If you’re traveling to Ireland or need a flexible mobile option without a contract, a prepaid SIM card—known locally as Pay As You Go (PAYG)—is the easiest and most affordable solution. With strong 4G and rapidly expanding 5G networks across the country, Ireland’s mobile operators offer generous data allowances, budget-friendly plans, and convenient tourist SIM options.
This complete guide explains everything you need to know, including coverage, where to buy, SIM prices, full plan tables with activation codes, eSIM options, and more.
Basics: How Prepaid SIM Cards Work in Ireland
A prepaid (PAYG) SIM card allows you to pay upfront, with no contract. Benefits include:
Instant activation
No ID requirement in most cases
Low-cost unlimited data offers
Free EU roaming on many plans
4G & 5G support
Ability to top up anytime
Works for tourists, students & short-term visitors
Availability — Where to Buy Prepaid SIMs in Ireland
You can buy prepaid SIM cards at:
Airports
Dublin Airport – Vodafone, Three, Lyca kiosks
Cork Airport – SIM vending machines
Shannon Airport – Vodafone/Three counters
Official Stores
Vodafone stores
Three Ireland stores
Eir retail shops
Shops & Supermarkets
Tesco
Lidl
Spar
Centra
Post offices
Online & eSIM
Vodafone Ireland eSIM
Airalo, Holafly, Nomad, SimOptions
Lycamobile eSIM
Frequencies Used in Ireland
Make sure your phone supports these bands:
Network
2G
3G
4G/LTE Bands
5G Bands
Vodafone
900 / 1800
2100
800 / 1800 / 2100
3500 / 2100
Three
900
2100
800 / 1800 / 2100 / 2600
3500 / 1800
Eir
900
900 / 2100
800 / 1800 / 2100
3500 / 1800
Lycamobile (Eir Network)
900
2100
800 / 1800
5G via Eir
Coverage & Speed Comparison
Network
4G Coverage
5G Speed
5G Reach
Best For
Vodafone
Excellent (98%+)
Fast
Wide
Travelers needing reliability
Three
Excellent
Very fast
Growing
Unlimited data users
Eir
Good
Fast
Expanding
Budget users
Lycamobile
Good (Eir)
Decent
Limited
Cheap international calls
At-a-Glance SIM Comparison
Operator
Price Range
Unlimited Data
5G
EU Roaming
Best Feature
Vodafone
€20–€30
Yes
Yes
Yes
Strongest coverage
Three
€20–€25
Yes
Yes
Yes
true unlimited 4G/5G
Eir
€15–€20
Yes
Yes
Yes
Cheapest unlimited
Lycamobile
€10–€20
Yes
Limited
Limited
Best for international calling
Biometric SIM Registration in Ireland
Ireland does not require biometric SIM registration. You can buy a SIM without providing ID, except occasionally at telecom stores where passport verification may be requested.
Device Registration
No device registration is required. You only need:
Tourist SIMs include EU roaming, and activation is instant.
Digital eSIM Providers (Data-Only)
Provider
Price
Data
Notes
Airalo
from €4
1–20GB
Instant activation
Holafly
€19
Unlimited
Roaming included
Nomad
€5
1–10GB
Good speeds
SimOptions
€9
Various
Multi-country options
Activation Process (All Networks)
Insert SIM
Restart phone
Wait for network signal
Top up the activation amount (e.g., €20)
Plan activates automatically
Use the mobile app to manage your account
Helpline Numbers
Network
Support Number
Vodafone
1907
Three
1913
Eir
1901
Lycamobile
1747
Conclusion
Prepaid SIM cards in Ireland offer excellent value, nationwide coverage, and some of the cheapest unlimited data plans in Europe. Whether you’re a tourist needing fast 5G in Dublin or a student looking for a temporary solution, networks like Vodafone, Three, Eir, and Lycamobile provide flexible, easy-to-activate options.
Choose Vodafone for the best coverage, Three for true unlimited data, Eir for low-budget unlimited plans, and Lycamobile for cheap international calling.
