ireland website . In the Three stores in Ireland you can opt for an e-sim as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Best 4G/5G network in Ireland in 2024

For finding the best prepaid sim card in Ireland lets also compare the 4G/5G network coverage maps of all mobile operators in Ireland. Traveltomtom found the Ireland network coverage maps of Vodafone, Eir and Three and put them next to each other to compare their 4G/5G network.

Is there 5G in Ireland?

Yes, there is 5G in Ireland and it is widespread around the country. Almost all tourist destination in Ireland are covered with a 5G signal or when not you will find a 4G/LTE signal, even off the beaten path.

Vodafone 4G/5G network coverage map Ireland

Eir Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map Ireland

Three 4G/5G network coverage map Ireland

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2024 they are not 100% accurate. However, they are a great reference to compare the 4G/5G networks of the mobile internet providers in Ireland in 2024.

All tourist destinations in Ireland are very well covered with a phone signal, regardless which provider you choose, but it leaves no doubt that Eir has the smallest 4G/5G network in Ireland in 2024

For Traveltomtom it is a very simple conclusion that Three has the best 4G/5G network in Ireland in 2024.

Best sim card for Ireland in 2024

All the mobile operators offer a prepaid sim card for Ireland with unlimited data, the packages are a little different but prices are all the same. So what is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Ireland in 2024?

If you don't not use much data the best sim card for your trip to Ireland is in fact an e-sim card. You can already order an e-sim card for Ireland for just $5 USD and you get 1 GB data. Enough for staying in touch with friends on WhatsApp, email and getting directions.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Ireland via SimOptions , Nomad or Airalo .

When you are going to road trip in Ireland then Traveltomtom recommends a Three or Vodafone pay as you go sim card for Ireland. Three and Vodafone have the most extensive 4G/5G network in the country and you can easily find a signal even off the beaten path.

All prepaid sim cards come with unlimited 5G data for €20 EUR ($22 USD). Eir keeps it simple and also gives you unlimited calls/sms. Vodafone and Three have some limitations to the calling and texting. So pick your preference!

All in all after comparing all the prepaid sim card plans and the 4G/5G network coverage maps of the mobile internet providers in Ireland Traveltomtom comes to the conclusion that Three is the best prepaid sim card in Ireland in 2024.

Order a prepaid sim card for Ireland online

If buying a prepaid sim card on arrival in Ireland sounds like too much hassle or you simply rather buy a sim card for Ireland on the internet but your phone is not e-sim compatible then check out the following.

Arrive prepared in Ireland with an international prepaid sim card. You order them online and a physical prepaid sim card will be delivered to your home address. You put this sim card in your phone and it automatically connects to an available network upon arrival in Ireland, basically when the plane lands you are instantly online.

SimOptions is the only sim card provider that sells physical prepaid sim cards for Ireland:

1. O2 Go Card - $24.90

• $2 calling credit (no top-up)
• valid for 30 days
• valid in 34 countries

2. Three Data Pack - $24.90

• Unlimited calls/sms
• Valid 30 days
• Valid in 56 countries

3. Orange Holiday ZEN - $29.90

• Unlimited calls/sms in Europe
• 30 minutes worldwide
• 200 sms worldwide
• Valid 14 days
• Valid in 34 countries

4. Bouygues Telecom - $44.90

• Valid in 47 countries

5.  Orange Holiday Europe - $49.90

• 120 minutes worldwide
• 1,000 sms worldwide

Click here for more info or to order an international prepaid sim card for traveling in Ireland in 2024 .

Personally Traveltomtom recommends the Bouygues Telecom or the Orange sim card with 30 GB data. I have used these sim cards a lot in the past and never had an issue.

But as mentioned many times before nowadays when traveling to Europe or Ireland I always use an e-sim card. It is just so easy and done fast and as soon as the plane lands you are online.

Traveltomtom recommends ordering an e-sim card for Ireland via SimOptions , Nomad or Airalo . 

I am sure this article with my comparison of the best prepaid sim cards for Ireland was helpful for your upcoming trip. If you have any questions then please leave me a comment below and Im happy to help you out.

For a complete guide about the best UK (e)sim card for tourists in 2024 , buying a sim card at Dublin Airport  or the best European sim cards for travelers in 2024  have a look at my guides in the links.

Curious what it looks like trying to visit every country in the world ? Go check out my Instagram account @traveltomtom and follow along. As of February 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

      View this post on Instagram       A post shared by Adventure Traveler & Blogger (@traveltomtom)

Enjoy your trip to Ireland!

Some links in this article about the best ways to stay connected when traveling to Ireland are affiliate links. If you buy any of the products after using an affiliate link I will earn a small commission. Don’t worry this is at absolutely no extra cost to you!

Best Prepaid SIM Cards In Ireland

Categories Travel Guides

Are you looking for the best prepaid SIM cards in Ireland ? 

As a country with a colorful history, fascinating culture, and incredible landscapes, you would want to stay connected with friends back home or be able to share your experience on your social media accounts.

In between exploring Ireland, you may also want to chill and relax as you watch a new film or catch up on your favorite TV series on your trusted streaming platform.

Sure, you can keep your data plan or prepaid promo using your local SIM, but this could cost you a lot. The data might be unreliable as well. Your best option is to buy a prepaid SIM card that you can use while enjoying your visit to the Emerald Isle.

If you are visiting Ireland, you’ll be happy to know that unlimited data roaming across Europe is available on the majority of Ireland’s prepaid SIM cards. In other words, the sim card you buy in Dublin may be used in Paris, Rome, and Madrid to get online for free. Within the EU, you can use all of your data, voice, and text packages.

Things you'll find in this article

Can You Buy a SIM Card in Ireland?

Dublin airport, dublin city center, how to buy a sim card in ireland, 1. vodafone ireland sim card, 2. hutchison 3 ireland sim card, 3. tesco mobile limited, 4. eir ireland sim card.

Any mobile network company can sell you an Irish SIM card whether you reside in or are visiting Ireland.

You’ll only need a phone that can operate on the frequencies used in Ireland if traveling there (preferably all of the frequencies to have the most optimal experience while in Ireland). Your mobile phone should also be unlocked (SIM-lock-free) to be able to buy and use an Irish SIM card.

Where to buy an Ireland sim card in 2022

Getting a SIM card for Ireland at Dublin Airport, of course, would be the easiest and most convenient option.

The WH Smith shop and the Left Luggage store in Terminal 1 both sell Ireland SIM cards. Arrival hall visitors can readily locate them to the right or left of the entrance.

At Dublin Airport’s Terminal 2, the best place to acquire a SIM card is at the SPAR convenience store just outside the arrival hall. Tourists can also purchase the same Ireland sim card at the luggage wrap kiosk downstairs in Departures.

You may easily get a prepaid sim card for Ireland in the Dublin city center if you want the best-prepaid sim card bargain. All mobile internet providers have official retail stores, and they are all close to each other on Henry Street.

You’ll need your passport to buy an Irish prepaid SIM card. The store takes a copy of your passport and links your new Ireland sim card to your name and passport number. A European travel sim or an e-sim card for Ireland may be better options if you’re not comfortable with having your data captured.

The Best SIM Cards In Ireland

Cost: €20 Where to Buy: Dublin airport, Vodafone stores, authorized distributors, online

In terms of coverage, Vodafone Ireland SIM Card is the largest and most popular in the country. If you want to get a Vodafone prepaid sim card, you’ll need to bring your passport to the phone store.

Data plans from Vodafone Ireland start at €20 and include 10GB of data as well as unlimited voice and text messaging. You get 20 GB of data, 100 minutes, and 100 SMS for €20.

There is also the option of getting 100 international minutes and 30 GB of data for €30. It is possible to use roaming in Europe with these packages for 28 days.

In terms of active customers, Vodafone is Ireland’s largest mobile phone provider. Vodafone provides a wide range of services, including voice, SMS, MMS, and data. More than six cities and 500 towns in Ireland have access to T-4G Mobile’s network. Contract (postpaid) and prepaid services are available, including mobile telephone and mobile broadband, from the company’s network.

A prepay or bill-pay plan can be added to your free SIM card, which you can get online. This is the best option for travelers as this SIM card offers a variety of Pay As You Go plans.

● The Chat Extra package costs € 20 ($22.16) and includes 10 GB of data, unlimited calls to any network, and unlimited SMS to any network. Valid for 30 days

● Smart Extra package costs € 20 ($22.16) and includes 20 GB of data, unlimited (Vodafone) calls, and unlimited (Vodafone) SMS. Valid for 30 days.

● The extra package costs € 30 ($33.23) and includes 30 GB of data, unlimited calls to any network, unlimited SMS to any network, and is valid for 30 days.

3 Store on Grafton Street, Dublin, Ireland

Cost: €20 Where to Buy: Dublin and airport, Three stores, authorized distributors, online

A telecommunications and internet service provider in Ireland since 2005, this company offers a wide range of services. 3G and 4G mobile phone services are available, and the SIM cards they have may be suitable for any budget preference because of their pricing and offerings.

To get a card that will work with nano, micro, and mini-SIM devices, you’ll need to purchase Three. If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, either Pay As You Go or Contract clients can get amazing prices; the choice is yours.

You can keep your old phone and use the new SIM that they will send you if you choose SIM-Only. If you’re traveling outside of Ireland, you won’t have to worry about running out of data because of the EU data allowances.

The Prepay 3Pay SIM, which costs €20 ($22.16) and comes with unlimited data (8 GB in the EU), unlimited calls, and unlimited SMS, is one of their SIM-Only plans. You can use this package for 28 days.

To receive unlimited data, unlimited local calls, SMS, and 30 minutes for inter4 €30 you may acquire the Three Ireland prepaid sim card with 14 GB of usable data in Europe, all valid for 28 days.

Cost: starts at €10 Where to Buy: online at Tesco Mobile Limited

Ireland, the United Kingdom, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic are all covered by this Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO). It is available in Ireland through the country’s three telecommunications providers. You can order a free Pay As You Go SIM card from them on their website. You can buy a Rocket Pack, which is a month’s worth of data, minutes, and texts.

When you use Triple Credit, all you pay for is what you use. For calls, the rate is 25p per minute, and for data, the rate is 10p per MB. With a monthly credit of €10, €15, or €20, you get three times the value.

With Home from Home, you can take your voicemails, texts, and data with you virtually anywhere in Europe. Best of all, if you’re moving from another network, you can keep your existing phone number.

Check out Tesco’s Pay As You Go packages:

● Rocket Pack €12 costs €10 and comes with 4 GB of data, 500 minutes of calls, 5000 texts, and is valid for 30 days.

● Rocket Pack €15 costs €15 and comes with 8 GB of data, 1,000 minutes of calls, 5,000 texts, and is valid for 30 days.

● Rocket Pack €20 costs €20 and comes with 16 GB of data, 2,000 minutes of calls, 5,000 texts, and is valid for 30 days.

Cost: €20 Where to Buy: Dublin airport, official shops, and online

Ireland’s main telecom provider, Eir, offers a range of services, including internet, mobile, and landline. In addition to Eircom’s GSM/EDGE and GSM/HSDPA (3G) networks, the company also offers LTE (4G) service (2.75G).

On their website or in their stores, you may receive a free SIM card with unlimited data and unlimited calls or messages for €20 ($22.16). There is more than 97% 4G coverage in Ireland, with 98% of the country’s population being covered.

For those who want to listen to music or play games online for as long as the night takes, they can opt for plans that feature unlimited data.

They have a variety of Pay As You Go options for you to choose from:

● No Limits Calls costs € 10 ($11.08) and offers unlimited calls only, valid for 4 weeks.

● No Limits Data 1 costs € 20 ($22.16) and offers unlimited data in Ireland (7.3 GB in the EU), unlimited calls, unlimited texts, and valid for 4 weeks.

● No Limits Data 2 costs € 30 ($33.23) and offers unlimited data in Ireland (10.9 GB in the EU), unlimited calls, and unlimited texts, and is valid for 4 weeks.

