Getting a working Irish SIM card is one of the first things you’ll want sorted after moving to Ireland. This guide explains how Irish mobile networks work, compares the main providers, and helps you choose the best plan for your situation — including the cheapest options for calling home.
Quick comparison: Irish mobile networks
| Network | Runs on | Best For | PAYG | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Three | Own network | Data, unlimited plans | Yes | €20/mo |
| Vodafone | Own network | Reliability, bundles | Yes | €17.50/mo (6 mo, then €35); PAYG from €20 |
| Eir | Own network | Rural coverage | Yes | €14.99/mo (€9.99 if you have eir broadband) |
| GoMo | Eir | One price “for life”, 30-day rolling | No | €12.99/mo |
| 48 | Three | Unlimited data cheaply | Yes | €12.99/mo |
| Tesco Mobile | Three | Budget, Clubcard discount | Yes | €15/mo (Clubcard) |
| Virgin Mobile | Three | Data-heavy users | No | €15/mo (€9.99 with Virgin broadband) |
| Lyca Mobile | Three | International calls | Yes | €9 / 28 days |
Prices read from each provider’s own site on 3 August 2026. GoMo, 48, Tesco Mobile and Lyca re-checked 21 August 2026, when GoMo’s price had dropped from €14.99 to €12.99. Note that Lyca bills every 28 days, not monthly, which is 13 charges a year rather than 12. Lyca’s headline prices are time-limited promotions, not standing rates: see the catch on Lyca’s pricing.
New to Ireland and call home regularly? Lyca Mobile offers some of the lowest rates for international calls — popular with newcomers for exactly this reason.
Best mobile plan for each need (2026)
No single network is best for everyone — it depends on what you need:
- Best for calling home / international calls: Lyca Mobile (runs on Three) — its Unlimited Plus bundle includes unlimited free calls to 35 countries and 37GB of EU, Ukraine and Moldova roaming data, at €10 per 28 days for the first 6 months, then €25
- Best value PAYG to get connected fast: Lyca Ireland Plus at €9 per 28 days for 30GB (promo price for 6 months, then €15), or 48 at €12.99/month for unlimited data — no contract, no credit check
- Cheapest unlimited data: 48 (Three network) — unlimited 5G data, 5,000 minutes and 5,000 texts for €12.99/month, with 20GB for EU/UK roaming
- Best coverage, especially rural: Vodafone — the most consistent nationwide; Three is its main rival in cities
- Best for 5G / heavy data: Three — strongest 5G network and genuinely unlimited data plans
- Best if you already have Eir broadband: Eir — bundle discount for existing home-broadband customers
- Best flexible monthly (no 12-month tie-in): GoMo (Eir network) — €12.99 a month on a 30-day rolling contract, price fixed “for life”, or 48 on the same rolling basis
Newcomer shortcut: start on a PAYG SIM (Three, Tesco or Lyca) to get a number and test coverage at home and work, then move to a SIM-only plan once you know what works. Prices move often — check the provider’s current offer before you buy.
Understanding the Irish mobile market
Ireland has three network operators that own physical infrastructure: Three, Vodafone and Eir. Everyone else is an MVNO — they rent capacity from one of those three and resell it under their own brand. 48, GoMo, Tesco Mobile, Lyca and Virgin Mobile are all MVNOs, not networks in their own right.
