You won’t have a problem keeping in touch in Ireland, as the standards and variety of internet, telephone, mobile, and postal services are generally good.
Internet in Ireland
Broadband internet in Ireland is widely available in main cities and towns, including Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny, Sligo, and Letterkenny. Eir, previously known as Eircom, is a major provider that offers fibre broadband with speeds of up to 1Gbps. Providers like Virgin Media and SIRO also offer competitive speeds in these urban areas.
If you live in rural Ireland, getting fast internet shouldn't be too difficult. Although fibre options may be limited, 4G and 5G coverage is excellent.
Internet options in Ireland include:
- ADSL broadband: uses a phone line and offers speeds up to 24Mbps, depending on distance from the exchange.
- Fibre broadband: high-speed fibre-optic cables, offering up to 1Gbps in cities and select rural areas.
- Mobile broadband: 4G and 5G networks provide wireless internet, with speeds varying by location.
- Satellite broadband: available in the most remote areas but with higher latency and possibly lower speeds.
Check internet connectivity before moving to Ireland, especially if your work depends on fast speeds. Coverage can vary significantly by location.
WiFi is widely available in public places like cafés, libraries, and transport hubs, offering a convenient way to stay connected while out and about. Consider using public WiFi to supplement your home internet, especially when travelling or if you experience connectivity issues. Many public spaces offer reliable, high-speed connections free of charge.
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Mobile phones in Ireland
The main mobile network providers in Ireland are Vodafone, Three, and eir. All three have high levels of 4G and 5G coverage and offer a range of plans.
You can choose from pay-as-you-go or contract options. Pay-as-you-go offers flexibility with no fixed monthly costs, making it ideal for light users. Contracts, on the other hand, give you access to the latest smartphones and allow you to spread the cost over 12 or 24 months. These usually include minutes, texts, and data allowances.
Several mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) in Ireland lease capacity from the main networks. These include 48, An Post Mobile, Clear Mobile, GoMo, Lycamobile, Tesco Mobile, and Virgin Mobile, each offering competitive plans that might suit your needs.
To open a postpaid mobile phone contract in Ireland, you’ll need a valid photo ID, proof of address, and a credit or debit card for automatic payments. The provider will also conduct a credit check; a deposit may be required if you have a poor credit history.
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Postal services in Ireland
Postal services in Ireland, provided by An Post, are reliable and efficient. Standard letter mail within Ireland is typically delivered within a few business days. Parcels sent via An Post's Standard Post service usually arrive within two to three business days. For faster, more secure options, An Post offers Registered Post and Express Post, with next-day delivery available for some items.
International mail delivery times vary by destination, but An Post provides dependable service to most countries.
You can post mail at around 1,000 An Post branches across Ireland. Freestanding postboxes are widely available in urban areas for depositing letters and small packages. Many businesses, like newsagents and convenience stores, also serve as An Post agents.
Purchasing stamps is easy. You can buy them at any An Post branch, online through the An Post website or mobile app, or from retailers such as newsagents and convenience stores. For businesses or frequent mailers, An Post offers bulk purchasing options.