Best Broadband Providers in Ireland: Eir vs Virgin Media vs Sky (2025)

Choosing the right broadband provider in Ireland significantly impacts your internet experience and monthly budget. With speeds ranging from basic 50 Mbps to lightning-fast 1 Gbps fibre, and prices varying by €30+ per month for similar speeds, understanding your options is essential.

This guide compares Ireland’s major broadband providers, explaining what speeds you actually need, which providers serve your area, and how to get the best deal. Whether you’re moving to Ireland or simply looking to switch providers, you’ll find everything you need to make an informed decision.

Quick comparison: Top Irish broadband providers

Provider	Coverage	Best For	Speed Range	Price Range	Contract
Virgin Media	Limited (urban)	Speed seekers	150 Mbps - 1 Gbps	€45-€75/mo	12 months
Eir	Nationwide	Wide availability	50 Mbps - 1 Gbps	€40-€70/mo	12 months
Sky Ireland	Good (via Eir)	Bundles, families	50-500 Mbps	€40-€65/mo	18 months
Vodafone	Growing	Mobile users	100 Mbps - 1 Gbps	€45-€70/mo	12-18 months
SIRO	Limited (growing)	Pure fibre	500 Mbps - 1 Gbps	€50-€70/mo	12 months
Imagine	Good (rural)	Rural areas	30-150 Mbps	€40-€60/mo	12 months

Prices are approximate and for standalone broadband. Bundles may be cheaper.

How much speed do you actually need?

Before comparing providers, understand what speed suits your needs.

Speed requirements by usage

Basic browsing and email (10-25 Mbps):

• Web browsing
• Email
• Social media
• Standard definition streaming (one device)
• Suitable for: Single person, light use

Standard household (50-100 Mbps):

• Multiple devices simultaneously
• HD streaming on 1-2 devices
• Video calls
• Moderate downloading
• Casual gaming
• Suitable for: 1-3 people, normal use

Heavy usage (150-300 Mbps):

• Multiple HD/4K streams simultaneously
• Working from home (video conferences)
• Online gaming
• Large file downloads/uploads
• Smart home devices
• Suitable for: 3-5 people, heavy use

Ultra-fast (500 Mbps - 1 Gbps):

• 4K streaming on multiple devices
• Professional content creation
• Serious gaming
• Multiple people working from home
• Future-proofing
• Suitable for: Large households, power users

Real-world speed examples

What can you do with different speeds?

50 Mbps:

• Netflix HD: 2 streams
• Zoom calls: 3 simultaneous
• Game downloads: 10 GB in ~27 minutes

150 Mbps:

• Netflix 4K: 2 streams + Netflix HD: 1 stream
• Zoom calls: 8 simultaneous
• Game downloads: 10 GB in ~9 minutes

500 Mbps:

• Netflix 4K: 5+ streams
• Zoom calls: 25+ simultaneous
• Game downloads: 10 GB in ~3 minutes

1 Gbps:

• Essentially unlimited simultaneous usage for home
• Game downloads: 10 GB in ~90 seconds

Recommendation: Most households do fine with 150-300 Mbps. Don’t overpay for gigabit speeds unless you genuinely need them.

Virgin Media: Fastest speeds, limited coverage

Overview

Virgin Media uses its own cable network (not Eir’s infrastructure), delivering some of Ireland’s fastest broadband speeds.

Coverage:

• Dublin and suburbs
• Cork city
• Limerick city
• Galway city
• Waterford
• Some larger towns

Not available in:

• Rural areas
• Smaller towns
• Most of the country geographically

Check coverage at virginmedia.ie using your Eircode.

Plans and pricing (2025)

Virgin Media M150 Fibre Broadband:

• Speed: 150 Mbps download / 15 Mbps upload
• Cost: €45/month (12 months)
• Installation: Usually free
• Good for: Small households, 2-3 people

Virgin Media M250 Fibre Broadband:

• Speed: 250 Mbps / 25 Mbps
• Cost: €50/month
• Good for: Medium households, streaming

Virgin Media M500 Fibre Broadband:

• Speed: 500 Mbps / 50 Mbps
• Cost: €60/month
• Good for: Heavy users, large households

Virgin Media Gig1 Fibre Broadband:

• Speed: 1 Gbps / 100 Mbps
• Cost: €75/month
• Good for: Power users, future-proofing

All plans include:

• Unlimited data
• WiFi Hub (router)
• Installation
• 12-month contract

Pros

Very fast speeds:

