Mobile Networks and Getting Connected in Ireland: Complete Guide for 2024-2025

Overview of Ireland's Mobile Market

Ireland's telecommunications landscape is competitive and advanced, featuring three major network operators and numerous virtual providers offering excellent coverage across the country. Despite perceptions of Ireland as expensive, mobile costs are actually reasonable, with comprehensive plans available for under €15 monthly.

The Three Major Networks

Three Ireland

Three Ireland holds the distinction of being Ireland's fastest mobile network according to Ookla analysis of Speedtest Intelligence data from Q3-Q4 2024. The network provides 99% 4G population coverage with extensive 5G deployment in major cities.

Coverage: Strong in metropolitan areas with solid rural coverage. The network uses the Three infrastructure, which offers extensive reach across Ireland.

Strengths:

• Fastest network speeds

• Competitive pricing

• Strong 4G calling support

• Good data allowances

Weaknesses:

• Call signal (3G) coverage is the least widespread, particularly in western counties

• Building penetration can be challenging without 4G calling enabled

Vodafone Ireland

Vodafone was the first network to launch 5G in Ireland and has invested heavily in tower upgrades. The company maintains one of the most comprehensive networks with coverage exceeding 99% 4G population coverage and expanding 5G.

Strengths:

• First to market with 5G

• Excellent 4G coverage nationwide

• Strong building penetration

• Premium network quality

• Often includes bonuses like Spotify Premium or Amazon Prime with plans

Pricing: Higher than competitors, with cheapest package at €20 monthly including 100 minutes, texts, international minutes, Happy rewards loyalty program, and 40GB EU data roaming.

Eir Mobile

Once a state-owned telecom company (Eircom), Eir has transformed into a competitive mobile provider. They've updated almost all base stations, launched 5G, and now compete effectively with the major providers on coverage and speed.

Coverage: Over 99% 4G population coverage with growing 5G network, particularly strong in Dublin and other major cities.

Strengths:

• Most stable 5G connection quality

• Competitive pricing (often lower than Vodafone)

• Combo packages with home Wi-Fi available

• Partnerships with banks, insurance, and educational platforms

• Transparent, straightforward tariffs

Pricing: Plans from €14.99 monthly with unlimited 5G, unlimited calls throughout Ireland, 45GB data for European use, and 10,000 messages within Ireland.

Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)

MVNOs lease network infrastructure from the major providers while offering competitive pricing and flexible terms. These providers deliver identical coverage to their parent networks at significantly lower costs.

GoMo (Operates on Eir Network)

GoMo has revolutionized the Irish market with its price-for-life guarantee, attracting over 250,000 customers.

Plan Details:

• €12.99 monthly for life (guaranteed no price increases)

• Unlimited calls, texts, and 5G data in Ireland

• 19GB of 5G data when roaming in the EU

• 99% 5G population coverage

• eSIM available (digital, no plastic required)

• Rolling 30-day contract (cancel anytime)

• WiFi calling included

Awards: Switcher.ie Awards for Best Value Mobile Network of the Year 2025, Best Mobile Network for Data 2025, and Bonkers.ie Best SIM-Only Deal 2024.

GoMo represents exceptional value and has been praised for maintaining its price promise while delivering comprehensive coverage.

48 (Operates on Three Network)

Originally launched in 2012 as Ireland's first youth-focused digital mobile brand, 48 relaunched in 2020 targeting the broader SIM-only market.

Plan Details:

• €12.99 monthly

• 5,000 minutes anytime calls

• 5,000 texts

• Unlimited 5G data (truly unlimited with no fair usage cap)

• Regularly offers first month free for new sign-ups

• Try before you buy: All SIMs come with free 1GB to test network

• 99% 4G population coverage

48 provides the lowest-cost unlimited data option in Ireland, making it perfect for heavy data users.

Virgin Mobile (Operates on Three Network)

Virgin Mobile offers competitive pricing, particularly for existing Virgin Media broadband customers.

Plan Details:

• €25 monthly (regular price)

• €20 monthly for Virgin Media broadband customers

• Regular promotional discounts (€5-€10 off first few months)

• Unlimited calls, texts, and 4G data

• Fair usage policy: 10,000 minutes and 10,000 texts monthly

• 27GB EU roaming data monthly

• Rolling monthly contract

• WiFi calling available

Virgin's integration with existing broadband services provides excellent value for households already using their services.

Sky Mobile (Operates on Vodafone Network)

Sky Ireland launched mobile services in September 2024, operating through a long-term wholesale partnership with Vodafone.

Plan Details:

• €15 monthly for life

• Unlimited calls, texts, and 5G data

• Over 99% 4G coverage and 5G coverage nationwide

• 4G calling included as standard

• Worldwide roaming available in 150+ countries

• 'Roam like home' service in 44 countries including UK and EU

• SIM-only plans or SIM with handsets (Samsung, Xiaomi, HMD)

Sky's competitive pricing and Vodafone network access make it an attractive new option.

Clear Mobile (Operates on Eir Network)

Clear Mobile delivers excellent value with promotional offers for switchers.