Hi, I’m Christine – a full-time traveler and career woman. Although I’m from the Philippines, my location independent career took me to over 40 countries for the past 8 years. I also lived in 3 continents – from the Caribbean, South East Asia to Africa. But despite living in several countries, my love for Ireland remains the same. A country that had been a part of my life since I was 14 because of my love for Irish music and bands. Ireland Travel Guides was born because of this passion and hopefully, in some little ways, this website will be able to help you on your next trip to Ireland.

Dublin Airport SIM Cards: A Guide and Map to the Best Options

A guide for the last minute traveller visiting Dublin and needing to find out where to buy a SIM card, and which SIM card to buy. I understand the confusion of visiting a new city and not knowing where to buy a SIM card, and then to be confused by all the plans and prices that are available. This guide is based on my experience and research on staying connected in the EU and UK.

There are two shops at Dublin Airport which sell prepaid SIM cards:

I like Eir Prepay plans starting from €20 out of all the options available at Dublin Airport 1 .

Both terminals at Dublin airport have shops that sell SIM cards to arriving passengers. Eir and Vodafone SIM cards appear to be regularly stocked at both of these shops:

• In Terminal 1, a WH Smith is located to the left of the security area,
• In Terminal 2, a Spar is located also to the left of the customs area.

I’ve heard stock can be limited for the ideal SIM cards at each shop. Some brands may not be available all the time. A lot of great value deals are represented at the airport regardless, and I find a few extra Euros to avoid the hassle of buying a SIM card later to be worth it.

SIM cards bought in Ireland may need to be topped-up with credit to apply a package for data and calls.

I found the best option is to buy an Eir Prepay SIM card when arriving at Dublin Airport , for travellers like me (in a rush and looking for convenience) the savings available by buying a SIM card outside the airport were not worth the trouble of looking for a store. If money is tight, I found the cheapest SIM cards to be from Tesco Mobile, starting at €15 2 .

In Ireland, prepaid phone plans are often referred to as prepay or pay as you go

Which SIM cards are available at Dublin Airport?

Two providers, Eir and Vodafone, are available at Dublin Airport.

Eir prepay for €20 is my pick of the plans and options available at the airport. I like the look of more data on offer from Eir, including more data to use in the EU. It also includes unlimited calls. The trade-off is that text messages are not included at this price; I can’t recall ever sending a text message while in another country. Phone calls are helpful for restaurants, hotels, taxis etc.

I took a look at which of the SIM cards available at Dublin Airport are good for:

• Calling back home

I usually include coverage when I’m investigating which SIM card to buy at an airport. Vodafone and Eir have excellent coverage however, with signal reaching most of Ireland. Both have similar blackspots, mostly around hills and mountains where it’s hard to provide coverage (as a former telecommunications engineer, I have some empathy for them here).

Better for data: Eir, from €20

Eir offers unlimited data within Ireland for €20. Other inclusions:

• 7.3GB of data to be used in EU countries
• Unlimited calls OR unlimited texts

The catch with this plan is that you have to choose between unlimited calls and unlimited texts. When I buy SIM cards for a new country, I only consider calls to be important so this is perfect for me.

Validity of this plan is 28 days.

Vodafone offers a comparable plan for €30 for 8GB of data, all of which can be used in the EU.

Better for calls: Eir, from €20

For local calls to Republic of Ireland phone numbers, Eir includes the option for unlimited calls with their €20 prepay plan. Comparing with Vodafone, a sacrifice of data or an additional €10/28-days is required to get unlimited calls.

For international calls both Eir and Vodafone offer access to discounted international dialing to popular destinations by pre-registration.

For Eir, text international to 50104 to register. For Vodafone, text INT to 50223. Once registered, call rates drop to €0.15/min for many countries

From what I could find, Eir offers more countries in its international dialing discount , such as:

• UK for €0.10/min
• US for €0.15/min
• Australia, Canada, Malaysia, China for €0.15/min

I assume additional top-up value will be required to make these calls.

Is it better to buy a SIM card in Dublin city or at the airport?

Buying a SIM card at Dublin Airport looks like the best option for me. For short-term visitors, it’s hard to beat the value of the SIM cards available at the airport. Buying at the airport is also quick and convenient.

Leaving the airport to buy a SIM card opens up a few more options, such as:

• Tesco Mobile

Which SIM cards are better value if bought in Dublin?

If buying in Dublin or anywhere else outside the airport, I found Tesco prepay, starting at €15/28-days to offer the best value.

Tesco Mobile can be bought at any Tesco, so it has wide availability after leaving the airport.

Other comparative offers I found are from Vodafone X and 3 Mobile. I found Vodafone X to be confusing with regards to top-up (you’re not supposed to top up a certain amount before a certain time of month), and 3 Mobile to offer terrible rates if making calls to non-3 Mobile users.

For better value data, Tesco Mobile

Tesco Mobile has a pre-pay plan for €15 that includes:

• 15GB of data for Ireland and EU
• Unlimited calls
• International calls starting from €0.01/min

Even though this is technically less data than Eir, I would find it hard to use this much data in a month while travelling. At €15, Tesco Mobile is also cheaper.

As far as I can tell, all 15GB can be used in the EU as well.

For better value international calls, Tesco Mobile

The same Tesco Mobile pre-pay plan (€15) includes international calls starting from €0.01/min. Only a few countries are available at this low rate. Even at a higher rate, Tesco Mobile often offers cheaper calls than Eir and Vodafone. No registration required.

Some examples of coverage include:

• Poland: €0.01/min
• UK, France, Germany: €0.03/min
• USA: €0.02/min
• Canada, Australia (landlines): €0.03/min

Where to buy Tesco Mobile

From the airport towards Dublin, the nearest Tesco is in the Omni Park Shopping Centre, about 15 mins drive from the airport towards the city.

If taking the 747 Airlink Express bus, there are Tesco Metro and Tesco Express dotted throughout the city centre that should sell Tesco Mobile SIM cards.

Is Wi-Fi available at Dublin Airport?

Yes, free Wi-Fi is available at Dublin Airport. Connect to Dublin Airport Wi-Fi and it’s one click to get online. There is no registration required. The Wi-Fi is free and unlimited.

Do I need ID to buy a SIM card at Dublin Airport?

Identification is not currently required to buy a SIM card at Dublin Airport, or anywhere in Ireland.

How to get from the airport to the city: Wi-Fi and staying connected

Bus, with free wi-fi.

Airlink Express has free Wi-Fi on its buses, with two routes (747 and 757) running into Dublin from the airport.

Aircoach (services to Belfast and Cork) advertises Wi-Fi on its buses, but I read reports that it doesn’t work very well.

Bus Éireann is rolling out Wi-Fi on its buses that travel from Dublin airport to other parts of the country.

Uber and ride-share, using the airport Wi-Fi to book

Uber appears to be available at Dublin Airport; research suggests that it isn’t endorsed by the airport however. This means that there is no dedicated pick up area for Uber, it could be a long walk to a carpark to find an Uber. I couldn’t find information on Uber’s website to help with this.

I don’t like to use Uber when it isn’t available at the terminal. Airport Wi-Fi often doesn’t stretch to remote Uber pick up locations (and I don’t like walking there with my luggage). If there is a problem finding the driver, it can be awkward walking back to the terminal to get Wi-Fi again.

Locals can book taxis through an app called MyTaxi, which I think has recently been renamed FREE NOW (yes, in capital letters). I haven’t used the app, and trying to google ‘free now’ is tough. Searching “MyTaxi” in play/app store seems to show the correct app. Whatever the name, the app can be used by foreigners too.

I assume Wi-Fi is not available once in the car.

Taxis in Dublin do not have Wi-Fi. Typical fare to the city centre is in the range of €30, traffic depending.

Can I roam with my Irish SIM card to another country

Most EU member states have a roaming agreement that allows use of one SIM card throughout. Ireland is included in this agreement, and an Irish SIM card can be used in much of Europe (including the UK at time of writing).

An Irish SIM card will work in Northern Ireland (e.g. Belfast), Scotland, England, and Wales at time of last update (October 2019, pre-Brexit).

Roaming rates are not charged extra, and usually include access to the amount of data and calls already included on the plan (with some quirks).

Some of the larger plans in Ireland have restrictions on how much of the data can be used when roaming in other European countries. Standard voice calls are usually included, though calls to non-standard EU numbers may be charged at very high rates.

United States and Canada

Eir offers a 1GB data add-on which lasts 30 days for €30. No calls are included. This can be good value, particularly if travelling to Canada where many plans start at $40 CAD.

Vodafone looks like it offers roaming with its prepay plans, charged per day and including 200mb of data. I can’t easily find the information on their website, and it’s not a plan that I’ve used before.

Tesco Mobile does not have good roaming rates for someone like me. In US and Canada, I can’t find any packages with Tesco Mobile and it seems their per megabyte rates apply.

References:

Eir prepay plans

Tesco Mobile €15 Plan

Tags: sim-card dublin ireland

• ← Where to find a SIM card at Christchurch airport, and which one to get
• Where to Find a SIM Card at Glasgow airport, and Which One to Get →

Written by Chris who travels frequently for work and understands what it can be like to arrive somewhere new and unfamiliar.

I wrote Landing Last Minute to help the hurried traveler get necessary information about any destination.

• Travel Sims

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Ireland in 2024

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, having a reliable means of communication is essential. Access to the internet while traveling makes navigating new cities a breeze, allowing you to easily find the best restaurants, get directions to your accommodation, book a taxi, and share memories with your loved ones in real-time.

While roaming is an option, the international fees can quickly accumulate. Therefore, we highly recommend either opting for an eSIM or purchasing a local SIM card to take advantage of local phone rates. Thankfully, obtaining an eSIM or local SIM card in Ireland is incredibly straightforward, but it’s beneficial to know which option is best for you.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with all the information you need to know about buying a SIM card in Ireland, including up-to-date pricing and the ultimate SIM card choice for your needs.

Table of Contents

Best sim card in ireland for tourists.

There are three mobile network operators in Ireland, Three, Vodafone and Eir, which all offer basically identical prepaid sim cards. They also all have very extensive coverage across Ireland and reliable signal wherever your travels take you.

I consider all three prepaid sim cards to be perfect (and basically the same) for visitors to Ireland and suggest you pick up the one that is most conveniently located near your hotel. If you require EU roaming, however, Eir has a higher data limit so could be a better option.

If you don’t require unlimited data or EU roaming then I would say the best sim card in Ireland is actually the Airalo Ireland eSim . For around the same price (20 Euros) you get 10GB data but you gain the convenience of not having to visit a store and install a physical sim card.

Ireland Sim Card Prices

A Tourist Sim Card in Ireland costs 20 EUR in April 2024, however, the exact price will often depend on the store you visit and the plan you choose.

Alternatively, an eSim in Ireland will cost between $5 USD and $32 USD. This, again, depends on how much data you require and which eSim provider you choose.

I generally recommend this Airalo plan for most tourists visiting Ireland which includes 5GB of data which is valid for 30 days and costs $13 USD.

Ireland Sim Card Providers

In Ireland, the main sim card providers are Three, Vodafone, and Eir Mobile. Three is known for its affordable plans and excellent network coverage across the country. They offer various options, including pay-as-you-go, monthly contracts, and data-only sim cards. Three also provides competitive international roaming packages, making it convenient for travelers.

Vodafone, another leading provider, offers a wide range of plans suitable for different needs. Their network coverage is extensive, ensuring a reliable connection throughout Ireland. Vodafone provides perks like free access to popular music and video-streaming platforms.

Eir Mobile, formerly known as Meteor, is a popular choice for its competitive pricing and flexible plans. With an emphasis on data packages, Eir Mobile offers generous allowances for surfing the web, streaming videos, and using social media.

Overall, these three main sim card providers in Ireland offer diverse options to cater to different budgets and preferences.

Three Tourist Sim

Three is a leading telecommunications company offering tourist sim cards in Ireland. Their sim cards provide seamless connectivity and exceptional coverage nationwide, ensuring tourists stay connected throughout their travels. With affordable data plans and competitive rates for calls and texts, Three’s tourist sim cards are a convenient choice for both short-term and long-term visitors. Explore Ireland without worrying about expensive roaming charges or unreliable networks, thanks to Three’s reliable and efficient services.

Three Ireland Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Three tourist sim card in Ireland is 20 EUR.