• Fastest widely-available speeds in Ireland
• Consistent speeds even at peak times
• Low latency (good for gaming)

Reliable service:

• Dedicated cable network
• Not shared with phone lines
• Generally stable connection

Bundle options:

• TV packages available
• Can bundle broadband + TV for savings
• Virgin TV has good sports/entertainment

Good customer service reputation:

• Generally positive reviews
• Responsive support
• Clear billing

Cons

Limited coverage:

• Only available in urban areas
• Can’t get if outside their network
• No expansion to rural areas planned

Price increases:

• Introductory rates increase after 12 months
• Can jump €10-€20/month
• Must renegotiate or switch

Upload speeds:

• Download fast, upload slower
• Upload speeds 10:1 ratio typically
• Can be issue for content creators

Installation required:

• Technician visit necessary
• Can take 1-3 weeks to schedule

Best for

Virgin Media suits:

• People in urban areas with coverage
• Speed priority users
• Gamers (low latency)
• Households with multiple heavy users
• Those wanting fastest available speeds

Not suitable for:

• Rural residents
• Areas without cable network
• Those needing high upload speeds

Eir: Widest availability, varied speeds

Overview

Eir (formerly Eircom) owns most of Ireland’s telecommunications infrastructure. They offer broadband to virtually every address in Ireland.

Coverage:

• Nationwide
• Urban and rural
• Widest reach of any provider
• Fibre expanding but not everywhere

Technology:

• Fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) - fastest, limited areas
• Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) - most common
• Copper/ADSL - older areas, slower

Plans and pricing (2025)

Eir Fibre 150:

• Speed: Up to 150 Mbps
• Cost: €45/month (12 months)
• Technology: FTTC
• Good for: Standard household

Eir Fibre 300:

• Speed: Up to 300 Mbps
• Cost: €55/month
• Technology: FTTC/FTTH
• Good for: Heavy users

Eir Fibre 500:

• Speed: Up to 500 Mbps
• Cost: €60/month
• Technology: FTTH (where available)
• Good for: Very heavy usage

Eir Fibre 1000:

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
• Cost: €70/month
• Technology: FTTH only
• Good for: Power users

Lower speed options:

• 50-100 Mbps plans available
• Cheaper (€35-€40/month)
• Suitable for light users

All plans:

• Unlimited data
• WiFi router included
• 12-month contract
• Installation fee often waived

Pros

Widest coverage:

• Available almost everywhere
• Rural and urban
• Only option in many areas

Infrastructure owner:

• Controls own network
• Can prioritize repairs
• Direct control over quality

Variety of speeds:

• Options from 50 Mbps to 1 Gbps
• Can choose what you need
• Upgrade/downgrade available

Bundle options:

• TV available (Eir Vision)
• Phone line options
• Sports packages

Cons

Variable speeds:

• “Up to” speeds often not achieved
• Depends on distance from cabinet
• Rural areas may get slower speeds
• FTTC slower than FTTH

Price complexity:

• Many different offers
• Prices change frequently
• Hard to compare
• Increases after contract

Customer service:

• Mixed reviews
• Can be slow to respond
• Installation delays common

Old infrastructure in places:

• Some areas still on old copper
• FTTC shared between properties
• Speeds can drop at peak times

Best for

Eir suits:

• People in rural areas (often only option)
• Those needing nationwide coverage
• Standard users (not power users)
• People who want reliable but not fastest speeds

Good choice if:

• Other providers not available
• You need bundle with TV
• You’re not speed-critical

Sky Ireland: Good bundles, family-friendly

Overview

Sky uses Eir’s network infrastructure but provides its own customer service, billing, and equipment. Known for TV packages but offers standalone broadband too.

Coverage:

• Uses Eir’s network
• Available where Eir is available
• Same coverage limitations as Eir

Technology:

• Same as Eir (FTTC/FTTH)
• Sky-branded router
• Similar speeds to Eir in same area

Plans and pricing (2024)

Sky Broadband Superfast:

• Speed: Up to 150 Mbps
• Cost: €40/month (18 months)
• Good for: Families, standard use

Sky Broadband Superfast Plus:

• Speed: Up to 300 Mbps
• Cost: €50/month
• Good for: Heavy users

Sky Broadband Ultrafast:

• Speed: Up to 500 Mbps
• Cost: €60/month
• Available in FTTH areas only

Bundles (better value):

• Broadband + TV: From €60/month
• Broadband + Phone: From €45/month
• Triple play: From €65/month

Contract:

• 18 months (longer than most)
• Early termination fees apply
• Price holds for 18 months

