Internet Providers in Ireland
Europe — Ranked #26 globally for broadband speed
Ireland's broadband market is served by eir (formerly Eircom), Virgin Media Ireland, Sky Ireland, and broadband resellers. Ireland's National Broadband Plan (NBP) is deploying fibre to 1.1 million rural premises not commercially served by private operators.
Broadband Overview — Ireland
| Ireland Internet Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Population | 5,056,935 |
| Internet Users | 4,700,000 (92.9% penetration) |
| Broadband Household Coverage | 90% of households |
| FTTH / Fibre Penetration | 35% of fixed broadband |
| Mobile Subscriptions | 106 per 100 people |
| Avg. Monthly Cost (broadband) | ~USD $48 |
| Regulatory Body | Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) |
| Global Speed Rank | #26 (Ookla fixed broadband index) |
Broadband Infrastructure
eir owns Ireland's main telecoms infrastructure including the copper network and an expanding FTTH network. Virgin Media operates a cable network in cities and towns. National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is building state-subsidised rural fibre.
Key Facts
- ✓ Ireland's National Broadband Plan aims to connect 1.1 million rural premises with fibre
- ✓ National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is the state-contracted rural fibre builder
- ✓ Ireland has high data costs relative to EU peers
Internet Freedom in Ireland
- ● Minimal content blocking
- ● Online Safety and Media Regulation Act 2022 introduces new content rules
ISP Speed Comparison — Ireland
Benchmark speeds based on Speedtest.now methodology. Actual speeds vary by location and plan.
| Provider | Technology | Download | Upload | Ping | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sky Ireland | FTTH (via eir wholesale), FTTC/VDSL2 | 270 Mbps | 110 Mbps | 11 ms | View → |
| Virgin Media Ireland | HFC Cable (DOCSIS 3.1), FTTH (growing) | 430 Mbps | 48 Mbps | 8 ms | View → |
| eir | FTTH (GPON), FTTC/VDSL2 | 310 Mbps | 280 Mbps | 9 ms | View → |
All Providers in Ireland
Sky Ireland
AS5607Sky broadband and TV bundled for Irish homes
Virgin Media Ireland
AS6233Cable gigabit and fiber for Irish homes
eir
AS5388Ireland's incumbent operator with the largest fiber network
How to Choose an ISP in Ireland
1. Check Coverage
Not all ISPs serve all addresses. Enter your postcode or address on each ISP's website to confirm availability before ordering.
2. Match Speed to Use
Streaming HD requires 10 Mbps per screen. Working from home with video calls needs 25 Mbps minimum. Gaming and 4K streaming benefit from 100+ Mbps.
3. Compare Contracts
Check whether the ISP locks you into a 12 or 24-month contract. Rolling monthly deals offer flexibility but may cost more. Watch for setup fees.
4. Run a Speed Test
After signing up, run a speed test to verify you're getting the speeds you paid for. Test at different times of day.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ireland Broadband
Can I get broadband in rural Ireland?
The National Broadband Plan is rolling out fibre to rural Ireland. Check nationalbroadband.ie to see if your area is covered or scheduled.