The plan offered by Three stores includes unlimited 5G data + 19GB EU roaming + 60 minutes calls + unlimited texts valid for 28 days.

Vodafone Tourist Sim

Vodafone is a leading telecommunication company in Ireland that offers tourist sim cards for travelers. With extensive coverage and reliable network services, Vodafone ensures seamless connectivity throughout the country. Their tourist sim cards provide affordable data plans, allowing visitors to stay connected, access maps, find local attractions, and share experiences on social media. Vodafone’s user-friendly interface and customer support make it a preferred choice for tourists seeking hassle-free communication during their stay in Ireland.

Vodafone Ireland Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Vodafone tourist sim card in Ireland is 20 EUR.

The plan offered by Vodafone stores offers unlimited data + unlimited calls & texts valid for 28 days.

Eir Mobile Tourist Sim

Eir Mobile offers convenient tourist sim cards for those visiting Ireland. With strong network coverage nationwide, travelers can stay connected and share memories with ease. The sim cards provide generous data allowances, allowing visitors to browse, use maps, and access social media platforms hassle-free. Additionally, Eir Mobile’s reliable service ensures uninterrupted communication throughout the picturesque landscapes and bustling cities of Ireland, making it an ideal choice for tourists.

Eir Mobile Ireland Tourist Sim Price

The price of a Eir Mobile tourist sim card in Ireland is 20 EUR.

The plan offered by Eir Mobile stores includes unlimited 5G data + unlimited calls & texts + 27.2GB EU roaming valid for 28 days.

How to Get a Sim Card in Ireland

Identify mobile providers: Three, Vodafone and Eir Mobile are your best options in Ireland.

Find your nearest store: Locate a store or retailer by searching on Google Maps for your nearest store or asking at your hotel reception. I’ve never had issues finding a store as they can usually be found in major cities, shopping centers, or tourist areas. If possible, I always recommend to to avoid airports and head in to an official store in the city.

Bring the necessary documents: It is always a good idea to carry your passport or identification documents for sim card registration purposes. We’ve found most providers will need to confirm your identity to provide a sim card and it can be a major hassle to head to a store only to have to come back again later with your passport.

Choose your plan: Either request the plan you are after or consult with the staff in the store to select the right plan for you. My recommendations at the beginning of this guide are a good starting point, but the staff will usually be able to suggest the best option.

Pay and activate your card: Pay for the SIM card and plan, and the staff will activate it for you.

Test: It’s always a good idea to check that you can access the internet before you leave the store. I always search for something on Google then refresh my Instagram feed to check it’s working fine.

Where to Get a Sim Card in Ireland

At the airport.

Buying a prepaid sim card for Ireland at the airport is usually considered the most convenient option for travellers arriving by plane.

However, airport stores selling sim cards are almost guaranteed to charge inflated prices, so if you are a cost-conscious traveller then you should definitely buy your sim card from a store in the city center.

In addition to this, we would argue that buying physical sim cards at all aren’t particularly convenient now that most people use esim compatible phones. If you are looking for the most convenient option, then buying an esim before you arrive or with the airport wifi is much easier and will save you having to queue up or communicate with staff.

If you must purchase a sim card at the airport in Ireland then you will be in luck. All major international airports in Ireland have stores selling sim cards. Despite the prices being higher than normal, the staff are knowledgable and will be able to get you set up with the correct sim card relatively quickly.

If you want to avoid the inflated sim card prices you’ll find at the airport and your phone isn’t esim compatible, then you’re going to need to head in to a store to buy your sim card.

I recommend visiting one of the official retail stores of the mobile internet operators such as Three, Vodafone and Eir Mobile. Your best option is to enter their names into Google Maps and find the branch closest to your hotel or accommodation. Typically the staff in the official stores in Ireland are knowledgable and helpful which means you can ensure you’ll walk away with a functioning sim card.

Despite this, it’s always a good idea to check your internet is working before you leave the store by loading a Google search results page and your preferred social media app. You should also ensure you always bring your passport with you when purchasing a sim card in case they need to register it.

If you like to be prepared and would prefer to arrive in Ireland with your sim card all sorted and your phone ready to connect to the internet immediately then you should look into purchasing a sim card online.

The first option is to buy your sim card in advance via SimOptions, which is a company that will prepare and ship a sim card directly to your door. It’s a reliable and effective service, but with the invention of eSims it’s becoming obsolete.

The better option is to purchase an eSim online. We’ve written more on that below!

Ireland eSim

An eSim is a digital version of a traditional sim card and is most likely the future of connectivity for mobile devices. The convenience of no longer visiting a store, handing over your passport and purchasing a physical sim card is quickly making physical sim cards obsolete in favour of eSims.

We recommend Airalo’s eSim when travelling to Ireland. The Airalo Ireland eSim offers fast internet speeds, wide coverage and extremely competitive prices making it a far more compelling option than purchasing a physical sim card from any of the local sim card providers.

In order to get set up with an Airalo eSim , all you need to do is visit Airalo here and purchase the eSim online (the $13 USD plan is suitable for most travellers). Once you’ve purchased the sim card Airalo will email you instructions and a QR code. Following these instructions should take just a couple of minutes, then you’ll have a sim card in Ireland without having to venture outside.

Airalo Ireland

Our preferred eSim provider in Ireland is Airalo . We used them, alongside a local sim card on another device, for our most recent trip to Ireland and found the service to be equal to the local sim card but without the hassle of acquiring a sim card in a store.

Airalo’s Ireland eSim uses the Three and Eir networks to provide data and connect users to the internet. You can expect very good coverage and reliability with the Three and Eir networksnetwork as they are amongst the best mobile internet operators in Ireland.

Here are the plans and prices for Airalo’s Ireland eSim:

1GB data valid for 7 days – Price: $5 USD 2GB data valid for 15 days – Price: $7 USD 3GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $9 USD 5GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $13 USD 10GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $22 USD 20GB data valid for 30 days – Price: $32 USD

For most travellers we recommend the 5GB data plan for $13 USD which is valid for 30 days. Some travellers may prefer a larger plan, whilst travellers visiting for just a couple of days may be fine with a smaller plan.

Holafly Ireland

An alternative eSim provider we can recommend is Holafly.

Holafly’s eSim is a suitable option for travellers who require large amounts of data, such as digital nomads and people who work online while they travel. All of Holafly’s Ireland eSims offer unlimited data.

Holafly’s Ireland eSim uses the Vodafone Ireland/Three Irelandnetwork to provide data and connect users to the internet. This network will provide reliable speeds and coverage while in Ireland

Here are the plans and prices for Holafly’s Ireland eSim:

Unlimited data valid for 5 days – Price: $19 USD Unlimited data valid for 7 days – Price: $27 USD Unlimited data valid for 10 days – Price: $34 USD Unlimited data valid for 15 days – Price: $47 USD Unlimited data valid for 20 days – Price: $54 USD Unlimited data valid for 30 days – Price: $64 USD Unlimited data valid for 60 days – Price: $84 USD Unlimited data valid for 90 days – Price: $99 USD

What is an eSim?

The eSIM, also known as the embedded SIM, is a digital SIM card that comes already integrated into devices like smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. Unlike the regular physical SIM cards, there is no need to physically insert or remove anything from the device.

The eSIM is built into the device’s hardware and can be remotely activated and programmed by a mobile network operator. This means that users can easily switch between different mobile networks or plans without the hassle of swapping SIM cards.

The eSIM technology offers convenience, flexibility, and simplicity, particularly for frequent travelers or those constantly changing networks or traveling internationally. It eliminates the need to buy and insert physical SIM cards, making it much more convenient to handle multiple mobile connections on one device.

To activate the eSIM, users can either scan a QR code provided by their network operator or manually enter the activation details. Once activated, the device connects to the chosen mobile network, providing regular voice, data, and messaging services just like a physical SIM card.

Why Use an eSim?

There are multiple reasons why using an eSIM can be advantageous: – Convenience: No need to physically insert or remove a SIM card when switching between networks or plans. This is especially helpful for frequent travelers who need to switch networks or use local SIM cards in different countries. – Dual SIM functionality: eSIM allows for dual SIM functionality, meaning you can have two active mobile numbers on one device. This can be useful for separating personal and work numbers or managing multiple phone lines. – Space-saving: eSIMs are embedded within the device, eliminating the need for a physical SIM card slot. This frees up space within the device, allowing for smaller devices or additional components. – Remote provisioning: Activation and management of mobile plans can be done remotely over the air with eSIMs. This means you can activate or switch to a new mobile plan without a physical SIM card or visiting a store, providing flexibility and convenience for managing your mobile connectivity. – Future-proofing: As eSIM technology gains popularity, more networks and service providers are offering support for eSIMs. By using an eSIM-compatible device, you ensure access to new services and offerings as they become available. Overall, eSIM technology offers flexibility, convenience, and future-proofing for mobile connectivity, making it an attractive choice for many users.

eSim Supported Phones

eSIM technology is becoming increasingly popular and is supported by a growing number of smartphones and other devices. Here are some examples of eSIM-compatible phones:

Apple iPhone series (iPhone 11, iPhone 12, iPhone 13, etc.): Apple was one of the early adopters of eSIM technology and offers support for eSIM on various iPhone models.

Google Pixel series (Pixel 3, Pixel 4, Pixel 5, etc.): Google’s Pixel smartphones also support eSIM functionality, allowing users to activate and use eSIMs.

Samsung Galaxy series (Galaxy S22, Galaxy Note 20, etc.): Many of Samsung’s flagship devices now come with eSIM support, enabling users to utilize eSIM technology.

OnePlus devices (OnePlus 7, OnePlus 8, etc.): OnePlus has included eSIM support in some of its smartphone models, offering users the flexibility of using eSIMs.

Motorola Razr (2020): The latest iteration of the iconic Motorola Razr features eSIM compatibility, enabling users to use eSIMs for cellular connectivity.

These are just a few examples, and the list of eSIM-compatible phones continues to expand as more manufacturers embrace this technology. There’s a very strong chance your phone supports eSims so if you’re unsure we recommend looking it up on our list of eSim supported phones .

How to Use an eSim

Using an eSim is new for many travellers, however, the good news is it’s surprisingly easy to get set up – even for the technologically challenged!

Here’s a general guide on how to use an eSIM:

Check eSIM Compatibility: Ensure that your device supports eSIM functionality. Many newer smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, and other devices are eSIM compatible including all iPhones produced since 2018.

Obtain an eSIM: There are multiple ways to acquire an eSIM. You can purchase an eSIM online from a provider like Airalo (which we recommend) or directly from a mobile network operator. Some devices also allow you to scan a QR code provided by your carrier to download the eSIM profile.

Activate the eSIM: Your eSim provider will send you instructions to activate the sim. This will usually involve scanning a QR code, entering an activation code, or downloading the eSIM profile directly onto your device.

Set up the eSIM: Once activated, your device will guide you through the eSIM setup process. This typically involves selecting the eSIM as your preferred mobile plan, configuring settings like data roaming, and entering any necessary authentication details.

Enjoy the Connection: Once the eSIM is set up, you can use it as you would with a physical SIM card. Make calls, send messages, browse the internet, and use data services as needed. You can also switch between eSIM profiles if you have multiple eSIMs installed on your device.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. I've travelled all around the world, using and testing countless travel sim cards along the way. I'm the founder of and writer for Travel Sim Expert where I write guides to help travellers stay connected all around the world.

Hi, I’m Mitchell. I’m a full-time traveller, explorer and travel blogger. Travel Sim Expert is a blog dedicated to helping you find the best sim card for you, no matter where you are or what your budget is. 

Learn More About Me

Popular Posts

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Uzbekistan in 2024

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Afghanistan in 2024

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Zimbabwe in 2024

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Uganda in 2024

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Belize in 2024

Best Tourist Sim Cards in Bahrain in 2024

Top regions, top countries.

• South America
• North America
• New Zealand
• Switzerland

© Travel Sim Expert – Designed by us.

Ireland SIM Cards: Everything You Need To Know

by Melissa Giroux | Last updated Dec 3, 2023 | Europe , SIM Cards , Travel Tips

Visiting Ireland soon? Make sure to know what to expect when it comes to purchasing an Ireland SIM card .

