
With castles, beautiful scenery, music, museums, and fabulous pubs, Ireland has something for everyone! While the country has strong protections for Internet freedom, there are still a lot of reasons to get a good VPN before you go!
While exploring all the country has to offer, you’ll be dependent on public Wi-Fi, which puts you at risk for hackers! You also won’t be able to access many websites from home, like your streaming libraries or online banking. Likewise, Irish residents traveling abroad will need to use a VPN to access some of their favorite content from Ireland while they are away.
I’ve put together a list of the best VPNs for Ireland to ensure you’ll get secure and unlimited access to online content no matter where you are. Keep reading to learn more!
In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPNs for Ireland
Here’s a quick peek at my favorite VPNs for Ireland:
Key takeaways
- A great VPN protects you from cyber threats and surveillance, even on unsecured networks.
- Use your VPN to connect to Irish servers, and you can enjoy Irish television and streaming libraries from anywhere.
- Bypass geo-blocks and enjoy worldwide streaming and gaming content with a quality VPN.
- ExpressVPN is the number one VPN for Ireland.
State of Internet freedom in Ireland
Ireland supports freedom of expression with minimal Internet restrictions on activities considered harmful or illegal, such as hate speech, illegal gambling sites, and child exploitation. Some torrenting sites have also been shut down for copyright violations.
When it comes to your privacy, be aware that Irish ISPs are required to hold on to some user data for 2 years. It also permits surveillance if it is in the interest of national security or law enforcement, pending judicial review.
No country is immune from threats like cyber attacks, hackers, phishing, and ransomware, and one needs to be especially careful on unsecured networks.
Why you need a VPN for Ireland
Here’s how an Irish VPN can help you.
- Staying safe online. A quality VPN encrypts all of your data, protecting you from hackers and snoops, even while you’re on unsecured networks.
- Maintaining your privacy. Irish law permits surveillance upon judicial approval if it’s in the interest of national security or law enforcement. It also requires ISPs to hold on to some user data for 2 years. If you want to ensure your online activities remain private, the best way to do that is with a quality VPN.
- Unlimited Internet access. Use your VPN to connect to other countries, and you can access content from anywhere in the world, including streaming services, online banking, gaming websites, and more.
How to choose a VPN for Ireland
The market is full of providers, but not all of them guarantee a good online experience. Look for these features to help you decide which one to choose.
- Speed. You’ll want a fast VPN to prevent buffering, lag, or pixelation while you’re browsing, streaming, gaming, or torrenting online.
- Privacy and security. Stay safe by choosing a provider that offers military-grade encryption, a verified no-logs policy, a Kill Switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and secure tunneling protocols.
- Geo-spoofing. Make sure your provider has proven its ability to bypass restrictions on popular streaming services, online banking platforms, and other geographically restricted websites.
- Server network. A large server network not only provides you with the broadest access to online content but also prevents slowdowns from overcrowding when online traffic is heavy.
- Compatibility. Look for a provider that has intuitive apps for your preferred devices and allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
- Customer service. Even the most experienced users need help once in a while, so select a plan that includes 24/7 live chat support and a money-back guarantee in case you aren’t 100% happy with the service you chose.
5 best VPNs for Ireland
Here’s a detailed description of my favorite providers for Irish users to help you pick out the one that’s the right fit for you.
1. ExpressVPN
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!ExpressVPN has everything I want in a VPN, including gold-standard features for privacy and security, reliable geo-spoofing, and blazing-fast speeds. It’s also incredibly easy to use and offers excellent customer support.
Features: I love all the advanced features that come with every ExpressVPN subscription, including ad-blocking, tracker blocking, malware protection, a password manager, split tunneling, 24/7 customer support, and more. Its server network is made up of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries across the globe, including Dublin servers.
Speed: I was impressed by the exceptional speeds I got using ExpressVPN. It held on to 97% of its baseline download speed on local connections and 95% of its baseline download speed long distance.
Privacy and security: ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption, a verified no-logs policy, secure tunneling protocols, an automatic Kill Switch, and data leak protection to ensure your online security.
Performance: Whether I’m streaming, gaming, or torrenting, I can count on ExpressVPN for a strong performance.
Streaming: Unblock streaming content worldwide on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more, or use ExpressVPN to access your favorite Irish shows while you’re traveling abroad.
Compatibility: The ExpressVPN apps are intuitively designed to work with all major operating systems, including Android, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Linux, and you’re allowed up to 8 simultaneous connections.