What this means for you:
- Coverage depends on which underlying network a provider uses, so check that first
- Most of the budget brands ride Three: 48, Tesco Mobile, Lyca and Virgin Mobile all use it. GoMo is the main exception, running on Eir
- MVNOs give you the same signal as the host network, usually for less money
- So if Three’s coverage is poor at your address, most of the budget brands will be poor there too — GoMo (Eir) or a Vodafone plan is the way around that
Pay As You Go vs SIM-only vs contract
Pay As You Go (PAYG / Prepay):
- No contract, no credit check
- Top up as needed (€10, €20, etc.) or buy a monthly bundle
- Best for: Newcomers, short-term stays, testing a network before committing
- All major networks offer prepay SIMs
SIM-only (monthly rolling or 12-month):
- Your own unlocked phone + SIM card only
- No handset cost, so much cheaper monthly
- Best for: Anyone with an existing unlocked phone
- Typical cost: €10–€30/month for generous data + calls + texts
Bill pay (contract with phone):
- Includes a new handset spread over 24 months
- Higher monthly cost but spreads the phone purchase
- Requires a credit check and Irish address
- Less flexible — early exit fees apply
Recommendation for newcomers: Start with a PAYG SIM to get connected immediately, then switch to SIM-only once you’re settled. Avoid long contracts until you know which network has the best coverage where you live and work.
The main networks compared
Three Ireland
Three has invested heavily in 5G and offers some of the most competitive data plans in Ireland.
Strengths:
- Strongest 5G network in Ireland
- Genuinely unlimited data plans available
- Competitive pricing, especially on data-heavy plans
- Good coverage in cities and towns
Weaknesses:
- Rural coverage can be patchy in parts
- Customer service mixed reviews
Best for: Heavy data users, streaming, working from home on mobile data.
Vodafone Ireland
Vodafone is considered the most reliable network in Ireland with consistent nationwide coverage.
Strengths:
- Excellent nationwide coverage including rural areas
- Strong 4G/5G network
- Good roaming options in EU
- Reliable customer service
Weaknesses:
- Slightly more expensive than Three
- Promotional prices can jump significantly after 12 months
Best for: Those who travel around Ireland, prioritise reliability, or need strong rural coverage.
Eir Mobile
Eir operates both fixed broadband and mobile, with solid nationwide coverage built on its long-established infrastructure.
Strengths:
- Good rural coverage
- Bundle discounts if you also use Eir broadband
- Competitive bill pay deals
Weaknesses:
- 5G rollout behind Three and Vodafone
- Data plan pricing less competitive than rivals
Best for: Existing Eir broadband customers who want a bundle discount.
Tesco Mobile
Tesco Mobile runs on the Three network, giving you Three coverage at typically lower prices. The headline SIM is €15 a month with a Tesco Clubcard (€20 without) for unlimited 5G data, 5,000 minutes and 5,000 texts.
Strengths:
- Three network quality at budget prices, including unlimited 5G data
- Generous EU roaming allowance on the main SIM (around 37GB)
- Very simple plans — easy to understand
- Can top up in any Tesco store
- No credit check on PAYG
Weaknesses:
- The best price needs a Tesco Clubcard — €5 a month more without one
- Runs on Three, so it inherits Three’s coverage gaps
- Fewer plan options than the big three networks
Best for: Budget-conscious users who already shop at Tesco and want simplicity.
Lyca Mobile
Lyca Mobile is a budget MVNO that runs on Three’s network. It’s particularly popular with people who have moved to Ireland because of its very cheap international call rates.
Strengths:
- Very cheap international calls to 75+ countries (including India, Philippines, USA, UK, Poland, and many more)
- No contract required — monthly bundles or PAYG
- Competitive data bundles
- Available in shops and online immediately
- Plans from €9/month
Weaknesses:
- Customer service is limited
- Data speeds can be deprioritised at peak times
Best for: Anyone who regularly calls home to family. The savings on international calls can easily outweigh any differences in plan quality.
How to get started with Lyca Mobile: SIMs are available in many convenience stores, newsagents, and online. You can be set up within minutes of arriving in Ireland. Get a Lyca SIM here.
GoMo
GoMo is Eir’s low-cost brand, running on Eir’s network with 99% 5G population coverage. Its pitch is a single price that doesn’t rise: €12.99 a month “for life” on a 30-day rolling contract, with unlimited 5G data. GoMo currently flags that price as a limited-time offer, so the “for life” lock applies to the rate you join on.