Pros

Excellent bundles:

• TV packages very competitive
• Sky Sports, movies, entertainment
• Bundle discounts significant
• Good value for TV watchers

Fixed pricing:

• 18-month price guarantee
• No mid-contract increases
• Predictable costs

Good customer service:

• Generally better than Eir
• Responsive support
• Clear billing
• Helpful technical support

Family-friendly:

• Good parental controls
• Kids content on TV
• Easy to manage

Sky Q integration:

• If you have Sky TV
• Seamless experience
• Good app

Cons

Long contract:

• 18 months vs 12 months elsewhere
• Harder to switch
• Early termination expensive

Speeds dependent on Eir:

• Uses Eir infrastructure
• Same speed limitations
• No better than Eir in your area

Bundle pressure:

• Standalone broadband not best value
• Pushed toward bundles
• TV adds cost

Installation:

• Can take 2-3 weeks
• Depends on Eir availability
• May need Eir technician

Best for

Sky suits:

• Families with kids
• People who want TV bundles
• Sports fans (Sky Sports)
• Those wanting stable 18-month pricing
• People who value customer service

Good choice if:

• You’re getting TV anyway
• You want bundles
• Eir coverage is good in your area
• You’re happy with 18-month commitment

Vodafone: Growing network, mobile synergy

Overview

Vodafone is expanding in Irish broadband, leveraging its mobile network strength and building new fibre infrastructure.

Coverage:

• Growing fibre network
• Good in urban areas
• Mobile broadband nationwide
• Check availability by address

Technology:

• Own fibre network (not Eir)
• SIRO partnership in some areas
• 4G/5G mobile broadband
• Mix of technologies

Plans and pricing (2024)

Vodafone Broadband:

• Speed: 100-150 Mbps typically
• Cost: €45/month
• Standard package

Vodafone Gigabit Fibre:

• Speed: Up to 1 Gbps
• Cost: €60-€70/month
• Where fibre available

Vodafone TV Bundles:

• Broadband + TV: From €60/month
• Good sports and entertainment options

Mobile Broadband:

• 4G/5G option
• Unlimited plans from €30/month
• Good alternative in strong coverage areas

Contract:

• 12-18 months
• Varies by package

Pros

Mobile integration:

• Bundle with mobile plan
• Significant discounts possible
• One bill for everything
• Good if already Vodafone mobile customer

Own infrastructure:

• Not dependent on Eir
• Can control quality
• Growing investment

Good customer service:

• Generally positive reviews
• Mobile expertise carries over
• Helpful support

Flexible options:

• Fixed and mobile broadband
• Can switch between them
• Good for unusual situations

Cons

Limited fibre coverage:

• Not available everywhere
• Check carefully before assuming
• Expanding but not yet widespread

Newer to broadband market:

• Less established than Eir/Virgin
• Network still maturing
• Some growing pains

Bundle required for best value:

• Standalone broadband expensive
• Need mobile or TV bundle for savings
• Less competitive alone

Best for

Vodafone suits:

• Existing Vodafone mobile customers
• Urban residents with fibre access
• People wanting mobile + broadband bundle
• Those in areas with good Vodafone coverage

Good choice if:

• You’re already with Vodafone mobile
• Fibre available at your address
• You want everything with one provider

SIRO: Pure fibre, limited but growing

Overview

SIRO is a joint venture between ESB (electricity company) and Vodafone, building pure fibre-to-the-home network using ESB’s electricity poles.

Coverage:

• 170+ towns and growing
• Not in major cities (yet)
• Medium-sized towns focus
• Rural areas gradually

Technology:

• 100% fibre to the home (FTTH)
• Symmetrical speeds (same upload/download)
• Future-proof infrastructure

Providers: SIRO is wholesale only. Buy through:

• Vodafone
• Digiweb
• Sky
• Imagine
• Others

Plans and pricing

Varies by retail provider, but typically:

500 Mbps:

• €50-€60/month
• Through various providers

1 Gbps:

• €60-€70/month
• Symmetrical speeds

Pros

Excellent speeds:

• True fibre to home
• Symmetrical upload/download
• Very fast
• Low latency

Future-proof:

• Best technology available
• Won’t need upgrading
• Reliable long-term

Growing network:

• Expanding to more towns
• ESB partnership strong
• Good investment behind it

Cons

Very limited coverage:

• Only in specific towns
• Not in Dublin, Cork, etc.
• May never reach your area

Wholesale only:

• Must go through retailer
• Can’t deal with SIRO directly
• Depends on retailer’s service

Not cheapest:

• Premium pricing
• Better value than Virgin Media for similar speeds
• But more than basic packages

Best for

SIRO suits:

• People in covered towns
• Those wanting best technology
• Content creators (good upload)
• Future-focused buyers
• Tech enthusiasts

Check if available at siro.ie before getting excited.

