Planning your trip to Ireland and wondering what is the best tourist sim card to stay connected? Avoid high roaming charges and slow overseas data roaming plans.

This is a complete guide with everything you need to know before buying a prepaid sim card in Ireland in 2025.

Find out where to buy a sim card, up to date prices as per January 2025, the best 4G/5G network, info about eSIMs for Ireland and my recommendation.

One of the first things I do when planning my next trip is searching for the best sim card. In the past I always used to buy a prepaid sim card in every country, nowadays I mostly use eSIMs to stay connected.

Traveltomtom also wrote a guide for the best eSIMs for Ireland in 2025.

Table of Contents

Some links in this guide for the best prepaid sim cards in 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!

My recommendation

Traveltomtom recommends a Three prepaid sim card for Ireland. They have good tourist sim cards with unlimited data for around $21 USD and they have the best 4G/5G network in Ireland.

However, not everyone needs unlimited data. Especially if your phone is eSIM compatible then look into eSIMs for Ireland as they already start from just $1 USD.

A Jetpac eSIM for Ireland gives you 10 GB for just $13 USD. Check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Ireland in 2025 for many more eSIM plans.

We also recommend looking into world travel sim cards with data for your trip to Ireland. You order these sim cards online and they get shipped to your home address. Have a look at my comparison of the best international sim cards with data in 2025.

Why buying a sim card for Ireland

Saving on high roaming costs is the main reason for getting a prepaid sim card or an eSIM when traveling to Ireland. Overseas data plans are expensive and they limit data speed. With a local prepaid sim card or an eSIM 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, though with limitations.

If you are on a Europe trip I advice you to check out my list of the best prepaid sim cards for traveling to Europe or my comparison of the best eSIMs for Europe.

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 eSIM, international or prepaid sim card advice for your destination. Bookmark me and let me help you save money.

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. Pay-as-you-go 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 eSIMs for the UK in 2025 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.

Don't worry about data roaming with a Europe sim card. Check out Traveltomtom's list of the best Europe travel sim cards in 2025.

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 2025 for more detailed info.

Phone stores city center

eir phone store dublin

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 eSIM 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.

Online

Buying a sim card in Ireland is of course much more hassle then simply ordering a sim card online. Arrive prepared and be online as soon as the plane lands.

If your phone is eSIM compatible then simply order your eSIM for Ireland online. There are many eSIM providers that sell eSIMs for visiting Ireland check my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Ireland.

You can also buy a physical prepaid sim card for Ireland via SimOptions and get it delivered to your home address before your trip in case your phone is not eSIM compatible.

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 eSIM 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 2025

All prices and info are up to date as per January 2025. Prices are in shown in Euros: $1 USD = €0.96 EUR and €1 EUR = $1.04 USD.

Vodafone Ireland

vodafone ireland prepaid sim card plans

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 - $21 USD
  • 10 GB data at 4G+ speed + unlimited calls/text = €20 EUR - $21 USD
  • Unlimited 5G high speed data + unlimited calls/text + 100 international minutes = €30 EUR - $31 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 eSIM as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Eir Mobile Ireland

eir ireland prepaid sim card plans

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 - $21 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 eSIM as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Three 3 Ireland

three ireland prepaid sim card plans

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

  • Unlimited data at 5G speed + 200 minutes + 200 sms = €20 EUR - $21 USD
  • 10 GB data at 5G speed + unlimited minutes/sms = €20 EUR - $21 USD
  • Unlimited data at 5G speed + unlimited calls/sms + 100 international minutes = €25 EUR - $26 USD

Depending on the plan you either have 21 or 27 GB available for free 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 eSIM as well as a physical prepaid sim card.

Best 4G/5G network in Ireland in 2025

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

vodafone 4g 5g network coverage map ireland 2025

Eir Mobile 4G/5G network coverage map

eir 4g 5g network coverage map ireland 2025

Three 4G/5G network coverage map

three 4g 5g network coverage map ireland 2025

Although the above mobile data network coverage maps are updated for 2025 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 2025.

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 2025

For Traveltomtom it is a very simple conclusion that Three has the best 4G/5G network in Ireland in 2025.

Best sim card for Ireland in 2025

All the mobile operators offer a prepaid sim card for Ireland with unlimited data, the packages are a little different but prices are pretty much the same. So what is the best prepaid sim card for tourists in Ireland in 2025?

If you don't use much data the best sim card for your trip to Ireland would in in fact be an eSIM.

However, not everyone needs unlimited data. Especially if your phone is eSIM compatible then look into eSIMs for Ireland as they already start from just $1 USD.