In this guide, we’ll explain where to buy a SIM card in Ireland in person and online. We’ll also discuss prepaid SIM cards and eSIMs if your mobile supports them.

That said, if you’re traveling to other countries in Europe, you should be able to use the same SIM card because most SIM card providers also offer coverage in other European countries.

Before you read this guide, you may wonder if you actually need a SIM card in Ireland. If you don’t mind not having Internet, you’ll likely find free Wifi in restaurants, shopping malls, and hotels.

That said, if you need data to get around, call a Uber, or translate anything – you may want to get a SIM card for your travels in Ireland.

Note that your mobile phone provider may already offer Ireland coverage if you’re European. If that’s the case, you won’t need a SIM card for your adventures in Ireland.

Best SIM Cards In Ireland

If you’re traveling in Ireland, we recommend using a SIM card from Three, Vodafone, Eir, or Airalo. (I’ll get back to Airalo later on, so keep reading to learn more!)

That said, if you’re planning on visiting other countries during your trip to Europe, you might want to make sure to pick an option that offers coverage in other European countries.

How To Buy A SIM Card In Ireland

You can either buy a European prepaid SIM card in person in some international airports, mobile provider stores, convenience stores, or online.

Usually, you can expect higher costs and low data offers at the airport, so we don’t recommend buying a SIM card at the airport.

That said, you won’t necessarily find SIM card shops in every airport, so it’s essential to keep this in mind. And, when you see a shop, you might also have limited options.

For this reason, I’d recommend buying a SIM card directly from the mobile provider store. Note that you may need your passport to buy one.

Although, this means you won’t get data right upon your arrival. So, if you prefer to be connected at all times, you could use an eSIM or purchase a European prepaid SIM card online.

Now, let’s take a look at the data plans offered by Three, Vodafone, and Eir.

Three Ireland SIM Cards

Three Ireland offers one SIM-only plan, Prepay Hero, which includes:

• Unlimited Data (In the Republic of Ireland – 13 GB if SIM is used outside of Ireland in the EU)
• Unlimited Minutes and texts
• EUR 15 top-up required 

SIM cards are free with Three Ireland. 

Vodafone Ireland SIM Cards

Vodafone has the best coverage in Ireland out of all the mobile networks. They have 3 different prepaid plans available:

• Chat Extra: 10 GB, Unlimited data EUR 20 / month
• Vodafone X: Unlimited data, unlimited weekend calls, EUR 20 / month
• Extra Unlimited 5G: Unlimited 5G data, Unlimited calls & texts EUR 30 / month

As you can see, it’s more expensive than Three, but the coverage is the best in the country.

Eir SIM Cards

Eir offers two SIM-only plans:

• No limits 5G data: EUR 20 / month, unlimited data, calls & texts (24.4 GB of data in the EU)
• Unlimited Calls: EUR 10 / 14 days, unlimited calls, no data included.

Overall, we think Eir no limits 5G data is the best option if you plan to buy your SIM card in person. That said, any would do if you can’t find their store!

How To Buy An Irish Prepaid SIM Card Online

If you wish to have your SIM card ready for your arrival, you could purchase it online or on websites like Amazon.

You’ll find different plans on Amazon. For example, the Orange Holiday Europe Prepaid SIM Card works in over 30 countries and gives you 20 GB of data for 14 days. Ireland is included.

But there are many other options worth considering, so have a look and ensure the countries you plan to visit are listed.

Browse your options on Amazon

Another option is to purchase a prepaid European SIM card on SimOptions .

They currently offer various data plans in Ireland.

Browse your options on SimOptions

Finally, the last option is to buy an eSIM card for Europe.

How To Buy An eSIM Card For Ireland

eSIM is a new concept that allows you to have a virtual SIM card inside your phone. If your mobile phone supports eSIM cards – it’s one of the best options to get data in Ireland.

Curious? Learn more about eSIM for travelers on eSIM Roamers .

I started using eSIM as soon as my mobile phone supported it. To buy eSIMs, I usually use Airalo . Keep reading to learn more about the best eSIMs in Ireland.

Airalo Ireland

If you want to buy an eSIM for Ireland, you could purchase one on Airalo . This website offers many eSIM cards worldwide and special plans for Europe and Ireland. I’ve been using Airalo in Europe for several months, and it works fine.

Here are the options available for Ireland :

• Fáilte: 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• Fáilte: 2 GB, valid for 15 days for $7
• Fáilte: 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $9
• Fáilte: 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• Fáilte: 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $22
• Fáilte: 20 GB, valid for 30 days for $32

Here’s an overview of the options available in Europe :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $5
• 3 GB, valid for 30 days for $13
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $20
• 10 GB, valid for 30 days for $37
• 50 GB, valid for 90 days for $100
• 100 GB, valid for 180 days for $185

The options mentioned above are part of Eurolink and offer coverage in 39 countries, including Ireland.

Alternatively, if you’re traveling in other countries that are not mentioned on the list, you can try Discover Global, which offers coverage in 87 countries, including Ireland.

Here’s an overview of the options available on Discover Global :

• 1 GB, valid for 7 days for $9
• 3 GB, valid for 15 days for $24
• 5 GB, valid for 30 days for $35
• 10 GB, valid for 60 days for $59
• 20 GB, valid for 180 days for $89

Now, one important thing to note about Airalo is that you’ll need to keep an eye out for the provider in each country. Suppose you ever have trouble connecting to the Internet during your trip. In that case, it might be because you’re connecting automatically to networks and need to select a network manually instead.

When you purchase the eSIM, you’ll get access to the list of networks supported in each country.

Go to Airalo

Holafly Ireland

Alternatively, you could look at your options on Holafly . You can read our Holafly review to learn more about this eSIM store. I’ve also tried this eSIM provider in Europe, and it worked fine. Their Europe eSIM work in 32 countries (including Ireland), and they offer the following plans:

• Unlimited data for 5 days for $19
• Unlimited data for 7 days for $27
• Unlimited data for 10 days for $34
• Unlimited data for 15 days for $47
• Unlimited data for 20 days for $54
• Unlimited data for 30 days for $64
• Unlimited data for 60 days for $84
• Unlimited data for 90 days for $99

Go to Holafly

Nomad Ireland

Finally, Nomad is also a great eSIM provider. Here’s an overview of the plans available for Ireland:

• 1GB, valid for 7 days for $6
• 3GB, valid for 30 days for $12
• 5GB, valid for 30 days for $17
• 10GB, valid for 30 days for $24
• 20GB, valid for 30 days for $34

Go to Nomad

Final Thoughts On SIM Cards In Ireland

As you can see, getting a prepaid SIM card in Ireland or even an eSIM for your travels in Ireland is pretty easy. You’ll even be able to stay connected wherever you go in Europe without changing your SIM card, especially if you purchase a European SIM card .

I believe the eSIM card is the most convenient way to get data in Ireland if you wish to have data upon your arrival. This way, you won’t need to go to a store to buy a SIM card. Obviously, you need to make sure your mobile phone supports eSIM first.

Traveling to Ireland soon? Read one of the following blog posts:

• Best places to live in Ireland
• Ireland bucket list
• Elope in Ireland

MY TOP RECOMMENDATIONS

BOOK HOTEL ON BOOKING.COM

BOOK HOSTEL ON HOSTELWORLD

GET YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

LEARN HOW TO START A TRAVEL BLOG

LEARN HOW TO VOLUNTEER ABROAD

How To Buy A Sim Card In Ireland: An Essential Guide

Home » How To Buy A Sim Card In Ireland: An Essential Guide

Table of Contents

Purchasing An Irish Sim Card In Ireland

If you’re planning a trip to Ireland, buying a prepaid SIM card is a convenient and cost-effective way to stay connected during your visit. Fortunately, you can easily purchase an Irish SIM card from any mobile network company, whether you’re a resident or just visiting the country.

However, there are a few things you need to consider before making your purchase.

Firstly, ensure that your phone is compatible with the frequencies used in Ireland and that it is unlocked. This will allow you to use the SIM card with your device without any issues.

Additionally, having an unlocked phone gives you the flexibility to switch between different SIM cards when traveling to other countries.

Convenient Locations For Buying An Ireland Sim Card

Dublin Airport is a popular place to buy an Irish SIM card due to its convenience and accessibility. You can find options available at the WH Smith shop, Left Luggage store in Terminal 1, and SPAR convenience store outside Terminal 2.

This makes it incredibly convenient for travelers arriving in Ireland to purchase a SIM card as soon as they arrive.

In Dublin City Center, you can also find retail stores of all the major mobile internet providers on Henry Street. This provides another convenient option for purchasing an Irish SIM card, especially if you’re already in the city.

Passport Requirement For Buying A Prepaid Sim Card

When purchasing an Irish prepaid SIM card, you will need to present your passport. The store will copy your passport and link it to your new SIM card.

This is done for identification and registration purposes, ensuring that the SIM card is correctly activated and associated with your account.

Alternative Options For Sim Cards In Ireland

Apart from purchasing a prepaid SIM card in Ireland, there are a few alternative options available to consider. European travel SIM cards are a popular choice for those who frequently travel within Europe.

These SIM cards offer data roaming across various European countries, providing convenient connectivity without the need to switch SIM cards when crossing borders.

Another alternative is e-SIM cards for Ireland. These are digital SIM cards that can be programmed onto compatible devices without the need for a physical SIM card.

This option is particularly useful for those who prefer not to have their personal information captured when purchasing a SIM card.

Vodafone Ireland – Largest And Most Popular Sim Card Provider

Vodafone Ireland is the largest and most popular mobile network provider in the country. Their prepaid SIM cards are widely available and offer competitive data plans and service coverage.

The Vodafone prepaid SIM card costs €20 and includes 10GB of data, unlimited voice, and text messaging.

Hutchison 3 Ireland – Sim Card Options And Services

Hutchison 3 Ireland, also known as Three Ireland, is another major mobile internet provider in the country. They offer SIM cards at a cost of €20, which can work with nano, micro, and mini-SIM devices.

Hutchison 3 Ireland provides 3G and 4G mobile phone services and offers both Pay As You Go and Contract options.

One of their popular prepaid SIM cards is the Prepay 3Pay SIM, which costs €20 and includes unlimited data (8GB in the EU), unlimited calls, and unlimited SMS. This is a great option for those who require a generous amount of data for their stay in Ireland.

Tesco Mobile Limited – Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) In Ireland

Tesco Mobile Limited is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Ireland. They offer a free Pay As You Go SIM card and have various options called Rocket Packs that include data, minutes, and texts.

While their network is operated through three telecommunications providers, they provide competitive rates and options for those looking for affordable SIM card plans.

e-Sim Cards In Ireland – Options And Online Purchase Availability

For those who prefer the convenience of e-SIM cards, Ireland also offers this option. With various data plans and prices available, you can choose a plan that suits your needs.

Prices start from $5 USD for 1 GB of data for 7 days to $32 USD for 20 GB of data for 30 days.

Both physical SIM cards and e-SIM cards can be purchased online, allowing you to have your SIM card delivered to your home before your trip. However, it’s important to ensure that your phone is unlocked and e-SIM compatible before purchasing an e-SIM card.

Before making a final decision on which mobile network provider to choose, consider network coverage. Three Ireland has the best 4G/5G network coverage in the country, ensuring a reliable and fast connection wherever you are in Ireland.

In conclusion, when buying a SIM card in Ireland, there are various options to consider based on your needs and preferences. Whether you choose a prepaid SIM card, e-SIM card, or alternative options like European travel SIM cards, it’s important to ensure that the card includes free EU roaming before purchasing.

Additionally, don’t forget to check the network coverage and compare prices and data plans to make an informed decision.

• Travel eSIM
• Install eSIM
• Delivery Options

Loading Cart

The Best SIM Cards for Ireland in 2023

Ireland is an island located in the North Atlantic and it is the third-largest island in Europe. Tourism in the Republic of Ireland is one of the biggest contributors to the economy of the country. You can visit cities like Dublin (the capital), Cork and Limerick, and enjoy attractions like zoos, museums, and castles.  