Imagine: Wireless specialist, rural savior

Overview

Imagine provides fixed wireless broadband using 4G/5G technology. No phone line needed—works via radio signal.

Coverage:

• Good rural coverage
• Works where wired broadband doesn’t
• Urban coverage too
• Check address specifically

Technology:

• Fixed 4G/5G wireless
• Antenna on roof/window
• No cables needed
• Weather-resistant

Plans and pricing (2024)

Imagine Broadband:

• Speed: 30-150 Mbps (depends on coverage)
• Cost: €40-€60/month
• Unlimited data
• No line rental

Installation:

• Technician visit required
• Antenna installation
• €100 installation fee typically
• Takes 1-2 hours

Pros

No phone line needed:

• Works anywhere with signal
• Rural areas often best option
• Faster than DSL in many places

Unlimited data:

• True unlimited
• No caps or throttling
• No fair usage policy

Quick installation:

• Usually within 1 week
• Simple setup
• Can be installed in unusual locations

Good rural option:

• Often only viable choice
• Better than satellite
• Competitive speeds

Cons

Weather dependent:

• Heavy rain can affect speed
• Not as reliable as wired
• Storm can cause outages

Line of sight issues:

• Hills/buildings can block signal
• Not available everywhere despite coverage
• Must test signal strength

Variable speeds:

• Depends on signal strength
• Can slow at peak times
• Not guaranteed speeds

Latency higher:

• Higher than wired (20-50ms vs 5-15ms)
• Not ideal for gaming
• Fine for streaming/browsing

Best for

Imagine suits:

• Rural residents without fiber/cable
• People where DSL is very slow
• Temporary situations
• Areas without Eir coverage

Great choice if:

• Wired options are slow (<20 Mbps)
• You’re in rural area
• Phone line not available
• Need quick setup

Three Mobile, Vodafone, Eir Mobile: Mobile broadband

Overview

Mobile broadband uses 4G/5G network. Portable device or home router with SIM card.

Coverage:

• Nationwide
• Varies by provider
• Check coverage map
• Can be excellent or poor by location

Plans and pricing

Three Ireland:

• Unlimited 5G: €30/month
• Best value unlimited
• Good coverage
• Can use anywhere

Vodafone:

• Unlimited plans: €35-€40/month
• Excellent 5G coverage
• Fast speeds where available

Eir Mobile:

• Limited data: €20+/month
• Unlimited: €40/month

Pros

Portable:

• Take it anywhere
• Use while traveling
• No fixed address needed

Quick setup:

• Device arrives by post
• Plug in and go
• No installation

No contract (sometimes):

• 30-day rolling options
• Easy to cancel
• Flexible

Can be very fast:

• 5G speeds can exceed 100 Mbps
• Good in strong coverage areas

Cons

Coverage critical:

• Must have good signal
• Indoor use can be problematic
• Inconsistent speeds

Data caps (usually):

• Even “unlimited” may have caps
• Can slow after threshold
• Check fair usage policy

Variable speeds:

• Depends on time of day
• Network congestion
• Location specific

Not suitable for heavy use:

• Multiple devices struggle
• Video calls can be problematic
• Gaming latency higher

Best for

Mobile broadband suits:

• Temporary accommodation
• Travelers
• Light users
• Backup internet
• Areas with excellent mobile coverage but poor fixed broadband

Use as backup: Good idea to have mobile broadband device as backup if you work from home.

How to choose the right provider

Step 1: Check what’s available

Check coverage:

1. Get your Eircode (find at eircode.ie)
2. Check Virgin Media availability
3. Check SIRO availability
4. Check Eir/Sky/Vodafone speeds available
5. Check mobile coverage for backup

Reality check:

• Not all providers available everywhere
• Advertised speeds may not be achievable
• Ask neighbors what they get

Step 2: Assess your needs

Consider:

• How many people in household?
• How many devices connected?
• Do you stream 4K?
• Do you game online?
• Do you work from home (video calls)?
• Do you upload content?