Pricing: The pricing ranges from $6.67/month to $12.95/month, depending on your subscription length. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Excellent speed
- Private and secure connections
- Bypasses geo-blocks
- 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- More expensive than the competing providers
2. NordVPN
Servers/countries: 7,100+ servers in 118 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!There are lots of reasons to love NordVPN, from its impressive speed to its large array of advanced features, plus this premium service costs less than ExpressVPN.
Features: NordVPN comes with all the features you need to customize your VPN connection, including 7,100+ servers in 118 countries, ad blocking, malware protection, split tunneling, data breach monitoring, dedicated IPs, 24/7 customer support, and more!
Speed: I held on to an impressive 98% of my baseline download speed on local VPN servers and 96% of my baseline when connected overseas.
Privacy and security: When you use NordVPN, you’re protected by military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, secure tunneling protocols, a Kill Switch, and strong leak protection.
Performance: While on occasion there are delays in establishing a connection, once established, you can count on smooth streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Streaming: NordVPN has a great track record for unblocking popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more!
Compatibility: The intuitively designed apps are easy enough for beginners to use and are compatible with Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Each account allows for 10 simultaneous connections.
Pricing: NordVPN is a great value, with pricing ranging from $3.39/month for a basic 2-year plan to $12.99/month for the monthly plan. Plus, you’ve got 30 days to cancel and get a full refund.
Pros
- Excellent speed
- Private and secure connections
- Bypasses geo-blocks
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Occasional connectivity issues
3. Surfshark
Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!Budget-conscious VPN users are going to love Surfshark. It’s reliable, comes with tons of great features, and doesn’t cost a lot. It also comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, which piles on the savings for large households.
Features: Some of the high-end features you get with Surfshark include split tunneling, malware protection, an ad blocker, dark web monitoring, static IPs, and more! Its network includes 3,200+ VPN servers in 100 countries worldwide.
Speed: While it may not be as fast as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, I got solid speeds with Surfshark, holding on to 82% of my baseline download speed locally.
Privacy and security: Surfshark is a safe choice with its military-grade encryption, verified no-logs policy, Kill Switch, leak protection, and secure tunneling protocols.
Performance: Surfshark is fast enough for smooth streaming, gaming, and torrenting, and if you run into any delays, just ask the 24/7 support team to recommend a faster connection in the region you want.
Streaming: With Surfshark’s strong geo-spoofing software, you can enjoy movie and TV content from all over the world on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more!
Compatibility: Surfshark’s intuitive apps are designed to work with all major operating system,s including Android, macOS, iOS, Windows, and Linux. Best of all, every account comes with unlimited simultaneous connections!
Pricing: The pricing on Surfshark is fantastic, with subscription costs starting at just $1.99/month plus 4 months free, and you’ve got 30 days to cancel and get your money back.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Low cost
- Private and secure connections
- Bypasses geo-blocks
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Slower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN
4. CyberGhost
Servers/countries: 11,500+ in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 45 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 7
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
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+ 4 months FREE!CyberGhost is a cheap, no-frills, reliable, and secure service that’s easy to use.
Features: CyberGhost’s network is impressive, including 11,500+ servers in 100 countries, with some specialized for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Other features include split tunneling and an ad blocker.
Speed: I got the best speed using the WireGuard protocol. On local connections, I maintained 74% of my baseline download speed. Overseas connections were less consistent, but the 24/7 service team was great at directing me to the fastest option in any region.
Privacy and security: Your CyberGhost connection is safeguarded by military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, secure tunneling protocols, and strong protection against data leakage.
Performance: CyberGhost offers solid performance for streaming, gaming, and P2P file sharing.
Streaming: You can enjoy all of your favorite titles on Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more without geo-blocks getting in your way.
Compatibility: It’s easy to use CyberGhost with all major operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux, and you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.
Pricing: Sign up for 2 years and pay just $2.03/month, plus you’ll get 4 months free. You’ve got a full 45 days to cancel and get a full refund if you aren’t completely satisfied.
Pros
- Low cost
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Private and secure connections
- Bypasses geo-blocks
- 24/7 customer support
Cons
- Some complaints with lack of consistent customer support
5. Proton VPN
Servers/countries: 8,600+ servers in 112 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: iOS, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV Stick, Chromebook, Android TV
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more
Get Proton VPN with 56% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!If you’re set on getting a free VPN provider, Proton is the only one I recommend, and if you find the features are too limiting, you can upgrade to one of their paid subscriptions.
