In Ireland you have two options for internet: a travel eSIM bought online, or a local SIM bought on arrival. If you rent a car, you drive on the left; eSIM navigation is essential on rural roads.
Why the eSIM wins for a visit
- No queue, no store — works before arrival
- No document registration
- Fixed EUR price from €1.49
- Keep your main number for calls/SMS
MerrSIM plans for Ireland
| MerrSIM plan | Price | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| 1 GB | €1.49 | 7 days |
| 5 GB | €5.49 | 30 days |
| 10 GB | €8.99 | 30 days |
| 20 GB | €14.49 | 30 days |
Ready for Ireland? See plans at MerrSIM — Ireland eSIM, from €1.49, instant QR activation, no physical SIM and no roaming.
How an eSIM works
An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone: there is no physical card to insert. You buy it online, get a QR code by email and scan it in your settings. Once installed, the profile lives on your phone and activates when you reach Ireland, connecting automatically to a local partner network. You can keep your main SIM at the same time, so your number still gets calls and texts while the eSIM handles data.
How much data you really need
For normal use — maps, messaging, social media and the odd video — budget about 300–700 MB a day. A light traveller is fine with 3–5 GB for a week, while anyone doing video calls, streaming or laptop hotspot will want 10–20 GB. In Ireland, download offline maps and use hotel WiFi for big downloads; that way a 10 GB plan comfortably lasts two weeks. If you run out, you buy a new plan in the app with no waiting.
Coverage and 5G speed in Ireland
The eSIM connects to the main local operators, so you get the same coverage as a local, including 4G/LTE and 5G where available. In the cities and tourist areas of Ireland the signal is strong and stable; in very remote villages or mountains it can weaken, as with any operator. Hotspot is included, so you can share the connection with your laptop or a travel companion at no extra cost.
Does your phone support eSIM?
Before you buy, check two things. First, the phone must be eSIM-compatible: iPhone XR/XS and newer, Samsung Galaxy S20 and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and many recent Motorola, Huawei and Oppo models. Second, it must be carrier-unlocked. You can verify by dialling *#06# — if an EID number appears, your phone supports eSIM. This saves you any surprises when you arrive in Ireland.
No registration, no shop queue
Many EU countries require identity verification for local SIM cards, which means a queue, a shop and sometimes even a local address. A travel eSIM skips all of that: it is sold as an international data service, with no passport and no contract. You have it ready before you set off for Ireland, so you land and are online immediately — no time wasted at the airport and no risk of surprise roaming bills.