A Jetpac eSIM for Ireland gives you 10 GB for just $13 USD. Check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Ireland in 2025 for many more eSIM plans.

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

All prepaid sim cards for tourists come with unlimited 5G data for €20 EUR ($21 USD). Eir keeps it simple and also gives you unlimited calls/sms as well. Vodafone and Three have some limitations to the calling and texting. So pick your preference!

Best eSIMs for Ireland

The easiest way to stay connected when traveling to Ireland in 2025 is an eSIM. 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 eSIM 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 eSIM 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.

For more info check out my guide with everything you need to know before ordering an eSIM for Ireland in 2025.

Here are some recommendations.

Jetpac

Jetpac quickly made name in the eSIM world by not only offering very affordable eSIM solutions, but also by adding a couple benefits for travelers who order an eSIM via Jetpac. Check out our extensive Jetpac eSIM review with all pros and cons.

jetpac esim plans for ireland

Check out the Jetpac eSIM plans for Ireland in 2025:

  • 1 GB data for 4 days = $1 USD
  • 3 GB data for 30 days = $5 USD
  • 5 GB data for 30 days = $7 USD
  • 10 GB data for 30 days = $13 USD
  • 15 GB data for 30 days = $17 USD
  • 20 GB data for 30 days = $20 USD
  • 30 GB data for 30 days = $28 USD
  • 40 GB data for 30 days = $39 USD

Click here to order a Jetpac eSIM for Ireland.

Traveltomtom readers now get an extra 10% off on all Jetpac eSIMs when using the promo code: TOMTOM10 at check out!

The Jetpac Ireland eSIMs are data-only and incoming and outgoing calls are not supported. Jetpac eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G network of Three. 5G is supported.

Airalo

Airalo is a reliable eSIM provider that sells eSIMs from pretty much every country in the world.

Have a look at the Airalo eSIM plans for Ireland in 2025:

  • 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 eSIM for Ireland.

The above data-only eSIMs from Fáilte are only valid only in Ireland, calls are NOT supported. Fáilte eSIMs operate on the 4G/5G networks of Eir, Vodafone and Three.

SimOptions

SimOptions is a reliable eSIM provider and Traveltomtom has used SimOptions in more than 50 countries around the world and never faced an issue. Read here our complete Simoptions review.

SimOptions sells international eSIMs that are valid in all of Europe, including Ireland and they also come with a phone number and support incoming and outgoing calls/sms. Therefore the SimOptions eSIMs are also rated as the best eSIMS for Europe in 2025.

simoptions international esims for ireland

Here are the international eSIMs from SimOptions valid in all of Europe.

Bouygues Telecom

  • 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
  • 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
  • 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $32.90 USD
  • 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $39.90 USD

Orange Holiday Europe

  • 12 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 30 minutes international for 14 days = $28.90 USD
  • 30 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 14 days = $49.90 USD
  • 70 GB data + unlimited calls/text + 120 minutes international for 28 days = $55.90 USD

Click here for more info or to order an international eSIM for Ireland via SimOptions.

Make sure your phone is eSIM compatible before ordering an eSIM for Ireland.

For many more eSIM plans check out my comparison of the best eSIMs for Ireland in 2025.

Order a prepaid sim card for Ireland online

If your phone is not eSIM compatible you can order an international prepaid sim card for Ireland on the internet.

Arrive prepared in Ireland with a physical prepaid sim card that 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. Plug and play.

international prepaid sim cards for traveling to europe

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

  • 15 GB data-only for 15 days = $15.90 USD
  • 20 GB data + unlimited calls for 15 days = $21.90 USD
  • 10 GB data + $2 calling credit for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 10 GB data + unlimited calls/sms for 30 days = $24.90 USD
  • 12 GB data + 30 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $29.90 USD
  • 30 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $44.90 USD
  • 30 GB data + 120 minutes international + unlimited calls/text for 14 days = $49.90 USD
  • 60 GB data + unlimited calls for 30 days = $51.90 USD

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

Personally Traveltomtom recommends the Bouygues Telecom or the Orange sim cards. 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 eSIM. It is just so easy and done fast and as soon as the plane lands you are online. Check out my guide for the best eSIMs for Ireland.

I am sure some of my tips for finding the best prepaid sim card in Ireland were helpful for your upcoming trip. If you have any questions 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 2025, buying a sim card at Dublin Airport or the best European sim cards for travelers in 2025 have a look at all 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 January 2025 I have visited more than 155 countries, so still a long way to go.

Enjoy your trip to Ireland!