Strengths:
- Price fixed for as long as you stay — no intro-then-jump pricing
- 30-day rolling, so no 12-month tie-in
- The only major budget brand not riding Three, which matters if Three’s coverage is weak at your address
Weaknesses:
- Online-only sign-up and support — no shops, no PAYG SIM in a newsagent
- You need an Irish bank account or card to set up the direct debit
Best for: Anyone who wants one predictable bill and no contract, and who has already checked that Eir’s coverage works where they live.
48
48 runs on Three’s network and is aimed at cheap unlimited data: €12.99 a month for unlimited 5G data, 5,000 minutes and 5,000 texts, with 20GB usable for EU/UK roaming. A cheaper 100GB 4G plan is also sold. There’s a free 1GB trial so you can test coverage before paying.
Strengths:
- Cheapest genuine unlimited-data plan of the mainstream brands
- Free trial SIM to test the signal first — useful before you commit anywhere
- Prepay, so no credit check
Weaknesses:
- Runs on Three, so it inherits Three’s weak spots
- Online-first; a one-time activation fee applies
Best for: Heavy data users who want unlimited without a contract, and newcomers who want to test coverage before committing.
48 vs GoMo: which budget SIM wins
These two get compared more than any other pair in Ireland, and the answer changed recently. They now cost the same. Both are €12.99 a month. The decision is no longer about price.
| 48 | GoMo | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly price | €12.99 | €12.99 |
| Network | Three | Eir |
| Data | Unlimited 5G (ROI) | Unlimited 5G |
| Calls and texts | 5,000 mins, 5,000 texts | All calls and texts |
| EU/UK roaming | 20GB | Included |
| Contract | Prepay, cancel anytime | 30-day rolling |
| Activation fee | €12.99 one-off | None advertised |
| Price promise | ”No annual price hikes" | "Price for life” |
| Try before you buy | Free 1GB trial SIM | No |
Pick 48 if Three’s coverage is good at your address, you want to test the signal before paying, or you would rather not set up a direct debit. The free 1GB trial SIM is genuinely useful when you have just arrived and cannot yet judge coverage where you live.
Pick GoMo if Eir’s network works better where you are, or you want a bill-pay arrangement rather than prepay. GoMo also has no activation fee, which makes it about €13 cheaper over the first month.
The real deciding factor is coverage, not price. 48 runs on Three and GoMo runs on Eir, so whichever network is stronger at your home and commute should decide it. Check both on the ComReg coverage map before committing, and note that 48’s free trial SIM lets you test Three’s signal at no cost.
One caveat on both price promises: GoMo currently advertises €12.99 as a limited-time offer, and 48 promises no annual hikes rather than a permanent rate. Neither is a contractual guarantee for all time. Join at the rate you are happy to keep paying.
What you actually pay in month 13
The advertised price is the least useful number on any Irish plan card. Almost every operator sells an introductory rate and then moves you to a higher one, and the increases are not always at the same point in the year. The figure worth comparing is what leaves your account in month 13, once the promotions have run out.
Read from each operator’s own site on 21 August 2026:
| Plan | Advertised | What changes | Month 13 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 unlimited | €12.99/mo | Nothing. Promises no annual hikes. One-off €12.99 activation | €12.99 |
| GoMo | €12.99/mo | Nothing, if the “for life” lock holds. Currently badged a limited-time offer | €12.99 |
| Tesco Mobile Clubcard SIM | €15/mo | €15 is a limited-time cut from €20 | €15, or €20 if the offer ends |
| Lyca Ireland Plus | €9 / 28 days | Promo ends after 6 months | €15 / 28 days |
| Lyca Unlimited Plus | €10 / 28 days | Promo ends after 6 months | €25 / 28 days |
| Lyca Go Unlimited | €11 / 28 days | Promo ends after 12 months | €20 / 28 days |
| Three SIM Core (12 mo) | €20/mo | Rises €2.50 each April | €22.50 |
| Three SIM Freedom (24 mo) | €14/mo | Jumps to €28 after 6 months, then €2.50 each April | €28, rising to €30.50 |
| Three SIM Flex (30 day) | €34.99/mo | Nothing | €34.99 |
| Vodafone Ultra SIM Only | €17.50/mo | Doubles after 6 months, then €2.50 each April | €35, rising to €37.50 |
| Eir SIM only | €14.99/mo | Nothing advertised | €14.99 |
| Eir (eir broadband customers) | €9.99/mo | Promo ends after 12 months | €19.99 |
| Virgin Mobile SIM only | €15/mo | Nothing. “SIM For Life” guarantee | €15 |
Vodafone’s is the starkest: a plan sold at €17.50 becomes €35 in month seven, then €37.50 the following April. Virgin Mobile sits at the other end, and is worth noting precisely because it is unusual: its own FAQ states that after the 12-month term the plan continues at the same price on a rolling basis, with a “SIM For Life” guarantee that the rate will not increase.
