Ireland’s mobile market is dominated by three major operators – Vodafone, Three, and Eir – each covering roughly 99% of the population. This guide breaks down Irish mobile phone networks, prepaid vs contract plans, and dialing formats. You’ll learn how to compare carriers, understand data and roaming, and format Irish numbers correctly for domestic or international calls. Whether you live here or are visiting, this Irish mobile phone guide will help you choose the best network and plan.
Mobile Networks in Ireland
Ireland’s three main networks provide nationwide coverage:
- Vodafone Ireland – A leading carrier with ~35% market share and over 2 million subscribers. Vodafone claims 99% 4G coverage island-wide and launched 5G service in major areas. It offers both prepaid and contract plans (including bundled TV/broadband options) and is known for reliable high-speed service.
- Three Ireland – Operates under the “3” brand, with ~25% market share and about 2 million customers. Three also covers ~99% of the population with 4G and provides high-speed 5G in all counties. It tends to offer competitive SIM-only deals (prepaid SIMs start around €10) and was an early adopter of eSIM technology.
- Eir – Formerly Eircell/Meteor, Eir has ~30% market share and serves roughly 1 million mobile customers. It covers 99% of Ireland with 4G and is steadily rolling out 5G network service. Eir’s plans often target combined mobile and broadband customers, with mid-range pricing (around €15–25/month).
In addition to these carriers, Ireland has many MVNOs (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) that lease network access from the big three. Popular MVNOs include 48 (Three’s network), Tesco Mobile (Three), Virgin Mobile (Three), Lycamobile (Three), GoMo (Eir), Clear Mobile (Vodafone), and An Post Mobile (Vodafone). In total there are 11+ providers in Ireland. MVNOs typically offer cheaper SIM-only plans or pay-as-you-go (PAYG) options, though they may not have network priority or handset bundles. All major operators (and many MVNOs) now provide both prepaid and postpaid services, with widespread 5G support and specialized deals (e.g. student plans, extra roaming).
Comparing Networks
- Coverage: Vodafone and Three boast the widest 4G/5G coverage (over 99% 4G). Eir’s coverage is comparable in urban areas (95%+) but lags slightly in rural spots. Use official network maps or the regulator’s coverage check to see which signal is strongest in your location.
- Speeds: Independent tests show Three currently delivers the fastest average 4G speeds (~70+ Mbps), with Vodafone around ~60 Mbps. Both are rapidly expanding 5G.
- Customer Service & Extras: Vodafone often wins awards for service and offers perks like discounts on EU roaming or streaming subscriptions. Three and Eir bundle deals with broadband and TV, which can save money if you need multiple services.
- Pricing: All networks range roughly €10–30 per month for typical plans. Prepaid SIMs are cheapest (starting ~€10 including data). Three generally has the most affordable pay-as-you-go and SIM-only plans, while Vodafone’s network tends to cost more, and Eir sits in the middle.
When choosing, consider your data usage, contract length, and whether you need a new phone. Prepaid (no-contract) plans offer flexibility, whereas monthly contracts may include a handset or extras like free data roaming.
Mobile Plans & Pricing
Irish providers offer Prepaid (Pay-As-You-Go) and Postpaid (Contract/Bill Pay) plans, as well as SIM-only deals. Key differences:
- Prepaid (PAYG) – No contract. You buy a SIM and top up credit as needed (via vouchers, store, or online). Good for visitors or those on a tight budget. Rates per text/call are fixed, and data bundles (e.g. 1–30 GB) can be purchased.
- Postpaid/Contract – Monthly billing with optional device financing. Contracts often include unlimited texts/calls and larger data allowances. They may offer better per-unit cost for heavy users, but require credit checks and lock you in for 12–24 months. Look for bundled perks (streaming services, extra EU roaming, etc.).
- SIM-Only – Available on both prepaid and contract bases, these plans exclude a phone. Often sold on 30-day rollover basis. Good if you have an unlocked phone already.
Most plans include EU roaming “like at home” at no extra charge. (Ireland follows the EU Roaming Regulation, so you can use data/calls in other EU countries just like in Ireland.) However, fair-use limits apply on unlimited plans, and data speed may be capped abroad, so check your provider’s fair-use policy.
Pricing Examples: 2025 market surveys show typical plan prices as follows:
- Prepaid SIM starter packs (with some data) from ~€10.
- SIM-only monthly plans (unlimited texts/calls + a few dozen GB) ~€15–€25.
- Unlimited data plans (5G where available) ~€30+ per month.
Operators often run promotions, so shop around. MVNOs like 48 or GoMo may undercut the big networks on price, but compare coverage and fine print before switching.
Buying a SIM or eSIM
Getting connected is easy: buy a SIM card from an operator store, electronics retailer, or the airport. Key options:
- Operator Retailers/Websites: You can order prepaid or contract SIM cards online (for delivery) or visit Vodafone, Three, or Eir shops. These offer the widest selection of plans.
- Supermarkets & Stores: Supermarkets, convenience stores (e.g. Centra/Gala), and mobile kiosks sell prepaid SIM packages and top-up vouchers. Vouchers (Payzone, Tesco, etc.) let you quickly add credit to a prepaid SIM.
- Airport/Tourist Shops: If you need service right upon arrival, kiosks at Dublin or other airports sell tourist SIMs from major networks.