Now, if Ireland is one of your next destinations, then you will probably need a SIM card that lets you make international calls, send text messages, browse with unlimited data or Roam like at home in Europe. In this article, you will find the different local networks that work in Ireland and an excellent option if you need an international prepaid SIM card , so you will be able to use your mobile phone wherever you go.

Looking for an alternative solution? We have eSIMs for Ireland available!

What Are The Best SIM Cards for Ireland?

What is The Best Ireland SIM Card?

Simoptions – the best international sim cards .

This company provides the best international SIM cards all around the world. Maybe you just want to travel to Ireland this year, but what if you suddenly need or want to travel to another country? In that case, an international SIM card is the best option for you because SimOptions SIM cards have coverage in more than one country. That means you can travel around without having to buy a different SIM card each time. This is an excellent option for those who love to travel!

How can you get one of these SIM cards? Just enter their website and you will find different options to choose depending on how much data you need. Remember to check the country coverage to know which destinations are included in your card.

When you select your SIM card, then you need to pay with your credit card through a fully secure payment method 

Here below you have the details about each SIM card:

Go Card | $ 24.90 - 10GB

• Calls/SMS: Yes
• Credit Validity: 30 days

PAYG AIO15 | $ 29.90 - 10GB

Holiday zen | $ 29.90 - 12gb.

• Credit Validity: 14 days

PAYG AIO20 | $ 39.90 - 12GB

Holiday europe | $ 49.90 - 30gb, payg mbb 12gb | $ 59.90 - 12gb.

• Calls/SMS: No
• Credit Validity: 1 Year

PAYG MBB 24GB | $ 79.90 - 24GB

• Credit Validity: 2 Year

Are you looking for travel inspiration? Follow us on Instagram!

Eircom Limited – The largest operator in the country

This company is a fixed, mobile and broadband telecommunications company considered the largest operator in the country. Eircom operates LTE (4G) HSDPA (3G) and GSM/EDGE (2.75G) mobile telephone networks. You can get your SIM card for free on their website or at their shops with unlimited data, along with unlimited calls or texts for €20 ($22.16) top-up. Their network offers more than 97% 4G coverage across Ireland, with 99% population coverage.

They have an option called Eir WiFi Calling, which lets you use your smartphone to call and text over any WiFi connection so you can now get even better mobile coverage anywhere in Ireland. 

Finally, they have plans that include No Limits Data, which allow you to watch series on Netflix, stream music for hours, play or watch YouTube all night. As its name suggests, there are no limits with this SIM!

Now let’s see the Prepay Plans they have available for you:

No Limits Calls | € 10 ($11.08)

• Calls: unlimited 
• Credit Validity: 4 weeks

No Limits Data 1 | € 20 ($22.16)

• Data: unlimited (7.3 GB in the EU)
• Calls: unlimited (without texts)
• SMS: unlimited (without calls)

No Limits Data 2 | € 30 ($33.23)

• Data: unlimited (10.9 GB in the EU)
• SMS: unlimited 

Now, let’s take a look at the Bill Pay Plans if you think this is a better option for you. It is important to know that the rates when you are out of bundle are the following: 

99c per day for 250MB, 2c per MB/€20.48 ($22.69) per GB thereafter. 

Eir Mobile Connect | € 14.99 ($16.61)

• Data: unlimited (30 GB in the EU)

Eir Mobile Complete | € 19.99 ($22.15)

• Data: unlimited (50 GB in the EU)
• Calls: unlimited (200 min international)
• SMS: unlimited (200 international)

Find more information about their SIM cards and how to activate the services visiting their website. 

Three Ireland – Unlimited services 

This is a telecommunications and internet service provider operating in Ireland since 2005. They provide 3G and 4G mobile phone services, and the SIM cards they have available may be good for you because of their prices and services. With Three you can get a card in three different sizes that fit nano, micro, and mini-SIM devices. They offer great deals for Pay As You Go and Contract customers; you just choose the best option for you on your trip to Ireland.  

With SIM-Only, you will be able to keep your old phone and pop in the new SIM that they will send you. Three makes roaming easier and the EU data allowances mean you can stay in touch wherever you go, not only in Ireland! The SIM-Only Plans they have available are the following:

Prepay 3Pay SIM | € 20 ($22.16)

• Data: unlimited (8 GB in the EU)
• Credit Validity: 28 days

Bill Pay 3 Unlimited Flex Max SIMO | € 30 ($33.23)

• Data: unlimited (11 GB in the EU)

Are you interested in one of these SIM cards? Then visit their website.

Vodafone Ireland Limited – Subsidiary of Vodafone Group 

This company is the largest mobile phone operator in Ireland in terms of active subscribers. Vodafone operates a full range of voice, SMS, MMS, and mobile data. Their 4G network is available to over 6 cities and 500 towns in the country. They offer a full range of contract (bill pay) and prepay services, including mobile telephony and mobile broadband. Their free SIM card can be obtained online, and then you can add a Prepay Plan or a Bill Pay plan, depending on your needs.

Let’s take a look at the Bill Pay plans with roaming across Europe included:

Red Complete SIM-Only | € 25 ($27.70) – 20 GB

• Data: 20 GB
• Calls: unlimited (100 min international)
• SMS: unlimited (100 international)

Red Max SIM-Only | € 35 ($38.77) – 50 GB

• Data: 50 GB
• Calls: unlimited (500 min international)
• SMS: unlimited (500 international)

Now let’s see the prepaid options, with roaming across Europe included:

Chat Extra | € 20 ($22.16) – 10 GB

• Data: 10 GB
• Calls: unlimited to any network
• SMS: unlimited to any network

Smart Extra | € 20 ($22.16) – 20 GB

• Calls: unlimited (Vodafone)
• SMS: unlimited (Vodafone)

Extra | € 30 ($33.23) – 30 GB

• Data: 30 GB

To activate your new SIM card and find more about Vodafone, visit their website. 

Tesco Mobile Limited – MVNO

This is a Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) in Ireland, United Kingdom, Slovakia, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. It operates in Ireland using the Three network operators. They have a Pay As You Go free SIM that you can order online. There are the Rocket Packs that are bundles of set amounts of data, minutes and texts that last one month. On Triple Credit, you simply pay for what you use. Calls start from 25p a minute and data are 10p a MB. Plus they triple your credit when you top-up £10, £15 or £20, and it lasts one month. You can take your minutes, texts and data in Europe with Home from Home. Finally, you can also keep your phone number if you are switching from another network.

Here below are the different data packages: 

Rocket Pack £10 | £10 ($12.92) – 4 GB

• Calls: 500 min

Rocket Pack £15 | £15 ($19.38) – 8 GB

• Calls: 1000 min

Rocket Pack £20 | £20 ($25.84) – 16 GB

• Data: 16 GB
• Calls: 2000 min

Visit Tesco for more information.

The price, amount of data, calls; texts and roaming are some factors to consider when you want to buy a SIM card.

We hope that this article has helped you in your research about the best SIM card for Ireland. We are sure that you will enjoy your trip if you choose any of the SIMs mentioned in this article!

Recommended Articles

The 5 best esims for europe in 2024.

Published on 14th March 2022

Tech & Gear

The Ultimate Guide to SIM Cards

Published on 11th January 2020

20 Common Mobile Phone Problems & Their Solutions

Published on 18th January 2020

Travel Europe on a Budget

The Savvy Backpacker

City Guides .\33 a132798-3f3b-4585-954d-7e70cf863447{fill:#231f20}

Best prepaid esim for ireland | data plan buyer’s guide for travel.

A guide to finding the best prepaid eSIM data plans for visiting Ireland.

phones and technology

Having reliable, high-speed mobile data while traveling through Ireland is a necessity. Luckily, buying an eSIM data plan for Ireland is a fairly simple process but there are a few quirks that might trip you up. That’s why I’ve created this guide to the best prepaid eSIM data plans for Ireland—including where to buy the cheapest Irish data plan and how to activate your plan.

The Best eSIM for Ireland: The Quick Answer

After comparing multiple plans, I’ve found that the two best eSIM plans for Ireland are the Holafly Ireland eSIM Unlimited Data plan and the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM . These plans start around $3/day and give you a good amount of mobile data allowance.

If want a physical SIM card, then check out my Guide To Using SIM Cards in Europe for a more in-depth guide to European SIM Card data plans.

Comparing The Best eSIM Data Plans for Ireland

There are two main “categories” of eSIM options in Ireland—you can buy a plan directly from a major Irish mobile carrier (which can be difficult for foreigners) or you can buy a third-party eSIM plan that’s designed for short-term visitors (which is a little more expensive but hassle-free). I’ll cover both options in this list.

Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM [eSIM With Calling & Texts]

If you need a ton of mobile data, consider the newly released  Orange Holiday Europe 50GB eSIM data plan  which is a beefed-up version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM. It has 50GB of data and it’s valid for 28 days (compared to 14 days with the Orange Holiday Europe plan). This eSIM also comes with many features you don’t find with other plans—including international voice calling and texts (it gives you an actual French phone number that works anywhere in Europe).

The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot so you can put that extra data allowance to good use. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

Orange Holiday Europe (50GB) eSIM Plan Details:

• Price:  $59.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  50GB
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 120 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 1000 outside of Europe.
• Credit validity:  28 day
• Data Tethering:  Allowed
• Usable on any device (phones, tablets, hotspots…)
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can still be used anywhere in Europe
• Service works everywhere in the EU

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM Plan [eSIM with Calling & Texts]

The  Orange Holiday Europe eSIM data plan  is the most robust eSIM plan on this list because it comes with many features you don’t find with other mobile plans—including international voice calling and texts (it comes with a French phone number that will work anywhere in Europe). The Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan also allows you to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

This plan comes with 20GB of data but Orange sometimes runs a special where they give you an extra 10GB—although 20GB should be plenty of data for a majority of users. Orange is also one of the largest mobile companies in Europe so you’ll always get great coverage and high data speeds.

The main downside is that the plan is only 14 days once activated so it’s not great for longer visits (but you’re allowed to top-up for an additional 14 days). And it’s a bit more expensive than other plans but you do get a good amount of data so it’s still a great option for many travelers.

Orange Holiday Europe eSIM Specs :

• Price:  $49.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  20GB (Orange sometimes upgrades the plan to 30GB of data)
• Credit validity:  14 day
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number that can make/receive calls throughout Europe.
• Service works everywhere in the EU and UK

Bouygues My European eSIM [Unlimited Calls with 30GB of Data]

Bouygues is another major French telecommunications company and they’ve recently released their own prepaid eSIM data plan to compete with the popular Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. I used a prepaid Bouygues SIM card on a previous trip to Europe so I’m glad they’re finally offering an eSIM.

There’s a lot to like about the Bouygues My European eSIM plan—especially since it comes standard with 30GB of data and unlimited calls/texts within Europe. I also like how this Bouygues eSIM plan is valid for 30 days so it’s a great option for longer trips.

• Price: $44.90 (Check SimOptions for details)
• Data Tethering: Allowed
• Service Speed: 4G/LTE
• Calls: Unlimited within Europe and credit for overseas calls
• Texts/SMS: Unlimited within Europe and credit for overseas SMS
• Credit validity: 30 day
• Phone Number: This eSIM card comes with a French phone number
• Coverage : Anywhere within the European Union (except Switzerland)

Holafly Ireland eSIM [The Best Unlimited eSIM for Ireland]

Holafly  is a new eSIM provider based in Spain and they sell both Ireland-specific and EU-wide eSIM plans. Holafly leases bandwidth from Vodafone Ireland and Three Ireland mobile networks so the service will be fast and reliable—but you might get less priority during peak usage times.

Unlike other mobile companies, Holafly gives you unlimited data and a local phone number with 60 minutes of credit for making/receiving calls from European numbers. I also like how Holafly’s plans come in durations from 5 to 90 days—so you don’t have to over/underbuy for your particular trip.

Holafly doesn’t allow data tethering in most cases so you won’t be able to use your phone as a mobile hotspot.

Holafly eSIM Data Plan Specs:

• 10 Days: $34
• 15 Days: $47
• 20 Days: $54
• 30 Days: $64
• 60 Days: $84
• 90 Days: $99
• Network:  Vodafone and Three Ireland
• Calls coverage:  60 minutes of credit make calls from all of Europe—except Iceland, Norway, United Kingdom, Switzerland, Ukraine, and Turkey. Comes with an Austrian phone number.
• SMS:  None
• Tethering:  No
• Data service works everywhere in the EU

I’ve used Holafly on previous trips to Europe and was happy with the service—read my  Holafly eSIM Review  for a deeper look).

