Key takeaway
Choosing a broadband provider, checking availability at your address, and what to expect during setup — a practical guide for new arrivals.
Check availability at your address first
Before anything else, check what broadband technologies are available at your specific address. Availability varies significantly — even in Dublin, some streets only have ADSL (slower) while others have fibre. Go to each provider's website and use their address checker, or use a comparison site like bonkers.ie to see all available options in one place.
Types of broadband in Ireland
- Fibre to the Home (FTTH/FTTP) — the fastest option; speeds of 500Mbps–1Gbps. Available in most urban areas via Eir or Open eir wholesale
- Virgin Media cable — very fast (up to 1Gbps), but only available in certain towns and suburbs
- Fixed wireless (4G/5G home broadband) — good for areas without fibre; speeds of 50–300Mbps typical
- ADSL/VDSL — older copper-wire technology; slower (10–70Mbps) but widely available
Main providers
Eir — largest network, own fibre and copper. Often cheapest on standard plans.
Virgin Media — fastest speeds where available; good bundle deals with TV.
Sky — popular for bundles with TV; uses Eir's network for broadband.
Pure Telecom — smaller provider, competitive on rural areas.
Vodafone Home Broadband — 5G home broadband; no engineer visit required.
What to expect when signing up
For fibre or cable, you'll need an engineer visit to install the connection — usually within 5–10 working days of signing up. You'll need to be home for the installation. For fixed wireless, a self-install kit is typically sent by post.
Standard contracts are 12 or 18 months. Check the early termination fee before signing — it can be significant if you need to leave early (e.g. if you move house mid-contract).
Tips for getting the best deal
- New customer discounts are often 30–50% off for the first 6–12 months — always ask
- Bundles (broadband + TV + phone) can save money but check the full price after the introductory period
- If you're a renter, check your lease — some landlords have existing broadband contracts that you may be able to take over
General guidance only. Always verify with official sources — gov.ie, citizensinformation.ie, hse.ie.