Best eSIM for Ireland: Plans, Pricing & Setup (2025 Edition)

If you’re traveling to Ireland, staying connected is important for using maps, booking services, and keeping in touch. An eSIM lets you access mobile data without needing a physical SIM card, making it easier to get online as soon as you arrive.
This guide explains what an eSIM is, how it works, and why it’s a practical choice for your trip to the Emerald Isle.

All Pictures by on Unsplash

 

What is an eSIM and How Does it Work?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is a digital SIM that’s already built into your device, so you don’t need a physical SIM card. Instead of finding a shop to buy and insert a traditional SIM, you can activate an eSIM in just a few minutes, often by scanning a QR code or entering details your provider sends you. Thanks to eSIM technology, staying connected while traveling is easier than ever.

In Ireland, this means you can avoid the potential hassle of paperwork for a local SIM. There’s no tiny card to lose, and you can change your plan remotely. eSIMs are becoming more and more common in modern smartphones and other smart devices.

 

How to Choose the Best eSIM for Ireland

Choosing the right eSIM for your trip to Ireland can save you money, improve your connection quality, and make travel more convenient. Here’s what you need to compare to choose the best eSIM for your travels in Ireland

Coverage: Does It Reach All Your Destinations?

Ireland is known for its beautiful scenery, but mobile coverage can differ from place to place. If you’re mainly visiting major cities like Dublin, Cork, or Galway, most eSIM providers will offer good service.

However, if your plans include exploring more remote areas, such as the scenic Ring of Kerry, the rugged cliffs of the Wild Atlantic Way, or charming villages in the countryside, you’ll need an eSIM that partners with reliable local networks like Vodafone Ireland, Three Ireland, or Eir.

It’s a good idea to check which networks an eSIM provider uses before you purchase to ensure you stay connected wherever your Irish adventures take you.

Photo by Jason Murphy on Unsplash

 

Your Data Needs

Your data requirements will depend on how you use your phone. For simple tasks like using online maps, checking emails, and a bit of web browsing, about 1GB to 3GB per week should be plenty for a trip to Ireland.

If you plan to upload photos to social media, stream music or videos, or make video calls to family back home, you should consider a plan with 5GB to 10GB for a two-week stay. For those who stream movies often, work remotely, or heavily rely on mobile data for things like cloud storage, looking for an unlimited data plan or at least 20GB for a month would be the best approach.

What’s the Length of Your Trip?

eSIM plans come with different durations to match your travel schedule. For short visits to Ireland, like a long weekend or up to 7 days, a weekly plan that offers at least 1GB of data per day is usually a good fit.

If you’re planning a longer stay, perhaps two weeks to a month, then options with more data, such as 5GB, 10GB, or even unlimited plans, will be more suitable to keep you connected throughout your trip. If you travel frequently, you might also find value in a multi-country or regional eSIM that covers other parts of Europe, not just Ireland.

Do You Need Calls & Texts, or Just Data?

Most eSIM plans available for Ireland are data-only. This means you’ll use apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime, Messenger, or Skype for making calls and sending messages over the internet.

However, some eSIM providers do offer packages that come with a local Irish phone number and include minutes for traditional calls and SMS texts. If having a local number and the ability to make regular calls is important for your trip, make sure to check the plan details before you buy.

Looking for Hotspot Capability?

If you’re thinking about sharing your internet connection with other devices, like a laptop, tablet, or a companion’s phone, it’s important to know that not all eSIMs allow tethering (hotspot sharing).

For travelers who need to work remotely or want to share data with family or friends, ensuring your eSIM plan supports hotspot functionality is key. Always double-check this feature before you finalize your eSIM purchase to avoid any surprises.

Plan Rates

The cost of an eSIM for Ireland can vary quite a bit. Prices depend on how much data you need, the specific provider you choose, and the extent of network coverage offered.

For travelers on a tight budget, there are small data packs available, with some starting as low as a few dollars, which can be great for very light usage. If you’re looking for good value, you can find eSIMs that offer a solid amount of data and reliable coverage at a reasonable price point. For those who need a lot of data or even unlimited plans, these options are also available, though they generally come at a higher cost.

 

Best eSIM Providers for Ireland in 2025

Choosing the right eSIM provider for your trip to Ireland can make a big difference in staying connected smoothly. Here are some of the top options available in 2025, considering their plans, features, and what to look out for.