Speed recommendation:

• 1-2 people, light use: 50-100 Mbps
• 2-4 people, normal use: 150-300 Mbps
• 4+ people, heavy use: 300-500 Mbps
• Power users/creators: 500 Mbps - 1 Gbps

Step 3: Compare providers in your area

Compare:

• Available speeds
• Monthly cost
• Contract length
• Installation fees
• Equipment fees
• Bundle options

Use comparison sites:

• Bonkers.ie
• Switcher.ie
• Individual provider websites

Step 4: Check customer reviews

Research:

• Boards.ie broadband forum
• Google reviews
• Ask on local Facebook groups
• ComReg complaints data

Red flags:

• Consistent complaints about speeds
• Poor customer service reviews
• Hidden fees
• Contract issues

Step 5: Consider total cost

Factor in:

• Monthly fee × contract length
• Installation fee
• Equipment rental/purchase
• Early termination fee (if you need to leave)
• Price after introductory period

Example calculation:

• €50/month × 12 months = €600
• Installation: €50
• Total year 1: €650
• Year 2 if price increases to €65/month: €780
• True cost over 2 years: €1,430

Compare this against other options.

Switching providers

When to switch

Good times to switch:

• End of contract (no exit fees)
• Significantly better deal available (€10+/month savings)
• Poor service from current provider
• Moving house

Calculate if worth it:

• Exit fee: €100 (example)
• Savings: €15/month × 10 months remaining = €150
• Net saving: €50
• Worth switching

How to switch

Process:

1. Choose new provider
2. Sign up with them
3. Give 30 days notice to old provider (new provider often handles this)
4. Installation scheduled
5. Old service cancelled automatically
6. Return old equipment if required

Timing:

• Minimal/no downtime usually
• New service activated before old cancelled
• Usually seamless

Tips:

• Don’t cancel old service before new is working
• Keep old router until sure new one works
• Take final meter readings if applicable
• Check final bill for accuracy

Getting the best deal

Negotiation tips

Before signing up:

1. Call, don’t just order online - phone sales can offer better deals
2. Mention competitor offers - “Virgin Media is offering me €45 for 250 Mbps”
3. Ask about promotions - there are often unadvertised deals
4. Bundle if possible - broadband + TV often cheaper than separate
5. Annual payment - some providers discount for paying year upfront

When contract ending:

1. Call retentions department - say you’re thinking of leaving
2. Have competitor price ready - “Sky is offering me €40/month”
3. Be prepared to actually switch - they’ll test your resolve
4. Ask for loyalty discount - long-term customers can get special rates
5. Negotiate equipment upgrade - free router upgrade possible

What to ask for:

• Reduced monthly fee
• Free installation
• Free router upgrade
• First month free
• Amazon vouchers/cashback
• Speed upgrade at same price

Best times for deals

Timing:

• Black Friday (November): Often best deals of year
• Back to school (August-September): Student deals, but anyone can get them
• New Year (January): Fresh promotions
• End of quarter (March, June, September, December): Sales targets = better deals

Avoid:

• Signing up randomly without checking current promotions
• First price you see
• Assuming advertised price is best available

Costs summary

Understanding the true cost of broadband helps budget effectively.

Standalone broadband typical costs:

• Budget (50-100 Mbps): €35-€45/month
• Standard (150-300 Mbps): €45-€60/month
• Fast (500 Mbps): €60-€70/month
• Ultra-fast (1 Gbps): €70-€80/month

Additional potential costs:

• Installation: €0-€100 (often waived)
• Router: Usually included
• TV licence: €160/year (if you add TV)
• Phone line: €25/month (if needed)

Annual cost for typical household:

• €45/month × 12 = €540/year
• Installation: €0 (waived)
• Total: €540/year (~€1/day)

Broadband is a significant monthly expense. For complete budget planning including all utilities, see our complete guide to setting up utilities in Ireland and our cost of living guide.

Troubleshooting common issues

Slow speeds

Try:

1. Restart router (unplug 30 seconds)
2. Test at different times (is it peak time slowdown?)
3. Test on wired connection (rule out WiFi issues)
4. Check how many devices connected
5. Run speed test at speedtest.net
6. Contact provider if consistently slow

Provider’s responsibility if:

• Getting less than 50% advertised speed
• Speeds consistently poor
• Wired connection also slow

Connection drops

Check:

• All cables securely connected
• Router lights (consult manual)
• Other devices working
• Widespread outage (check provider’s status page)

Contact provider if:

• Frequent disconnections
• Pattern to disconnections
• Affecting work/important activities

WiFi issues

Improve WiFi:

1. Place router centrally, elevated
2. Away from other electronics
3. Use 5GHz band if available (shorter range but faster)
4. Change WiFi channel (if neighbors interfere)
5. Consider WiFi extender
6. Upgrade to better router

For newcomers to Ireland

If you’re moving to Ireland from abroad:

You’ll need:

• Irish address (Eircode)
• Proof of identity
• Proof of address
• Irish bank account (for direct debit)

For help with setting up utilities and opening a bank account, see our complete guides.