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM Data Plan [Cheap Ireland eSIM with Calling & Texts]

The  Orange Holiday Zen eSIM  is the budget version of the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan. It comes with 8GB of data and has fewer voice minutes and texts, otherwise, it’s the same as the Orange Holiday Europe eSIM plan.

Most users will use more than 8GB of data while traveling for a week or two but light data users could easily use less than 8GB of data during a typical 10-14 day trip.

Orange Holiday Zen eSIM Specs :

• Price:  $29.90 (Check  SimOptions  for details)
• Data:  8GB (they sometimes give you 15GB of data)
• Service Speed:  4G/LTE
• Calls:  Unlimited within Europe and 30 min outside of Europe.
• Texts/SMS:  Unlimited within Europe and 200 outside of Europe.
• This eSIM plan comes with a French phone number than can make/receive calls throughout Europe.

O2 Go Card eSIM Data Plan

O2 is another mobile large company that offers EU-wide eSIM data coverage in Ireland. The positive part about the O2 Go Card eSIM is the price—you get 10GB of data for $20 that’s valid for 30 days.

This eSIM technically gives you a European phone number but the plan only comes with about $2 worth of calling credit and non-EU-Citizens must be in the Crezh Repulic to top-up the plan. It also doesn’t come with texting. Otherwise, this is another great budget-friendly eSIM option.

Vodafone Ireland eSIM Data Plan

Of all Ireland’s major mobile providers, Vodafone Ireland is the only Irish company that currently has prepaid eSIM plans (other companies started to roll out their eSIM plans — Three Ireland and Eir — but they paused the full expansion because of technical issues).

However, many foreign users have reported technical issues when trying to purchase service from Vodafone—many are met with an error message telling them to try again later. You’ll also have to provide an Irish mailing address and your credit card will be sent a test charge when signing up to verify that it’s valid (some banks might see this as a fraudulent charge so they’ll block it).

Plan prices range from $22-$30 per month and there are multiple plan options depending on if you want 4G or 5G, the amount of data you want, and if you want calling/texting.

While the service is good, I only recommend using Vodafone if you’re staying in Ireland for an extended period of time because the hassle is too much for short-term visitors. You can learn more about Vodafone’s various plans at Vodafone.ie

Important Information and Quirks About eSIM Data Plans in Ireland

Let’s jump into some of the quirks you might encounter when trying to buy an eSIM plan in Ireland. If you want to learn more about eSIM data plans in general then check out my Guide To Using eSIM Data Plans in Europe

Irish Carriers Don’t Widely Offer Prepaid eSIM Plans

Unlike physical SIM cards which are sold just about everywhere in Ireland, it’s difficult to simply buy a prepaid eSIM plan in Ireland.

That’s because many Irish mobile companies don’t offer prepaid eSIM plans or they make you jump through a bunch of hoops. Other Irish carriers only offer eSIM options to customers with long-term contracts so these are only convenient to people who live in Ireland.

The easiest option is to buy a data plan that’s designed specifically for short-term visitors—like from Holafly or SimOptions .

Avoid Your Current Provider’s International Data Plan

Your current mobile phone provider likely offers an international data plan but it’s typically expensive and the service is often slow, inconsistent, and has limited data allowances.

For example, the AT&T International Day Pass costs $10/day, Verizon TravelPass is also $10/day and many T-Mobile plans offer free international roaming but you’re only guaranteed 2g data speeds… which will struggle to load Google Maps or even email.

These “international data plans” are 5X as expensive as buying an Ireland eSIM data plan—for example, eSIM data plans from  Orange  or  Holafly  will cost you around $2-$3/day.

You Don’t Need An “Irish” eSIM Thanks To EU-Wide Coverage

As of 2017, the EU passed a “roam like home” policy that bans mobile carriers from charging mobile roaming fees for any EU member country. In short, any eSIM data plan bought in the EU can be used in any other EU country without extra fees or restrictions. This is great for travelers because you can use one plan everywhere.

Here are the countries/areas where there is no data roaming: Andorra, Azores, Aland islands, Austria, Balearic Islands, Belgium, Canary Islands, Cyprus, Corfu, Crete, the Cyclades, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faeroe Islands, Finland, France mainland, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Guernsey, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Jersey, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg. Madeira, Malta. Isle of Man, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Rhodes, Romania, Spain, United Kingdom, San Marino, Sardinia, Sicily, Slovakia, Sweden, Vatican

Note: Some plans may not work in Switzerland and/or the UK since these are not EU countries but certain plans still have coverage (read the fine print).

Data Only eSIM Plans vs eSIM Plans with Talk and Text

Many cheap eSIM plans are data only so you can’t make/receive calls or send SMS text messages.

There are slightly more expensive eSIM plans that come with a European phone number and they’ll include talk and text.

NOTE: Apple’s iMessage still works with a data-only plan (as long as you’re sending messages between iPhones). However, non-Apple phones won’t be able to send text messages on a data-only plan.

How Much Data Do You Need?

As long as you’re not streaming music/videos or uploading a ton of photos, you probably won’t use more than 4GB-8GB of mobile data a week. For reference, the average American smartphone owner uses around 15-20GB of mobile data each month. 

If you’re spending a lot of time on social media (notably Instagram and TikTok) then you might use a bit more but if you’re just doing normal web browsing and using Google Maps then you might only use 1-2GB a week.

Your Phone Must Be Unlocked

Some mobile carriers (mainly in the US, Australia, and New Zealand) “lock” their phones so they’ll only work on their network—this typically applies if you have a plan that includes a free phone with a multi-year contract. You’ll need to contact your carrier and have them “unlock” your phone before it will accept a third-party eSIM.

In the US, carriers are required to unlock phones if the customer requests it but it’s often not unlocked by default. That said, a few carriers still make customers jump through hoops to unlock their phones so don’t put this off until the last minute.

Data Tethering May Not Work

Many eSIM plans don’t allow data tethering so you won’t be able to use your phone as a hotspot for your computer, tablet, etc. There are a few plans that do allow tethering but tethering will consume a lot of data quickly.

More Tips For Traveling Ireland With Your Phone

I’ve written extensively about using  smartphones and data plans in Europe  and tips for  buying SIM Cards For Visiting Europe . Below are some more helpful tips about using your phone in the UK and throughout Europe.

BRING A PORTABLE BATTERY CHARGER

Traveling with your phone will quickly drain your batteries so I highly recommend a portable battery. I use  Anker PowerCore 10000  because it’s tiny and affordable but there are multiple options.

BE AWARE OF THEFT WHILE USING YOUR PHONE

Pickpockets love stealing smartphones so pay attention while you’re using your phone, stash it away safely while on public transportation/crowds, and don’t set it down while you’re in public. Read my guide to  Pickpockets in Europe  for more anti-theft advice.

TAKE STEPS TO LOWER YOUR MOBILE DATA USAGE

It’s extremely easy to unknowingly burn through a lot of data because many apps use data in the background. Facebook, email, Instagram, Snapchat… those all constantly use data throughout the day without you knowing it. That’s it’s important to know how to limit your data usage.

• USE AIRPLANE MODE AND BLOCK DATA TO SPECIFIC APPS: I’ll put my phone in Airplane Mode because that disables all data (but GPS still works in Airplane Mode). You can also go into the settings and disable data access to each individual app. I’ll go in and turn every off except for things like Google Maps or others that I’ll use more frequently — this way when I turn off Airplane Mode only those apps that will use data. Then I’ll turn Airplane Mode back on when I’m done.
• DOWNLOAD OFFLINE MAPS: Google Maps lets you download entire city maps so they can be used offline. As a bonus, GPS doesn’t use data so offline Google Maps works fairly well (but not all functionality works). Here is a good  YouTube video  that explains everything.
• SAVE HEAVY PHONE USAGE FOR WIFI: Wait until you’re somewhere with a WiFi connection before you do any heavy streaming or download files.

More Ireland Travel Advice From The Savvy Backpacker

Here are a few of my favorite travel articles to help you plan your trip to Ireland (and throughout Europe):

• The Best Hostels in Dublin
• How Much It Costs To Visit Dublin
• Complete Guide To Train Travel In Europe
• The Best Party Cities in Europe
• The Best Travel Backpacks
• Recent Posts

• Best Prepaid UK eSIM | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 21, 2024
• How to Avoid Pickpockets in Europe — Tips for Outsmarting the Thieves - April 19, 2024
• Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide - April 18, 2024

No Funny Business

The Savvy Backpacker is reader-supported. That means when you buy products/services through links on the site, I may earn an affiliate commission—it doesn’t cost you anything extra and it helps support the site.

Thanks For Reading! — James

Questions? Learn more about our Strict Advertising Policy and How To Support Us .

Related Reads

Best prepaid uk esim | data plan buyer’s guide.

A guide to finding the best prepaid eSIM data plans for visiting the United Kingdom

Best Prepaid eSIM For Italy | Data Plan Buyer’s Guide

A guide to finding the best prepaid eSIM data plans for visiting Italy

Best eSIM For Europe Travel | Everything You Need To Know About European Prepaid eSIM Data Plans

A guide to everything you need to know about using eSIM data plans while traveling through Europe.

phones and technology , Product Reviews

Holafly eSIM Review | Testing The New eSIM Data Plan from Holafly

Testing the unlimited Holafly eSIM data plan to see how it works while traveling in Europe.

City Guides

Choosing travel insurance, travel packing lists, budget travel newsletter.

The best budget travel tips sent straight to your inbox.

Join My Journey

Europe travel tips, advertising & privacy policies.

TheSavvyBackpacker.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

© 2010 - 2024 The Savvy Backpacker

Website Design by FHOKE

• IRELAND – 3 days
• IRELAND – 5 days
• IRELAND – 7 days
• IRELAND – 10 days
• IRELAND – 14 days (Data + Voice)
• IRELAND – 15 days
• IRELAND – 20 days
• IRELAND – 25 days
• IRELAND – 28 days (Data + Voice)
• IRELAND – 30 days
• eSIM Supported List
• How to Set up
• About esimireland.com

No products in the cart.

Getting SIM Card at Ireland Airports Tourists Guide

Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture. For tourist when visiting Ireland, having internet access on your phone can be invaluable for searching map, sharing photos, and staying in touch with family and friends.

The best way to avoid expensive roaming charges and have data calling access when traveling to Ireland is getting a local Ireland SIM card. This guide gives you everything you need to know about purchasing SIM card at Ireland airports.

Table of Contents

1. which airport in ireland offers sim card for tourists.

Dublin, Shannon, and Cork Airport are three main international airports in Ireland. All of them have SIM card vending machines or stores where you can easily purchase when arriving in Ireland.

• Dublin Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ireland. It has a lot of SIM card providers like Lycamobile, 48 Months, and As You Go, located in the Arrivals Halls of both Terminals 1 and 2.

Dublin Airport

• Shannon Airport has Lycamobile and 48 Months SIM card vending machines in the Arrivals Halls. A CallingIreland store located before you exit into the Arrivals area where you can purchase SIM cards.

Shannon Airport

• Cork Airport offers SIM card vending machines from Lycamobile and 48 Months, which are located right after you exit from the luggage belts into the Arrivals Hall.

Cork Airport

It is advisable to buy a SIM card at Ireland airports, as smaller regional airports may have limited availability.

In summary, it’s easy for tourists to buy SIM Card at Ireland airports such as Dublin, Shannon, and Cork.

2. Where to buy SIM card at Ireland airports

Easy to buy SIM Card at Ireland airport s

The easiest places to purchase an Ireland SIM card at Ireland airports are vending machines and dedicated SIM card shops.

Vending Machines: Offer a quick and convenient way to purchase Ireland SIM cards from popular providers like Lycamobile, 48 Months, and As You Go. Simply use cash or a credit/debit card to select your SIM card plan and receive the activated SIM on the spot.

SIM Card Shops: Provide helpful sales assistants and a wide selection of providers/plans. You can discuss your options and requirements with staff to choose the right SIM plan.

