SIM Card Guides

Ireland SIM card for travelers: How to buy in 2025

Travelling to Ireland soon? Learn where to buy an Ireland SIM card for tourists, compare top providers, and explore digital alternatives.

Heading to Ireland soon? One of the smartest ways to stay connected, avoid high roaming charges, and save money is by grabbing a prepaid SIM card or eSIM for Ireland. Tourist SIM cards give you access to mobile data, local minutes, and international calls at local rates.

In this guide, you can explore various Ireland SIM card options and carriers, plans, prices, and tourist requirements. And if your phone supports an unlimited data travel eSIM, that unlocks even more convenience and peace of mind.

In this article

How much does a SIM card cost in Ireland?

This depends on the carrier and SIM card package you select. Most Ireland SIM card plans vary from $21.50 USD to more than $30 and will include various data, call, or text allowances. The more basic the SIM card package is, the cheaper it will be, and vice versa. Some popular Irish mobile operators include Three, Vodafone, eir, Lyca, and Tesco Mobile.

Where to buy an Irish SIM card?

When it comes to getting a SIM card for Ireland for your trip, you generally have two options: purchase one before you travel so you can arrive with your Irish SIM card already in hand, or buy your Ireland SIM card upon arrival. This way, staff can help with the setup and SIM card registration process.

Buy a SIM card for Ireland before you travel

Third-party online retailers like SimOptions, Amazon USA, and SimCorner deliver SIM cards to your doorstep. You can set up your Ireland SIM card before you arrive to ensure instant connectivity; however, you will be responsible for setting up and activating the SIM card.

Buy your Ireland SIM card for tourists upon arrival

You can also choose to buy an Ireland SIM card for tourists in person at Dublin, Shannon, and Cork Airports, official carrier stores in Dublin City, or convenience stores. Enjoy instant setup and immediate activation with help from staff.

On the other hand, if you have an eSIM-compatible phone (most are), you should skip the SIM swapping and delivery hassle altogether. eSIMs are digital SIM cards that don’t require any physical delivery or insertion. Most providers, like Holafly, send a QR code via email to scan and activate your eSIM before departure or as soon as you land.

In the debate between eSIMs vs physical SIMs, the biggest advantage of an eSIM is that you can keep your home number active while using mobile data seamlessly. This is ideal for travellers needing to stay in touch with home.

Best prepaid SIM cards for Ireland

When choosing the best SIM card for Ireland, there are a few reliable telecom companies, including Vodafone Ireland, Three Ireland, and Eir. Each stands out among Ireland’s top operators for its vast network coverage and competitive prepaid SIM card plans.

While we’ll focus on the top three Irish SIM card providers mentioned above, other popular mobile operators include Tesco Mobile and Lycamobile.

Top tip: It’s worth considering a prepaid SIM card that offers EU roaming, especially if you’re planning a Euro trip. You’ll be able to stay connected across borders, rather than search for a local SIM card every time. An even better option is to go for an eSIM for Europe. Providers like Holafly offer unlimited data plans in over 40 European destinations, including Ireland.

Eir SIM card for Ireland

Eir Ireland offers reliable coverage and two prepaid SIM card plans for tourists. Prices range from €10 (~$11) to €20 (~$21) with validity periods of 14 days and 28 days. The €10 plan includes 3,000 minutes but no data or calls. The €20 plan consists of 3,000 minutes, unlimited 5G, and 38 GB of EU roaming.

Where to buy an Eir Ireland SIM card for tourists:

Official carrier stores in Dublin City (Henry Street), Cork, or near Shannon town
Convenience stores and petrol stations

Three SIM card for Ireland

Three offers three prepaid tourist plans: Super Surfer, Total Talker, and Connect Complete, which are topped up every 28 days. Prices range from €20 (~$21) to €30 (~$31), with 10 GB to unlimited data allowances, EU roaming, limited and unlimited calls, and texts.

Where to buy a Three SIM card in Ireland:

Dublin Airport (Terminal 1 and 2)
Three Ireland retail stores (Dublin, Galway, Cork)
DID Electrical and Funtech stores
Petrol stations
Grocery stores

Vodafone Ireland SIM card for tourists

Vodafone Ireland offers prepaid SIM plans for longer stays, with four-week validity periods. Prices range from €20 (~$21) to €30 (~$31), and include 10 GB of unlimited data, limited and unlimited calls, and texts to any network.

Where to buy a Vodafone Ireland SIM card:

Dublin Airport (WH Smith in Terminal 1 and SPAR supermarket in Terminal 2)
Official retail stores in Dublin, Cork, Galway
Supermarkets (SuperValu, Spar, Centra)
Newsagents
Petrol stations

Holafly’s eSIM for Ireland: Unlimited data in minutes

While physical SIM cards from Ireland’s top providers like Vodafone, Three, and Eir offer strong network coverage and local rates, you’ll still need to:

Activate and register your SIM card on your own (if purchasing before travel)
Find a store or kiosk, which can be stressful after a long flight
Pay a higher rate at airports
Swap out your physical SIM and lose access to your regular number or banking apps

Skip the lines and stress and retain peace of mind with Holafly’s eSIM for Ireland. Get unlimited data for flexible durations (from one to 90 days) and instant delivery. No passport, registration, or SIM swapping is required.

Holafly’s setup process is extremely beginner-friendly. There’s no need to visit a store; activation just takes a few minutes with affordable pricing and no hidden roaming fees. Manage your plan from Holafly eSIM app, and top up your plan duration if needed.

Moved to Ireland as a student or for a new job? Stay online as you set yourself up with Holafly Plans, a rolling eSIM subscription that keeps you connected without SIM swaps or complicated setups. Choose between various mobile data plans, including unlimited data for only $64.90 per month and unlimited hotspot!

Check out our other guides on how to buy and what the best options are for:

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Mahnoor Bangush

SEO Content Writer

Born and raised in Queens, New York, I'm a Psychology graduate with a passion for writing that I've been nurturing since 2019. Over the years, I've enjoyed creating meaningful content across various niches, including sports, hospitality, and career development. At Holafly, I focus on crafting useful and inspiring pieces to make your adventures more effortless. One of the best perks of this role? Creating travel content always seems to inspire my next vacation destination!

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