Features: The free plan comes with unlimited bandwidth, zero data caps, and a small network of servers in 5 countries. If you choose to upgrade, you’ll get 8,600+ servers in 112 countries, an ad blocker, malware protection, split tunneling, and more.
Speed: Proton maintained 76% of its baseline download speed on local connections, which is fast enough for just about any online task.
Privacy and security: Whether you’re a paid subscriber or are sticking with the free service, you get the same military-grade encryption, no logs policy, secure tunneling protocols, and strong leak protection.
Performance: Proton supports uninterrupted streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
Streaming: You can bypass geo-restrictions on all of the popular streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, and more, with Proton VPN.
Compatibility: While I’m still waiting for the Apple TV app, Proton has easy-to-use apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux operating systems. Paid subscribers can connect up to 10 devices at once, and while the free plan doesn’t allow for multiple connections, you can open as many accounts as you want.
Pricing: If you choose to upgrade from the free plan, subscription costs begin at $4.99/month plus 3 months free. You’ve got 30 days to cancel and get a full refund.
Pros
- Free plan option
- Private and secure connections
- Bypasses geo-blocks
- Large server network
- 30 day trial
Cons
- No Apple TV app
- Live chat is not 24/7
- Limited features with a free plan
Methodology: How I picked the best VPNs
Here’s how I made my selections based on key criteria:
- Security and privacy. Each VPN provider on my list offers robust security features, including AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, robust leak protection, secure tunneling protocols, and independently verified no-logs policies to ensure your data stays private.
- Speed. I tested the speeds of all the VPNs using different protocols and locations to guarantee they deliver seamless performance for streaming, gaming, browsing, and torrenting.
- Unblocking ability. The VPNs I chose have a proven track record of bypassing geo-restrictions and a wide network of servers around the globe for broad access to content libraries worldwide.
- Device compatibility. I prioritized VPNs with easy-to-use apps compatible with all major devices and operating systems.
- Customer support. I reached out to customer support to ensure you’ll get the prompt and professional advice you need, whenever you need it.
How to get an Irish IP address
You’ll need a VPN with servers in Ireland to obtain an Irish IP. ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and Proton VPN all have Irish servers in their network. Once you’ve selected a VPN provider, here’s what you need to do.
- Subscribe to a quality VPN service with Irish servers in-network. My favorite is ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Open the app and connect to an Irish server.
- You now have an IP address for Ireland.
How to use a VPN in Ireland
Here’s how to set up and use your VPN.
- Purchase a subscription to a reliable VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN app onto your device.
- Open the app, select a country from the list, and press Connect.
- You’re VPN is ready for use!
How to watch Irish TV abroad
You can live stream Irish television including RTE1, RTE2, TG4, Sky Sports, and Virgin Media One & Two from abroad by following these simple steps:
- Subscribe to a reputable VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your device.
- Open the app and connect to an Irish server.
- Go to your preferred station and start watching.
Can I use a free VPN for Ireland?
Using a free VPN provider can be risky, as most offer second-rate security and privacy features. They also aren’t very reliable when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted websites. If you do find one that works, issues with pop-up ads, buffering, lag, and pixelation are common issues with the no-cost plans.
The one exception to this rule is Proton’s free plan. It offers high-end privacy and security features, so there’s no risk in giving it a try, and its unlimited data and bandwidth help with avoiding slowdowns that can affect performance.
Other country VPN guides
Check out these country guides for more information about the best VPNs for world travelers.
- Best VPN for the Bahamas. Access your favorite streaming services, online banking, and work sites wherever your travels take you.
- Best VPN for Cyprus. Stay safe, even while using an unsecured network.
- Best VPN for Switzerland. Bypass geo-restrictions and connect to all your work, banking, and leisure sites from anywhere.
- Best VPN for UAE and Dubai. Protect yourself from cyber attacks and government surveillance.
- Best VPN for the US. Enjoy all the best US streaming and gaming libraries even while you’re traveling abroad.
FAQ
What is the best VPN for Ireland?
ExpressVPN is the best Ireland VPN, thanks to its blazing fast speeds, reliable geo-spoofing, strong privacy and security features, and user-friendliness.
Are VPNs legal in Ireland?
Yes. It is legal to use a VPN in Ireland.
Does Surfshark work in Ireland?
Yes. Surfshark works in Ireland.
Conclusion
A premium VPN gives you safe, private, and unrestricted online access. You also want one that’s easy to use and offers strong customer support. That’s why I chose ExpressVPN as the number one provider for Ireland!