The Three Freedom plan is the clearest example of why the headline misleads. Advertised at €14 a month, it runs at that rate for six months and then doubles to €28 for the remaining eighteen of a 24-month contract. Over the full term that is €588, an average of €24.50 a month, before the April increase. The plan advertised at €14 costs almost twice that.
Two habits protect you:
- Compare the month-13 column, not the headline. On these figures, 48 and GoMo at a flat €12.99 beat every plan advertised as cheaper, and Virgin Mobile at €15 beats Vodafone’s €17.50 by a wide margin once both settle.
- Diary the promo end date. Lyca’s six-month plans and Three’s Freedom plan both step up at month seven. None of them will remind you.
Prepay and 30-day rolling plans have no promotional cliff at all, which is their real advantage over a cheap-looking contract. It is also why a newcomer who does not yet know which network works at their address should start there.
The catch on Lyca’s pricing
Lyca is genuinely the cheapest way to call abroad from Ireland, and it is the network we most often point newcomers at. But its advertised prices are introductory promotions with an expiry date, and that is easy to miss on the plan cards.
Read from lycamobile.ie on 21 August 2026:
| Plan | Promo price | Promo runs for | Reverts to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ireland Plus (30GB) | €9 / 28 days | 6 months | €15 / 28 days |
| Unlimited Plus (unlimited) | €10 / 28 days | 6 months | €25 / 28 days |
| Go Unlimited (unlimited) | €11 / 28 days | 12 months | €20 / 28 days |
So the €10 Unlimited Plus plan is excellent value for six months and then costs two and a half times what you signed up for. On a 28-day cycle that is 13 charges a year, so the first year runs roughly six charges at €10 and seven at €25.
What to do about it: set a calendar reminder for month five. Lyca has no contract and no credit check, so you can move to whichever plan is on promotion then, or switch away entirely. The flexibility is real, but only if you use it.
This pattern is not unique to Lyca. Most Irish mobile and broadband pricing works this way, which is why the intro price is the least useful number on any plan card. The one to compare is what you pay in month thirteen.
Getting a SIM card in Ireland
Where to buy a SIM
SIMs are widely available with no ID required:
- Convenience stores and newsagents (Centra, Spar, SuperValu, Londis) — stock Tesco Mobile, Three, Vodafone, Lyca, and others
- Supermarkets — Tesco stores carry Tesco Mobile SIMs
- Network stores — Vodafone, Three, and Eir have retail shops in city centres and shopping centres
- Online — all providers let you order SIMs posted to your address
Can you get a SIM immediately on arrival?
Yes. PAYG SIMs require no contract and no proof of address. Pick one up at the airport shops or any convenience store and you’ll have an Irish number within minutes.
Want data before you even reach the shop? A travel eSIM gives you working mobile data the moment you land — useful for maps, ride-hailing and messaging while you sort out a local SIM. Saily (from the makers of NordVPN) sells an Ireland data plan you activate by QR code on any eSIM-capable phone. Treat it as a bridge for your first few days, then switch to a cheaper PAYG Irish SIM for calls and a local number.