Yoho Mobile

Yoho Mobile is a strong contender if you’re looking for competitive pricing and the ability to customize your eSIM plan for Ireland. They offer a variety of data packages to suit different trip lengths and usage needs, ensuring you only pay for what you require. For example, Yoho Mobile often features plans where you might find options like 3GB for 7 days for around $2.74. Key features include 24/7 customer support available in multiple languages, which is handy for international travelers.

They also provide a user-friendly app for both iOS and Android devices, and support various payment methods for convenience. Yoho Mobile typically offers reliable 4G and 5G coverage in Ireland, and their plans usually support hotspot tethering, allowing you to share your connection with other devices.

Flexiroam

Flexiroam is known for its global eSIM plans that cover multiple countries, which can be useful if Ireland is part of a larger European trip. They generally provide 4G and sometimes 5G services in Ireland and allow hotspot sharing on many of their plans. Customer support is available, though it’s worth noting that response times can sometimes be slower during peak periods.

Flexiroam offers a popular 1GB data plan for Ireland, valid for 70 days at a price of around $9. While it offers this wide coverage, travelers focusing solely on Ireland might find its rates a bit higher compared to some other providers who specialize more locally.

Jetpac

Jetpac often appeals to budget-conscious travelers with its straightforward eSIM plans, typically offering 4G connectivity in Ireland. Their plans generally support hotspot functionality, which is a plus for sharing your data. Customer support is available, but it’s good to be aware that they operate mainly during business hours. To give you an idea, Jetpac’s offers for Europe (including Ireland) have a 3 GB plan that’s good for 7 days for about $6.

Jetpac is a solid choice for those who have moderate data needs, as they tend to focus on specific data packages rather than offering unlimited data plans. Whereas, this can be a drawback for heavy data users who require large amounts of data for streaming, gaming, or other data-intensive activities.

Saily

Saily is recognized for its affordable short-term eSIM plans, making it a popular option for tourists visiting Ireland. They provide 4G network coverage and generally include hotspot capability with their plans. Setup is typically straightforward using their dedicated app. Customer support is often available via live chat, which many users find helpful.

Saily provides plans for Ireland, such as 5GB of data for 30 days at approximately $10.99, or 10GB for a month too costing around $18.99. However, he range of available plans is limited, potentially reducing flexibility for users with specific needs. For users needing small amounts of data over extended periods, the available plans may not be ideal, as smaller packages are only valid for shorter durations.

Airhub

Airhub offers a variety of eSIM plans, including options that cover multiple countries, which could be beneficial if your travels extend beyond Ireland. They provide access to 4G and 5G networks, ensuring good browsing speeds, and hotspot sharing is generally permitted. For customer support, they typically offer live chat and email.

Airhub provides a selection of predefined data amounts and validity periods; some users might look for more customization if their needs don’t perfectly align with the available packages. Also, a small convenience fee may be applied to purchases by their payment partner. For instance, with Airhub in Ireland, you might find an unlimited plan for 10 days costing around $25.

 

How to Buy & Activate an eSIM for Ireland

Getting your eSIM for Ireland up and running is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide using Yoho Mobile as an example:

Step 1: Choose Your Preferred eSIM Provider

First things first, make sure your smartphone is compatible with eSIM technology. You can check our handy list of eSIM-compatible devices. Yoho Mobile is a great option, offering reliable coverage across Ireland. Take a moment to compare their plans to pick the one that best fits your travel needs.

Step 2: Go to the Yoho Mobile Store

Next, you can visit the Yoho Mobile website or download the Yoho app directly from the App Store. This is the easiest way to browse their eSIM options and make your purchase.

Step 3: Choose Your Destination

On the website or app, select Ireland as your destination. If your travels will take you to other countries as well (for example, the UK or other parts of Europe), you can opt for a multi-country plan that will keep you connected in all those regions with a single eSIM.

Step 4: Customize Your Yoho Mobile Plan

Now, pick a data plan that matches how long you’ll be staying in Ireland and how much data you think you’ll use. Here are some general ideas:

• Short Trips (1-3 days): A plan with around 3GB should be perfect for things like using maps, sending messages, and light browsing.
• Longer Stays (5-10 days): If you plan on streaming videos, making video calls, or using social media a lot, consider a 10GB plan or even an unlimited option.
• Business Travel: For uninterrupted internet access for work, an unlimited data plan is usually the best choice.

