How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Ireland?

Heading to Ireland soon? While packing your belongings and planning your itinerary, don’t forget to consider how you’ll stay connected and get around. Reliable data access can make a huge difference, from navigating transport to staying in touch.

One of the easiest ways to avoid high roaming charges is to swap your UK SIM for an Irish SIM card. This ensures seamless access to maps, translation apps and other essential services without relying on Wi-Fi.

And if you need a cost-effective way to handle your finances across borders, check out the Wise card. It can help you get ready for your stay in Ireland and save money while travelling abroad. You can pay and withdraw cash like a local for low fees* and at the mid-market exchange rate.

Why should you buy a prepaid SIM card when travelling to Ireland from the UK?

Although it might seem like an extra travel expense, getting an Ireland SIM card can actually help you save money. Most UK phone plans don’t include international calls or data, meaning you could face steep charges for using your phone abroad. A local SIM is a cost-effective alternative, allowing you to stay connected without worrying about unexpected fees.

With an Ireland SIM, you can easily keep in touch with loved ones and share updates on your travels, all without relying on Wi-Fi or trying to find a connection. It also gives you seamless access to essential travel apps like maps and translation services, making it easier to navigate your trip.

If you’re still unsure about getting a local SIM, international roaming is always an option. Networks such as VOXI or Virgin Mobile offer global roaming packages that cover Ireland. Some other providers, like Tesco Mobile, Sky or Three, charge roaming fees as you go.

How much does a SIM card cost in Ireland?

Most Irish providers offer an unlimited data plan for around €20, which typically lasts for a month. This is the best value if you don’t need calls or texts included.

If you're looking into eSIMs, Airalo’s smallest weekly plan is priced at £4.50. For unlimited data, Maya Mobile offers a plan at approximately £2 per day.

How to buy a prepaid SIM card for Ireland?

You can get an Ireland SIM card at most major airports, official provider stores, convenience stores and supermarkets. You can also order a physical SIM or an eSIM before departure.¹

To register your Ireland SIM card, you must provide your passport. The store will make a copy and assign you a +353 number, which is why it’s important to stick to official and reputable carriers.¹

Most stores accept all payment methods, but it’s still a good idea to confirm with the staff whether you can pay with a credit card or debit card.

Where can you buy a SIM card for Ireland in the UK?

If you're thinking about purchasing an Ireland SIM card before leaving the UK, you can do so online. While this is convenient, the downside is that your options may be limited, and you could miss out on a better deal by buying locally.

SimCorner offers two 30-day plans to choose from. The first costs £19 and includes 12 GB of data, along with 3,000 minutes and SMS.² If you need more data, the £67 plan provides 200 GB. Though this plan doesn’t include calls or texts, it does allow you to share your data via hotspot.³

Can you buy an Ireland SIM card at the airport?

Yes, you can purchase an Ireland SIM card at most international airports, including Dublin Airport, where they are available in kiosks and shops.¹

However, airport stores often have higher prices and limited opening hours compared to those in the city. For better deals and more options, it’s usually best to buy a SIM card from a store in town.¹

Best prepaid SIM cards for Ireland

Here are some of the best SIM card options for your trip to Ireland.

Vodafone Ireland

Vodafone Ireland offers three four-week prepaid SIM plans, all including unlimited calls to Vodafone numbers. Their main difference lies in internet speed and data allowances.⁴

Two of the plans cost €20 but cater to different needs. One includes unlimited 5G data and free calls to Vodafone numbers, while the other provides 10GB of data along with 10,000 minutes and texts to all networks. The third plan, priced at €30, offers unlimited data, calls and texts to any network.⁴

Three Ireland

Three’s prepaid plans are called Super Surfer, Total Talker and Connect Complete. Their Ireland SIM cards are designed to be topped up every 28 days.⁵

The Super Surfer plan costs €20 and includes unlimited 5G data, 200 minutes and texts and 26GB of EU roaming. The Total Talker plan, as the name suggests, offers unlimited minutes. It also includes 3,000 texts and 10GB of data for use in Ireland and the EU, all for €20. Finally, the Connect Complete plan, priced at €30, combines the benefits of both. It features unlimited 5G data, unlimited calls, 3,000 texts and 32GB of EU roaming data.⁵

Eir Ireland

Eir offers two prepaid plans for €10 and €20. The €10 plan lasts 14 days and includes 3,000 minutes but does not include data or calls. The €20 plan lasts 28 days and offers 3,000 minutes, unlimited 5G data and 38 GB of EU roaming.⁶

This €20 plan is normally priced at €30, making this a limited-time offer.⁶

Best e-SIM cards for Ireland

An eSIM is the easiest way to stay connected in Ireland without worrying about high roaming charges. You can purchase one before leaving the UK and activate it as soon as you arrive.

Just make sure your phone supports eSIMs first. If it does, here are some of the best options for Ireland.

Maya Mobile

Maya Mobile offers a range of eSIM plans with five data options: 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, 40 GB or unlimited data. The eSIM is valid for a minimum of five days, with the option to choose a monthly plan as well.⁷

Their 10-day plan with 5 GB of data is available for £6.99, while 10 GB of data costs £10.99. If you need more internet, the 20 GB plan costs £15.99, and the 40 GB option is priced at £27.99. For unlimited data, you’ll pay just £2.09 per day.⁷

Holafly

All Holafly eSIM plans offer unlimited data, with prices reducing as the number of days increases.

For example, their Ireland eSIM costs £17 for five days, while the 10-day plan is £30. The 30-day plan is priced at £60, which works out to just £2 per day.⁸

These are data-only plans, so you can keep your UK number. Additionally, you can share up to 500 MB of daily data via hotspot to keep your travel companions connected.⁸

Airalo

Airalo’s eSIMs for Ireland, called Fáilte, come in six different plans to suit various data needs.⁹

Their options range from 1 GB to 20 GB, ensuring there’s a plan that works for you. The 7-day eSIM with 1 GB of data costs £4.50, while the 30-day plan with 5 GB is priced at £11. The most expensive option is the 20 GB plan, available for £26.50.⁹

Spend like a local in Ireland with Wise

While you’re choosing which Ireland SIM card to buy for your upcoming trip, you might also want to check out options for holiday spending.

The Wise international debit card can be a convenient choice. For a one-time cost of just £7, you can spend and withdraw like a local in Ireland and 150+ more countries. You can also send money to pay for a rental car, accommodation or the like while still in the UK.

With the Wise card, your pounds are automatically converted at the mid-market exchange rate whenever you spend. You’ll just pay a small conversion fee, or no fee if you already have the currency in your Wise account.

Sign up with Wise today 💰

Sources used:

Sources last checked on date: 17-Feb-2025