Registering your SIM
All SIMs in Ireland must be registered under Irish law. You’ll need to provide your name, address, and date of birth either online or by calling the provider. This is straightforward and typically takes a few minutes. An Irish number is usually the first thing you need before the rest of the admin: applying for a PPS number and opening an Irish bank account both ask for a contact number.
Using your existing phone in Ireland
Will your phone work in Ireland?
Most modern smartphones work in Ireland, but check two things:
1. GSM compatibility: Ireland uses GSM networks (the global standard). If your phone works in Europe or Australia, it will work in Ireland. US CDMA phones (older Verizon/Sprint handsets) may not work.
2. Unlocked vs locked: If your phone is locked to a specific carrier (common with US or UK contract phones), it may not work with an Irish SIM.
Unlocking your phone
If your phone is locked:
- Contact your existing carrier — most will unlock for free if you’ve completed your contract
- Third-party unlocking services — available online, cost €10–€30 depending on the phone
- In Ireland, it’s legal to unlock a phone you own outright
Keeping your home country number (dual SIM)
Many people moving to Ireland want to keep their home country number active for family back home while also having an Irish number.
Options:
- Dual SIM phone — if your phone has two SIM slots, use one for your Irish SIM and one for your home SIM. Check if your phone supports this (many modern flagships do).
- eSIM — iPhones from XS onwards and most modern Android flagships support eSIM. You can have a physical SIM and an eSIM simultaneously. Lyca Mobile and some Irish providers support eSIM.
- Keep home number on PAYG — put your old SIM on the cheapest PAYG option from your home country and top it up occasionally so the number stays active.
Mobile coverage in Ireland
Ireland’s coverage is generally strong in cities, towns, and along major roads. Rural and coastal areas can have gaps.
Best coverage overall: Vodafone and Three both score highest in independent coverage tests.
Checking coverage before you commit:
- Each provider has an online coverage checker on their website
- Check coverage at both your home address and your workplace — they matter equally
- Indoor coverage in older buildings can be weaker than outdoor coverage maps suggest
Rural Ireland: If you’re moving outside of a city or large town, Vodafone tends to have the edge over Three in rural areas. Eir also has solid rural coverage.
Understanding Irish mobile costs
Typical monthly costs (2026)
| Plan Type | Data | Calls/Texts | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| PAYG bundle (Lyca, per 28 days) | 30GB | Unlimited IE | €9 |
| Unlimited data (48) | Unlimited | 5,000 mins/texts | €12.99 |
| SIM-only budget (GoMo/Tesco) | Unlimited | Unlimited IE | €12.99–€15 |
| SIM-only mid-range | 50–100GB | Unlimited IE | €20–€25 |
| SIM-only premium (Vodafone/Three) | Unlimited | Unlimited IE | €30–€40 |
| Bill pay (with phone, 24mo) | Unlimited | Unlimited | €40–€70 |
Prices fluctuate — always check current offers directly with providers.
Roaming in the EU
Under Roam Like at Home (EU Regulation 2022/612), Irish mobile providers must let you use your domestic plan in any other EU/EEA country at no extra cost (up to a fair-use limit). The rules were extended to 2032 in 2022. Northern Ireland is post-Brexit non-EU for roaming purposes — some Irish providers still include it as a “home” zone, but check before you cross the border. The UK was removed from EU roaming rules after Brexit.
Bill pay: What to watch for
If you sign up for a bill pay contract:
- Require a credit check — if you’ve just arrived, you may not pass immediately
- You’ll need an Irish bank account for direct debit
- Exit fees typically €100–€200 if leaving before the contract ends
- Annual price increases are common — Vodafone and Three typically raise prices each April
Switching networks
Switching your Irish mobile number to a new provider is straightforward:
- Get a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current provider — text “PAC” to 65075 (free) or call them
- Give the PAC to your new provider when signing up
- Your number transfers within one working day
You don’t need to contact your old provider to leave — just give the PAC to the new one and the switch happens automatically. Home broadband switching works differently, and the contract-exit maths matters more; that is covered in broadband providers in Ireland.