You can also buy SIM cards at convenience stores, phone shops, supermarkets, and other retailers outside of the airports.

3. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Ireland airports

Here are some tips on what to prepare to purchase a SIM card at Ireland airports:

• Passport – Make sure to have your passport ready, as you will need to show this as proof of ID when buying a SIM card at Ireland airports.
• Unlocked Phone – Your phone will need to be unlocked to use a different SIM card abroad. Contact your home carrier in advance to request your phone be network unlocked.
• SIM Tool/Paperclip – To physically insert and swap the new SIM card in your phone.
• Cash credit/debit cards – For activating and topping up your SIM card’s balance at the airport.
• Data Needed – Consider how much data you will need during your Ireland trip to choose a suitable SIM card plan.

4. Ireland eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card

Though tourists can buy and use SIM Card at Ireland airports for data, or calling during their Irish trip, eSIM offers a digital alternative. eSIM allows to activate a mobile plan using a QR code or app without physically changing SIM cards.

Here are some benefits when using an Ireland eSIM:

• Activate an Ireland phone plan instantly from your phone. No waiting in airport lines.
• Remote eSIM activation before you even leave home.
• No physical SIM card to potentially lose or damage. Everything is digital.
• Ability to have multiple eSIM cellular plans active simultaneously.

esimireland.com specializes in providing Ireland eSIMs for tourists. It could be convenient to purchase eSIM online and download it onto your phone before your departure.

Are you going to have a vacation in Ireland? Consider using Ireland eSIM from esimireland.com by GIGAGO to stay connected wherever you go. Our eSIMs offer a range of data plans, from 3 days to 1 month, so you can enjoy high-speed 4G/5G wherever you go without the stress of roaming charges. It’s easy to set up – simply scan the QR code on your device and you’re ready to go. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and hello to uninterrupted connectivity at a fraction of the cost.

Convenient eSIM Plans Provide Savings

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting SIM cards at Ireland airports:

What are the best SIM card options at Dublin Airport?

Some top SIM card options at Dublin Airport are Lycamobile, 48 Months, Ready to Go SIMs, and CallingIreland. Lycamobile and 48 Months have vending machines located right in the Arrivals Halls.

Can I use a SIM card from another European country in Ireland?

You can, thanks to EU roaming rules, but you will still incur expensive roaming fees. It is much cheaper to get an Ireland SIM card with a local data plan.

How long does it take to activate an airport SIM card?

Most Ireland airport SIM cards activate instantly. Just insert the SIM in your phone and it will automatically configure carrier settings and activate.

Do I need to show ID or passport when purchasing a SIM card?

Yes, Ireland requires you to show your passport at SIM card retailers and vending machines as proof of identity. Make sure to have it handy at the airport.

Can I use Apple Pay and Google Pay with an Ireland eSIM plan?

Absolutely! eSIM plans fully support all features just like a regular SIM card. You can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, location services, 2-factor authentication, and more.

What is the best Ireland SIM card for tourists visiting multiple countries?

Lycamobile Pay As You Go SIM cards offer very affordable roaming rates in over 80 destinations across Europe and beyond. Great for multi-country trips.

6. Conclusion

Getting a SIM card at Ireland airports is the best way to stay connected throughout your Ireland trip. Dublin, Shannon, and Cork Airports all offer easy SIM card access through vending machines and dedicated shops located right in the terminals.

Top providers to consider include Lycamobile, 48 Months, and CallingIreland. Alternatively, Ireland eSIM provides a digital option to activate a plan remotely from your phone. With affordable data and calling rates, you can conveniently use maps, recommendations, messaging, and more during your Ireland travels.

Get Started

Useful Guide

Username or email address  *

Password  *

Remember me Log in

Getting an Ireland SIM Card in 2024: Prepaid SIM Card in Ireland

By: Author Ruben Arribas

Posted on Published: February 17, 2024  - Last updated: April 2, 2024

Categories Ireland , Sim Cards

Last updated on April 2nd, 2024 at 05:31 am

Looking for the best Sim Card in Ireland for Mobile Data when Traveling?

You came to the right guide!

If you don’t have enough time to read the whole article, Vodafone Ireland sim card is our favorite for coverage and data packages. For the best sim card for Ireland, Vodafone Ireland Sim Card is our top choice for affordability while Holafly and Maya Mobile for eSIM.

In this guide, we will also tell you how to buy a prepaid sim card in Ireland.

Table of Contents

What’s the Cheapest Sim Card in Ireland?

You can find the cheapest sim card in Ireland with Vodafone  for €30 with 30 GB data , unlimited calls and sms plus 100 international minutes.

Alternatives to Sim Card in Ireland – Best eSIM for Ireland

Best Option:  Maya Mobile Unlimited Data  for 30 Days for  $49 USD

You can find the cheapest Irish eSim with Airalo Ireland eSim prepaid for  $5 USD with 1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ). For $9 USD with 3 GB data, for  $13 USD  with  5 GB  data and for  $22.50 USD  with  10 GB  data valid for 30 days.

Holafly Ireland eSim for $19 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  coming with  unlimited  data valid for 5 days. For  $27 USD  with unlimited data for 7 days and for  $34 USD  with unlimited data valid for 10 days.

WHERE TO STAY IN IRELAND

You can access a dorm that can go up to  €18-30.  And while a hotel that is a double room in a budget can go up to  €90 .

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ACCOMMODATION

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE

Two of our favorite travel insurance:  Heymondo Vs Safetwing cheapest travel Insurance . You can get for  $135 USD  your  Heymondo   Travel Insurance  with Heymondo discount code  valid for 90 days. Read our full comparison of  Genki vs Safetywing Travel Insurance Review  and the comparison  Heymondo vs Genki

BEST IRISH SIM CARD FOR TOURIST COMPARED AND BEST PREPAID SIM CARD IN IRELAND

First thing we have to say about Ireland prepaid sim card and data connection is amazing and most of places you will have 4G and I don’t even remember being offline while traveling in Ireland even in remote areas.

We recommend you buy an Ireland sim card in the phone shops in Ireland since it’s cheaper than buying a sim card in Ireland at the airport. If you want to connect online in a hurry it will be useful to leave the airport with your Ireland sim card to order Uber or checking maps to your next destination.

There are 3 phone operators for a sim card in Ireland:  Vodafone Ireland, Three and Eir . All these companies will be working in Schengen are 26 countries in Europe where you will be able to use your Ireland prepaid sim card with the same plans. You will have to bring your passport and register.

BUYING IRELAND SIM CARD IN THE AIRPORT (SIM CARD DUBLIN AIRPORT)

You can get your free Ireland sim card at Dublin airport. You have to top up data packages and minutes if you need. You can do it online or in an official shop. You can also buy an Ireland sim card at Dublin airport.

WHERE TO BUY BEST IRELAND SIM CARD FOR TOURIST

Apart from buying your Irish sim card at Dublin airport , you can buy your Ireland sim card in the official shops. You can check a few prices and packages sometimes they are having great offers for tourists and it will be a great option. Don’t forget your passport and if you buy in the phone shop they will activate for you avoiding the hassle!

BEST PREPAID SIM CARD IN IRELAND COMPARISON

There are 3 phone operators offering a prepaid sim card in Ireland:  Vodafone Ireland, Three and Eir . Regarding coverage almost all of them will provide data connection and phone signal in Ireland. Vodafone Ireland is the largest and my favorite one for €30 with 30 GB data , unlimited calls and sms plus 100 international minutes.

VODAFONE IRELAND SIM CARD

Vodafone sim card Ireland is the largest phone operator with great coverage in the country. You will have to show your passport in the phone store to get a Vodafone prepaid sim card. Check here prices and packages in Vodafone website !

You can get a Vodafone Ireland prepaid data sim for €20 with 10 GB data with unlimited calls and sms. For €20 with 20 GB data plus 100 minutes and 100 SMS.

And for €30 with 30 GB data , unlimited calls and sms plus 100 international minutes. All these packages are valid for 28 days and you can use roaming in Europe.

Hutchison 3 Ireland Sim Card

Three sim card Ireland is the second largest phone operator with great coverage in the country. You will have to show your passport in the phone store and Three prepaid sim card is free or can cost €20 coming with  €20  credit. Check here prices and packages in Three website !

You can get a Three Ireland prepaid sim card for €30 with unlimited data , unlimited domestic calls and sms plus 30 international minutes with only 14 GB data valid in Europe. It’s valid for 28 days.

MORE PREPAID SIM CARD IN IRELAND

Eir ireland sim card.

Eir sim card Ireland is the third largest phone operator in Ireland with competitive prices. Check here prices and packages in Three website !

You can get an Eir Ireland prepaid sim card for €20 with 80 GB data in Ireland and only 9.3 GB in Europe with unlimited calls and sms. For €30 with 80 GB data in Ireland and only 14 GB in Europe with unlimited calls and sms. Both of them valid for 28 days.

eSIM in Ireland – Alternatives to Ireland Sim Card

Maya esim ireland, europe+ esim plan.

See the plan prices below:

• 1 GB for 30 days for $5 USD
• 3 GB for 30 days for $9 USD
• 5 GB for 30 days for $14 USD
• 10 GB for 30 days for $24 USD
• Europe Unlimited Data for 30 Days for $49 USD

Check Maya eSIM  data packages and our detailed Maya eSIM review

HOLAFLY IRELAND ESIM DISCOUNT CODE

Holafly Ireland eSim is our favorite since we are always looking for unlimited data options or huge data packages. Holafly Ireland eSim for less than $65 USD  if you use our code  GAMINTRAVELER  you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in Ireland for just  $2 USD  per day.

The data plans with Holafly eSim Ireland start at  $19 USD  for 5 days for unlimited data. If you choose 10 days unlimited data  $34 USD , for  $47 USD  15 days unlimited data and  $69 USD  unlimited data for 30 days all of them with unlimited data.

AIRALO IRELAND ESIM DISCOUNT CODE

Airalo  Ireland eSim is a good alternative to have internet in   Ireland but you won’t be having unlimited internet service with them. Plans with Airalo eSim Ireland prepaid start at $9 USD with 3 GB data, for  $13 USD  with  5 GB  data valid for 30 days. For  $22.50 USD  with  10 GB  data valid for 30 days.

The cheapest eSim in Ireland with Airalo is  $5 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

Nomad eSim Ireland

Nomad eSim Ireland for  $6 USD  with  1 GB  data valid for 7 days can be a great idea if you aren’t planning to use so much data. Plans with Nomad eSim Ireland prepaid start at  $12 USD  with  3 GB  data valid for 30 days. For  $17 USD  with  5 GB  data valid for 30 days.

You can buy a Nomad eSim in Ireland for $24 USD with 10 GB data and for $34 USD with 20 GB data valid for 30 days.

UBIGI IRELAND ESIM

Ubigi Ireland eSim for $8 USD with 1 GB data valid for 30 days and for $12 USD with 3 GB data valid for 30 days. ( USING DISCOUNT CODE GAMINTRAVELER 10% ).

OUR FINAL THOUGHTS AND RECOMMENDATION ON BEST IRELAND SIM CARD FOR TOURISTS

For the best sim card in Ireland, Vodafone Ireland Sim Card is our top choice for affordability while Holafly and Maya Mobile for eSIM.

If you ask me for the best Sim Card Ireland for tourist, I would go for the cheapest sim card Ireland with Vodafone prepaid Ireland sim card for €30 with 30 GB data , unlimited calls and sms plus 100 international minutes.

There are many promotions in their shops and data packages are so affordable. Just think that later you will be able to use in  Schengen area  in Europe.

About the Author : Ruben , co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues to share his travel experiences alongside his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.