Differences from other countries:

• USA: Generally cheaper in Ireland, faster speeds more widely available
• UK: Very similar providers and pricing, same plugs and voltage
• EU: Similar to most EU countries, competitive market

Choose provider before moving:

• Research before arrival
• Book installation 2-3 weeks before move-in
• Have broadband working when you arrive

If you’re moving to Ireland, check our guides for Americans, British citizens, or EU nationals for complete relocation advice.

Frequently asked questions

Which broadband provider is best in Ireland?

There’s no single “best”—it depends on your location and needs. Virgin Media offers fastest speeds but limited coverage. Eir has widest coverage but variable speeds. Sky offers good bundles. Vodafone is good if you’re already a mobile customer. Check what’s available at your address first, then compare speeds and prices.

How fast should my broadband be?

For most households, 150-300 Mbps is ideal. This handles multiple HD/4K streams, video calls, and browsing simultaneously. Single people or couples can manage fine with 50-100 Mbps. Large families or heavy users benefit from 300-500 Mbps. Only power users truly need gigabit speeds.

Can I switch broadband providers anytime?

You can switch, but may face early termination fees if still in contract (typically €100-€200). Best to switch at contract end. If you’re moving house, many providers waive exit fees. New provider usually handles the switching process for you.

How long does broadband installation take?

From order to working internet: typically 1-3 weeks. If the property already has a working connection and you’re just switching providers, it can be 3-7 days. Virgin Media and some providers require technician visits (2-3 hours). Mobile broadband is fastest—device arrives by post in 2-3 days.

What if broadband isn’t available at my address?

If wired broadband isn’t available or is very slow, try: (1) Mobile broadband from Three/Vodafone if you have good mobile coverage, (2) Imagine fixed wireless if available in your area, (3) Satellite broadband (expensive, higher latency, but works everywhere), or (4) Hotspot from your phone as temporary solution.

Do I need a phone line for broadband?

Depends on the technology. Eir and Sky usually use the phone line infrastructure (but you don’t need to pay for phone service). Virgin Media uses cable (no phone line needed). Imagine and mobile broadband use wireless (no phone line). SIRO is pure fibre (no phone line).

Can I keep my old email address if I switch?

If your email is @eircom.net or @virginmedia.ie or similar, you may lose it when switching. Solution: Before switching, set up a free email (Gmail, Outlook.com) and migrate your contacts. Don’t use provider emails long-term—they’re tied to that provider.

Is unlimited data really unlimited?

For fixed broadband (Eir, Virgin, Sky, etc.), yes—truly unlimited with no caps or throttling. For mobile broadband, check carefully. Three offers genuinely unlimited 5G. Others may have fair usage policies that slow you after heavy use. Always read the terms.

Useful contacts and resources

Comparison sites:

• Bonkers.ie - Compare providers
• Switcher.ie - Compare deals
• ComReg.ie - Official regulator

Providers:

• Virgin Media: virginmedia.ie / 1908
• Eir: eir.ie / 1901
• Sky Ireland: sky.ie / 1 890 817 717
• Vodafone: vodafone.ie / 1907
• Imagine: imagine.ie / 1 890 717 717

Regulator:

• ComReg: comreg.ie - Complaints and information

Speed testing:

• Speedtest.net
• Fast.com (Netflix)
• ComReg speed test app

Summary

Choosing broadband in Ireland requires checking availability first, then comparing speed and price among available providers.

Quick decision guide:

If Virgin Media available in your area: → Choose Virgin Media for fastest speeds (especially if you game or stream heavily)

If in SIRO coverage area: → Consider SIRO through Vodafone or Sky for excellent future-proof fibre

If rural with good mobile coverage: → Try Imagine wireless or Three unlimited 5G

If need bundles with TV: → Choose Sky for best TV bundles

If want widest availability: → Choose Eir (available almost everywhere)

If already Vodafone mobile customer: → Bundle with Vodafone broadband for discounts

Budget €40-€70/month for good broadband. Use comparison sites, negotiate deals, and switch regularly to avoid paying more than necessary. Most importantly, check what’s actually available at your address—coverage matters more than brand name.