International calls from Ireland
If you regularly call a home country number:
Cheapest options:
- Lyca Mobile — built-in cheap international rates to 75+ countries, from as little as 1–2 cent/min to many destinations
- WhatsApp/FaceTime/Signal — free over Wi-Fi or mobile data (requires the other person to have the app)
- Google Voice — useful for calls to US numbers
Most expensive: Calling international numbers directly from a standard Irish plan — typically €0.20–€1.00 per minute unless you have an international add-on.
Practical tip: Many newcomers use Lyca for their regular Irish SIM and use WhatsApp for family calls. For times when WhatsApp isn’t available, Lyca’s international rates are a reliable fallback. View Lyca plans.
Related guides
- Setting Up Utilities in Ireland — electricity, gas, broadband
- Best Broadband Providers in Ireland — home internet comparison
- Cost of Living in Ireland — monthly budgeting guide
- Moving to Ireland from the EU — complete relocation checklist
Verification
Prices and host networks for GoMo, 48, Tesco Mobile and Lyca Mobile were read from gomo.ie, 48.ie, tescomobile.ie and lycamobile.ie on 3 August 2026. GoMo, 48, Tesco Mobile and Lyca were re-checked on 21 August 2026. GoMo’s headline price had fallen from €14.99 to €12.99 a month in that time, advertised as a limited-time offer, and every €14.99 reference on this page was corrected. 48’s €12.99 unlimited plan, its €12.99 one-off activation fee, the 20GB EU/UK roaming allowance and the free 1GB trial SIM were confirmed unchanged. Tesco Mobile’s €15 Clubcard SIM-only price was confirmed on tescomobile.ie, currently reduced from €20 as a limited-time offer, on a monthly rolling contract with unlimited 5G data (its separate Prepay 15 plan tops up every 28 days, which is a different product). Lyca’s €9 Ireland Plus, €10 Unlimited Plus and €11 Go Unlimited prices were confirmed, along with the 37GB EU, Ukraine and Moldova roaming allowance on Unlimited Plus, and the fact that all three are time-limited promotions that revert to €15, €25 and €20 respectively. Three’s own-brand prices were also re-checked on 21 August 2026 from its bill pay SIM only and prepay SIM only pages: SIM Core €20 on 12 months, SIM Freedom €14 for six months then €28 on 24 months with a promo code, SIM Flex €34.99 on 30 days, and prepay from €20, all subject to a €2.50 increase each April. The comparison table previously showed Three from about €10 a month, which no longer matches any plan it sells, and has been corrected to €20. Vodafone, Eir and Virgin Mobile were also read from their own sites on 21 August 2026, completing the sweep. Vodafone’s bill pay SIM only page advertises Ultra SIM Only at €17.50 a month for six months and €35 after that, with a €2.50 increase each April, and its pay as you go plans start at €20. The comparison table previously showed Vodafone at about €15, which matched no current plan, and has been corrected. Eir’s SIM only shop advertises from €14.99, or €9.99 a month for 12 months and €19.99 thereafter for eir broadband customers. Virgin Mobile’s SIM only page advertises €15 a month with unlimited data and 37GB EU roaming, €9.99 alongside a broadband package, and its own FAQ confirms the plan continues at the same price after the 12-month term under a “SIM For Life” guarantee. Every network and reseller in this guide has now been checked against its own site on the same date. EU roaming rules follow the European Commission; the SIM-registration requirement and market structure follow ComReg, the Irish telecoms regulator.
iD Mobile was removed from this guide in August 2026: it entered liquidation and ceased services in Ireland in April 2018, and should not be treated as an option.
Three’s site blocks automated checks, so its and Vodafone’s and Eir’s own-brand prices here are indicative rather than freshly verified — confirm on the provider’s checkout page. Mobile pricing changes frequently.