Step 5: Buy Your eSIM

Before you make a purchase, take advantage of Yoho Mobile’s free eSIM trial. It’s a great way to test the service before committing to a plan.

When you’re ready to buy:

• Enter your email address. This is where they’ll send your eSIM details and confirmation.
• Look for a spot to enter a promo code to save some money. You can use the code YOHO12 for a 12% discount on your order.
• Choose your preferred payment method. Yoho Mobile accepts credit cards and other popular options. Enter your payment details to finalize the purchase.

Step 6: Install and Activate Your eSIM

Once your purchase is complete, you’ll find your new eSIM in the “My eSIMs” section of the Yoho Mobile app or on their website. Follow these steps to install and activate it:

• In the Yoho Mobile app, you can select “Start Installation Now.” The app will then guide you through your phone’s system settings to get the eSIM installed.

• Tap on “Add eSIM” or “Add Mobile Plan” and use your phone’s camera to scan the QR code.

• The eSIM should then activate automatically. You’ll know it’s working when you see the Yoho Mobile network signal in your phone’s status bar.

Special for iPhone Users: You can install the eSIM directly on your iPhone without needing to scan a QR code or enter details manually. The eSIM should appear automatically in your Cellular Plans section for easy setup.

Important Reminder: During the installation process, try not to interrupt it by deleting the eSIM, turning off your phone, or disconnecting from your Wi-Fi or internet connection until the setup is fully complete. Also, ensure that Data Roaming is turned ON for your new eSIM to allow smooth activation and connection once you arrive in Ireland.

If you’re interested in how to build a plan that’s perfectly tailored to your needs, you might also want to check out how to create your own personalized eSIM plan.

 

Final Thoughts: Is an eSIM Worth It in Ireland?

Ultimately, choosing an eSIM for your Irish adventure is a brilliant move for modern, hassle-free travel. It gives you the freedom to explore ancient castles, vibrant city streets, and breathtaking coastlines while staying connected effortlessly. With an eSIM, you can share your journey, navigate new places, and keep in touch without worrying about finding Wi-Fi or dealing with physical SIM cards, making it an essential tool for today’s savvy traveler.

 

FAQs About Using an eSIM in Ireland

How much data do I need for my trip to Ireland?

If you’re mainly using maps to find your way to the Cliffs of Moher and sending a few messages, 3GB to 5GB for a week should be fine. If you love sharing photos of your travels on social media or video calling your family from a cozy pub, you might want 10GB to 15GB for a couple of weeks. For those who’ll be working remotely from a cottage in the countryside or streaming Irish music and movies regularly, an unlimited plan is often the best way to go.

Does Ireland support eSIM?

Yes, definitely! Ireland is well set up for eSIM technology. Major local mobile networks like Vodafone Ireland, Three Ireland, and Eir provide the backbone for strong eSIM coverage. So, whether you’re exploring Dublin’s historic sites or wandering through the scenic Dingle Peninsula, an eSIM can keep you connected without needing a plastic SIM card.

Can I make calls and send texts with an Ireland eSIM?

Most eSIM plans for Ireland are focused on giving you mobile data. This means for calls and text messages, you’ll typically use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime, or Skype, which use your data connection. However, some providers do offer special plans that come with a local Irish phone number and include some minutes for traditional calls and SMS. For more on this, you can check this guide about the best eSIM for call and text.

What is the best eSIM for Ireland?

The “best” eSIM for Ireland truly depends on your personal travel style and needs. Here’s a quick look at some popular providers:

• Yoho Mobile: A top pick for travelers looking for a good balance of affordable prices and plans you can customize for your Ireland trip.
• Flexiroam: Consider this if Ireland is just one stop on a larger trip, as they specialize in multi-country coverage, though sometimes at a slightly higher price.
• Jetpac: A budget-friendly option, especially for shorter stays in Ireland if you don’t need huge amounts of data.
• Saily: Great for tourists who want a simple setup process through an app and affordable short-term plans.
• Airhub: Useful if you’re traveling across multiple regions, offering varied plans, but the service quality can differ as it’s a marketplace.