- Online eSIMs: Most major carriers now support eSIM (digital SIM) profiles for compatible iPhones/Androids. You can purchase an Irish eSIM online (instant email delivery) instead of a physical SIM. Three and Vodafone already offer eSIM activation online, and Eir is rolling it out.
Remember: Irish law requires you to register your SIM with an ID (usually a passport or EU driving license) when purchasing a plan. Always ask if roaming in EU is included. For flexibility, prepaid is great; for more data and perks, a postpaid SIM-only or phone contract may be worth it.
Irish Mobile Number Format
Irish mobile numbers always have 10 digits and start with 08. For example: 087 123 4567 or 089 987 6543. (The second digit 3–9 used to hint at the original network, but number portability means you can keep your number when switching providers, so the prefix no longer guarantees the carrier.)
Key dialing rules:
- National calls (within Ireland): Dial the full 10-digit number including the leading
0. E.g. call a Dublin landline as01 234 5678, or a mobile as085 123 4567. - International calls to Ireland: Dial your international prefix (+ or 00), then Ireland’s country code
353, then the Irish number without its initial0. Example:+353 85 123 4567calls the same mobile above from abroad. - International calling from Ireland: To call abroad from an Irish mobile, dial
00(or+on smartphones), the country code, and number.
For completeness: Irish landline area codes vary (Dublin 01, Cork 021, Limerick 061, etc. – see ComReg for full list). There are special service codes too: toll-free numbers start with 1800, shared-cost with 1850, and premium (adult or business lines) with 15xx. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 (EU standard) or 999 – these work even without airtime or a SIM.
Staying Connected (Roaming & Extras)
Because Ireland is in the EU, your Irish mobile plan allows EU roaming at no extra charge. That means you can use data, text, and call allowances in EU/EEA countries just as at home (though “fair use” data caps may apply on unlimited plans). If you travel outside the EU, standard international roaming rates or add-on packages will apply.
5G Networks: All major networks launched 5G (since 2019) in major cities and towns. Vodafone and Three generally cover all 26 counties with 5G, while Eir’s 5G is growing. To use 5G, you need a 5G-capable handset and plan. Note that 5G coverage is strongest in urban centers; in rural areas you’ll likely connect to 4G LTE.
Tips for Choosing a Plan
- Assess Usage: Track your monthly data/call usage (from your old bill or usage stats). If you use lots of video streaming or hotspot, go for higher data allowances or unlimited plans.
- Check Coverage: Use online coverage maps or ask locals which network has best reception in your area (especially if rural). See each carrier’s site or the regulator’s map.
- Consider Extras: Some plans include bonus data, roaming in more countries, or perks like Spotify/Netflix subscriptions. Family plans (multiple SIMs) can save money if you have several lines.
- Lock-in vs Flexibility: If you want low cost and flexibility, stick with no-contract prepaid or short-term SIM plans. If you need a new phone or unlimited data, a 12- or 24-month contract might be better.
- Customer Service: If support is important, note that some providers (like Vodafone) have extensive retail stores nationwide, while MVNOs may only operate online or through partners.
Finally, whenever possible, compare current deals across providers. Websites and stores often list limited-time offers, like extra data on signup. Remember that promotional discounts may expire after the first 6–12 months, so check the long-term cost.
FAQs
Q: What are the main Irish mobile network operators?
A: Ireland’s three main carriers are Vodafone, Three, and Eir. These networks operate their own infrastructure and cover nearly the entire country with 4G/5G service. In addition, over a dozen other brands (MVNOs) lease network access from them to sell cheaper plans.
Q: How do I dial an Irish mobile number from abroad?
A: Use the country code +353 and drop the leading 0. For example, to reach Irish mobile number 085 123 4567, dial +353 85 123 4567. This replaces the initial 0 with +353. (If calling from the UK, you could dial 00 353 85 123 4567.)
Q: Is prepaid (PAYG) cheaper than contract plans?
A: Generally, prepaid (pay-as-you-go) plans have no monthly fee, so they can be cheaper if you use very little. However, contracted monthly plans often include more data, free calls/texts, and perks like EU roaming at no extra cost. For example, a basic prepaid SIM might cost ~€10 with limited data, whereas unlimited contracts start around €30. Choose based on your usage: low users often save with prepaid; heavy users might get better value from a contract.
Q: Can I use my Irish SIM card in other EU countries?
A: Yes. By EU law, all Irish mobile plans allow free roaming in the EU/EEA (up to fair-use limits). This means you can call, text, and use data abroad in EU countries as if you were in Ireland. Just be mindful of any usage caps mentioned by your provider. Roaming outside the EU will incur extra charges unless you have a specific international roaming add-on.
Q: How do Irish mobile phone numbers work (format and prefixes)?
A: Irish mobile numbers are 10 digits long and start with 08. For example, 087 987 6543. The digit after 08 originally denoted the network operator, but due to number portability this no longer reliably indicates the carrier. Always dial the full 10 digits for both local and national calls. For international calls to Ireland use +353 and omit the first 0.
Conclusion
Choosing the right Irish mobile phone network and plan depends on your needs for coverage, data, and budget. In summary, Vodafone, Three, and Eir each offer nationwide 4G/5G service. Compare their prepaid and contract plans to find the best fit, and remember that Irish mobile numbers always start with 08 and use country code +353 for international dialing.
We hope this Irish mobile phone guide helps you stay connected. Found it useful? Feel free to share this article and let us know your questions or experiences in the comments. Happy calling!
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