Best Ireland eSim For Tourist And How To Buy A Prepaid eSim in Ireland (Discount Code) - Gamintraveler

Tuesday 16th of August 2022

[…] Make sure you check Holafly eSim for less than $65 USD if you use our code GAMINTRAVELER you will have unlimited internet for 30 days in Ireland just $2 USD per day. Read here best Ireland sim card for tourist […]

Best Netherlands Sim Card For Tourist And How To Buy A Prepaid Sim Card in Netherlands (Updated 2022) - Gamintraveler

Sunday 10th of July 2022

[…] here Ireland sim card for tourist, Czech sim card for tourist, Germany sim card for tourist, Belgium sim card for tourist, Luxembourg […]

Do I need a car in Ireland? (BONUS: 5 Incredible places to visit with a car) - Relax Ireland, The Holiday Home Experts

Sunday 13th of February 2022

[…] a device with GPS capabilities, it would be so much cheaper for you to bring the one you have and just get a SIM card in […]

Best Poland Sim Card For Tourist And How To Buy A Prepaid Sim Card in Poland - Gamintraveler

Friday 17th of December 2021

[…] here Ireland sim card for tourist, Czech sim card for tourist, Hungary sim card for tourist, Slovakia sim card for […]

How To Get From Doncaster Airport To Sheffield - All Possible Ways - Gamintraveler

Tuesday 7th of December 2021

[…] airport to city center, Liverpool airport to Leeds, Birmingham airport to city center, Ireland sim card for tourist, Irish food, Belfast airport to Manchester, Cardiff airport to city center Manchester airport […]

Best sellers

Regional plans

• North America
• Latin America
• United Kingdom

All destinations

• Bosnia and Herzegovina
• Central African Republic
• Democratic Republic of Congo
• Dominican Republic
• Czech Republic
• El Salvador
• Faroe Islands
• Isle of Man
• Ivory Coast
• Liechtenstein
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea
• Philippines
• Puerto Rico
• Republic of Congo
• Saudi Arabia
• South Africa
• South Korea
• St. Pierre and Miquelon
• Switzerland
• The Netherlands
• Trinidad and Tobago
• Turks and Caicos
• United Arab Emirates

You haven't added products to the cart

Total: EUR € 0,00

Continue shopping

Choose a currency

Suggested languages

iPhone XS Max

iPhone 11 Pro

iPhone 11 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2020)

iPhone 12 Mini

iPhone 12 Pro

iPhone 12 Pro Max

iPhone 13 mini

iPhone 13 Pro

iPhone 13 Pro Max

iPhone SE (2022)

iPhone 14 Plus

iPhone 14 Pro

iPhone 14 Pro Max

iPad Pro (2018 and onwards)

Watch series 3

Watch series 4

Watch series 5

Watch series 6

Pixel 6 Pro

Pixel 7 Pro

P40 Pro (not including the P40 Pro +)

Mate 40 Pro

Galaxy Z Flip

Galaxy Z Flip 5G

Galaxy Z Flip3 5G

Galaxy Z Flip4

Galaxy Fold

Galaxy Z Fold2 5G

Galaxy Z Fold3 5G

Galaxy Z Fold4

Galaxy S21+ 5G

Galaxy S21 Ultra 5G

Galaxy S22+

Galaxy S22 Ultra

Galaxy Note 20 Ultra 5G 

Galaxy Note 20

Galaxy S23+

Galaxy S23 Ultra

Galaxy S20 Ultra 5G

Rakuten Mini

Find X3 Pro

Find X5 Pro

Xperia 10 III Lite 

Xperia 10 IV

Xperia 1 IV

Xperia 5 IV

Magic 4 Pro

Aquos Sense6s

Check out our guide on how to find out if my device is eSIM compatible or contact us on our online chat

• eSIM Data Plans

Best eSIM for Dublin: Which one should I buy?

The eSIM card for Dublin is everything you need to make your trip the best ever, and keep you connected to the internet at all times.

Leoneska R.

September 2, 2023

In this article

Holafly saves you +30% compared to other roaming fees

Plans that may interest you

Dublin is the capital of Ireland and is a place worth visiting. It has beautiful natural landscapes, full of green spaces, as well as its Dublin Castle and St. Patrick’s Cathedral. That’s why if your next travel destination is this place, don’t forget to take the best eSIM Ireland for Dublin. 

The eSIM is an alternative that will allow you to stay connected to the internet throughout your trip. So, you will not lose contact with your family and friends, and you will be able to share on social media your entire trip to Dublin. Read on to learn about the eSIM, its features, advantages, and even where to buy it. 

Unlimited data eSIM for Dublin

Buy an Unlimited data Ireland eSIM for Dublin with a 5% OFF. Code: MYESIMNOW5

Where can I buy an eSIM for Dublin?

Currently, it is very simple to acquire an eSIM card. You just need to have a compatible cell phone and buy your eSIM for Dublin through one of the following options: 

• International online stores: This is an excellent option in case you want to purchase your eSIM in advance, which will allow you to have your eSIM installed in advance. An excellent example of online stores is Holafly. 
• Local Irish carrier stores: Upon arrival in Ireland, you will most likely find local carrier stores with which you can also purchase internet connectivity services. However, keep in mind that with this option, you will not have internet connectivity as soon as you arrive in Dublin. 

Also, if it turns out that your cell phone is incompatible with eSIM cards, through the above options, you can purchase a prepaid SIM card for Ireland , with which you will also be able to connect to the internet. 

(You may be interested in the Best eSIM card for Tallinn )

What is an eSIM?  

Can you imagine having your standard SIM card digitally ? You won’t need to install a physical card on your cell phone. Well, it does exist, and it’s called an eSIM card. These devices are embedded in many of the latest phone models and are activated through QR codes or activation codes. They have become very popular among travelers because of their ease of purchase and activation. 

Advantages of an eSIM for Dublin.

If you purchase Holafly’s eSIM for Ireland , it will allow you to connect effortlessly during your stay in Dublin, with the following advantages of the eSIM: 

• This eSIM uses Vodafone Ireland Limited (Hutchison), and Three Ireland two of the best eSIM providers in the country.
• You can complete the purchase process online and receive your eSIM card in minutes!
• It is very easy to set up by scanning your QR code, and you will be able to connect instantly to the internet in Dublin. 
• You will be able to enjoy unlimited data with Holafly eSIMs. Not just in Ireland, this is included in French eSIMs and many more destinations! 
• You have 120 minutes to make and receive international calls
• You can call and message all your contacts on WhatsApp .
• With Holafly, you will have 24 hours a day customer service , so if you experience any problem with your eSIM, you can contact them by email or chat. 

Remember that this is a very easy-to-acquire option. So if you live in a country outside Europe, the eSIM card is your best option, as you will not need any physical delivery. 

How do I activate my eSIM card for Dublin?

As we mentioned before, acquiring and activating an eSIM card is very simple. The first thing you should do is go to Holafly’s official website and search for your destination. Then you will have to choose the plan that best suits your needs and proceed with the purchase . 

At the end of your purchase, you will receive an email with the QR code to activate your eSIM card. You only have to scan the QR code on your cellphone, and the eSIM card will be installed . We recommend that you rename the eSIM card so that you can differentiate it from your physical SIM card. 

Finally, you should activate data roaming on the eSIM card only when you land in Dublin so that you can connect to the internet. 

(You may be interested in the Best eSIM card for Jakarta )

How much does a Holafly eSIM card for Dublin cost?

With the eSIM card for Ireland, you will be able to connect to the internet in Dublin, and Holafly has the following plans available: 

Bringing an eSIM with unlimited data on your trip will be the best thing that can happen to you since you won’t have to worry about top-ups or running out of data. And luckily you can buy any of Holafly’s plans and enjoy unlimited data.

Advantages of the virtual SIM card vs. the physical SIM card for Dublin

We know that both the eSIM card and the prepaid SIM card are excellent options that will allow you to stay connected to the internet during your trip to Dublin. However, it is clear that the eSIM card has some advantages over the other option. Starting with the fact that acquiring a virtual SIM card is straightforward since you can do it online. 

On the other hand, the eSIM card is an elementary alternative to activate since, in most cases, you will only need to scan a QR code, and that’s it. You’ll be connected to the internet. Also, eSIM cards tend to be much cheaper than prepaid SIM cards since they do not require a physical card, thus reducing many provider costs. 

And following the previous idea, the eSIM card does not need physical material, so it does not pollute. This is an excellent option for people who wish to care for the world. Finally, many eSIMs include unlimited data , such as Holafly eSIM.

You may be interested to know about the best eSIMs for Galway .

Vodafone eSIM card for Dublin.

Vodafone is Ireland’s largest cell phone operator and is also the oldest in the country. Once you arrive in Dublin, the most accessible and most convenient place to purchase an internet service for Ireland is upon arrival at Dublin Airport. The characteristics of Vodafone’s services are as follows:

• It has the most extensive 4G/LTE coverage.
• Vodafone Ireland was the first provider to launch eSIM support for all capable eSIM devices. This applies to their prepaid SIMs as well.
• Vodafone SIM cards are technically free in Vodafone stores. However, you are expected to top up or purchase a plan on the spot.
• Vodafone does not offer 5G NR to prepaid customers.

Three eSIM cards for Dublin.

Also known as Three Ireland (Hutchison) Limited, it is the second-largest cellular operator in Ireland. Three has extensive coverage throughout Ireland , and you can purchase one of its internet connectivity services through its physical stores. Please note that Three does not offer prepaid eSIMs for tourists. However, you can purchase one of the tourist SIM cards with the following features: 

• Three tariffs have good pricing.
• No prepaid eSIM is offered yet.
• Three has extensive coverage throughout Ireland with 3G and 4G coverage.
• Tethering is not restricted. However, Broadband micro-SIMs don’t support personal hotspot use on iPads (3 or 4)

Which is the best eSIM for Dublin?  

Definitely, the best eSIM card for Dublin is the one from Holafly. It will allow you to connect to one of the best internet networks in Ireland. Besides, they have different plans with very affordable costs and unlimited data. Also, remember that Holafly is one of the online stores with the best customer service, so if you encounter any problems, they will help you solve them quickly. 

Frequent questions about the best eSIM for Dublin

Your plan will start when you activate your eSIM by scanning the QR code on your smartphone.

We recommend you set up your eSIM before your departure. Once you reach your destination, activate the data plan and turn on data roaming. Also, we recommend you print the QR code and take it with you on your trip, just in case. Remember that you need internet access to activate the eSIM. The setup is quick, and you can enjoy your data plan immediately.

The Holafly eSIM offers maximum speed coverage (4GLTE). But remember that there may be a lower speed connection in some areas of limited coverage.

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to share data with other devices. Even though, remember that you’ll have unlimited data during all your trip.

 Recommendations to choose the best eSIM for Dublin.

To finish with this article, we would like to leave you some recommendations that you can consider before purchasing your eSIM for Dublin and at the moment of using it. 

• Purchasing your eSIM card before starting your trip is a must, as it will allow you to connect to the internet once you arrive in Dublin. 
• If you are not using your phone, we recommend keeping your data off. 
• If your cellular phone does not support eSIMs, remember that you can also purchase a prepaid SIM card, which is very similar to an eSIM.
• Verify that your cellphone has the bands unlocked , so you can be sure that you will be able to connect to the internet when you arrive in Dublin. 
• With the European unlimited data eSIM card from Holafly, people can travel and stay connected in Dublin and other major cities of the continent.

We hope that all the information provided will be of great help to you. Remember that preparing your trip in advance will help you enjoy it to the fullest! If you want to know about eSIMs for other destinations, we invite you to visit our blog. 

Related reading

Best eSIM for Dubai: Which one to buy?

This article will tell you everything you need to know about this Dubai eSIM. Advantages, features, prices, and so much...

Best eSIM for Lisbon: Which one to buy?

Staying connected on your trip is easier with an eSIM. Discover the best options for tourists from Holafly, MEO and Vodafone with their eSIM for...

Best eSIM for Ljubljana: Which one should I buy?

If you have doubts about which service you can take to Ljubljana, you need to know everything related to the Holafly...

Free eSIM with mobile data: How to get it?

Did you know that you can acquire an eSIM for free and get mobile data? Is easy as ABC! Learn about the requirements and the process...

• Privacy Overview
• Strictly Necessary Cookies
• Statistic Cookies
• Marketing Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookies should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

This website uses Google Analytics to collect anonymous information such as the number of visitors to the site, and the most popular pages.

Keeping this cookie enabled helps us to improve our website.

Please enable Strictly Necessary Cookies first so that we can save your preferences!

This website uses the following additional cookies:

(List the cookies that you are using on the website here.)