Plan Details:

• €12.99 monthly activation fee

• First month FREE promotional offer

• Unlimited 5G coverage

• 99% 4G population coverage

• Unlimited calls, anytime 10,000 texts, unlimited data

• Rolling 30-day contract

Awards: Voted Best SIM-Only Bill Pay Plan at Switcher.ie Awards 2024 and Best SIM-Only Deal at Bonkers.ie Awards 2025.

Pay-As-You-Go Options

For those preferring flexibility without monthly contracts, pay-as-you-go plans are available from all providers. SIM cards can be purchased at phone shops, supermarkets, petrol stations, and newsagents throughout Ireland. Recharge vouchers are widely available at the same locations.

Coverage Considerations

Urban vs. Rural

Metropolitan areas (Dublin, Cork, Galway, Limerick) enjoy excellent 4G and growing 5G coverage from all providers. Rural areas have solid 4G coverage, though 5G remains limited to major towns and cities.

Indoor Coverage

Indoor coverage can vary significantly based on building construction and interference. All major Irish networks offer WiFi calling, which uses your broadband WiFi connection instead of the mobile network for calls when mobile signal is poor. Simply enable WiFi calling on your phone and connect to your home WiFi.

ComReg Coverage Checker

ComReg (Commission for Communications Regulation) provides a coverage checker tool showing 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage for your specific area. This tool breaks down coverage by network, helping you choose the provider with best coverage for your location.

Additional Features and Considerations

eSIM Availability

Many providers now offer eSIM (electronic SIM), eliminating the need for physical SIM cards. This digital option is greener, faster to activate, and convenient for travelers. GoMo, Sky Mobile, and other modern providers support eSIM.

EU Roaming

All Irish networks include EU roaming, allowing you to use your calls, texts, and data throughout the European Union. Data allowances for roaming vary by provider:

• GoMo: 19GB

• Virgin Mobile: 27GB (later increased to 37GB)

• 48: Unlimited (within fair usage)

• Sky Mobile: 'Roam like home' in 44 countries

International Calling

For those needing to call internationally, several providers offer add-on packs:

• Virgin Mobile: €5 monthly for 350 minutes to USA, Canada, and 44 European destinations

• Most providers charge standard international rates without add-ons

Number Portability

Switching providers while keeping your existing number is straightforward. When signing up with your new provider, simply indicate you want to port your number, provide your current provider's name and your account number, and select the date for the transfer (minimum 3 days ahead). The transfer typically completes within 24-48 hours.

Contract Terms

Most SIM-only plans operate on rolling monthly contracts, allowing cancellation at any time without penalties. Some providers (like Virgin Mobile) require 12-month commitments but still allow cancellation with potential early termination fees.

Choosing the Right Provider

For Budget-Conscious Users

GoMo and 48 offer the best value at €12.99 monthly with unlimited data and no price increases.

For Heavy Data Users

48 provides truly unlimited data with no fair usage caps, making it ideal for streaming, gaming, and tethering.

For Premium Network Quality

Vodafone delivers the most reliable network with extensive coverage, though at higher prices.

For Virgin Media Customers

Virgin Mobile at €20 monthly (for existing broadband customers) provides excellent value with generous EU roaming.

For Network Speed

Three (or MVNOs using Three) offers Ireland's fastest mobile network according to Ookla data.

For 5G Coverage

Vodafone and Eir (and their MVNOs) provide the most extensive 5G networks.

Application Process

Required Information

• Valid photo ID (passport or driver's license)

• Proof of address (may not be required for all providers)

• Irish bank account details (for direct debit payments)

• PPS Number (may be required by some providers)

Steps

1. Choose your provider and plan

2. Order SIM card or eSIM online

3. Receive SIM (typically 1-3 business days)

4. Activate online or via app

5. Port existing number if desired

6. Start using your new service

Tips for International Students and Expats

Temporary Accommodation

If you don't yet have proof of Irish address, some providers like Revolut or N26 (banking apps with mobile services) don't require Irish proof of address initially. Alternatively, digital-only Irish providers often have less stringent address requirements.

Testing Networks

Take advantage of "try before you buy" offers like 48's free 1GB starter SIM to test network coverage in your specific area before committing.

Temporary Visitors

For short stays, consider eSIM providers like Holafly offering unlimited data for specific durations (few days to weeks) without long-term commitments.

Recent Market Developments

Yippay Launch

Ireland's major banks received approval to launch Yippay through Synch Payments DAC, an app enabling instant person-to-person and person-to-business transactions. This positions Yippay as a potential competitor to services like Revolut, integrating mobile payments with banking services.

Declining Costs

It's now possible to get all the data, calls, and texts needed for less than €15 monthly, with some plans as low as €10. This represents excellent value compared to many European countries.

Contract Transparency

Irish providers have become increasingly transparent with pricing, and the days of unexpected price increases are largely over, particularly with providers like GoMo offering price-for-life guarantees.

Final Recommendations

For most users, GoMo or 48 represent the best value propositions in the Irish market, offering unlimited data, calls, and texts for €12.99 monthly with excellent network coverage. Those prioritizing premium network quality should consider Vodafone or Eir directly, while Virgin Media customers benefit significantly from bundling mobile with existing broadband services.

The key is identifying your priorities—network speed, data allowance, EU roaming capacity, or price—and choosing the provider that best matches your needs. With Ireland's competitive market, excellent options exist for every budget and usage pattern.