Best eSIM Ireland. Top 5 best prepaid eSIMs for Ireland 2024 - eSIM Holidays Blog: best esim for Spain & Europe

Q: Is eSIM available in Ireland?

Yes. You can buy yours now here .

Q: How Do I Get an eSIM in Ireland?

All you need to do is order yours here , and follow the steps shown to you. Once you travel to Ireland and want to activate your plan, just follow the steps above.

You’ve arrived in Ireland, and want to stay connected to the internet. You’ll find that you’re faced with 2 options: face expensive roaming charges or buy an Irish SIM Card. Both require contracts, meaning that you can’t just pay once and forget about it. What if there was a third option? Now there is: eSIM.

What is an eSIM?

An eSIM (embedded SIM) is the way to have the same cellular connectivity you would get with a physical SIM card, without the need to find and set one up. In fact, while you may only be able to buy an Irish SIM Card in Ireland, you can buy an Irish eSIM anywhere in the world, so that you can enjoy your trip without any extra hassle. All you need to do to activate it is scan a QR code that will be sent to your email address, it’s that easy!

Warning: You can only set up your eSIM once. If you delete it, you can’t get it back.

Mobile devices compatible with eSIM

Apple

iPhone XS
iPhone XS Max
iPhone XR
iPhone 11
iPhone 11 Pro
iPhone 11 Pro Max
iPhone 12
iPhone 12 Mini
iPhone 12 Pro
iPhone 12 Pro Max
iPhone 13
iPhone 13 Mini
iPhone 13 Pro
iPhone 13 Pro Max
iPhone 14
iPhone 14 Plus
iPhone 14 Pro
iPhone 14 Pro Max
iPhone 15
iPhone 15 Plus
iPhone 15 Pro
iPhone 15 Pro Max
iPhone SE (2nd, 3rd)
iPad Pro (Cellular only, 3rd generation 12.9”, 2nd generation 11”)
iPad Air (Cellular only, 3rd generation and newer)
iPad (Cellular only, 7th generation and newer)
iPad Mini (Cellular only, 5th generation and newer)
Apple Watch Series 3 (and newer)

Samsung

Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy Note20
Samsung Galaxy Note20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S23 5G
Samsung Galaxy S23+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5G
Samsung Galaxy FE
Samsung Galaxy S22
Samsung Galaxy S22+
Samsung Galaxy S22 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21+ 5G
Samsung Galaxy S21 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy 21 FE
Samsung Galaxy S20
Samsung Galaxy S20+
Samsung Galaxy S20 Ultra
Samsung Galaxy Fold, Z Fold3 5G, Z Fold4 5G, Z Fold5 5G
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip, Z FLip 5G, Z Flip3 5G, Z Flip4 5G, Z Flip5 5G
Samsung Gear S2 3G
Galaxy Watch y Galaxy Watch 3,4,5 y 6
Galaxy Watch Active 2

Google

Google Pixel 8 Pro
Google Pixel 8
Google Pixel 7a
Google Pixel 3XL
Google Pixel 3

Huawei

Huawei P40 Pro 5G
Huawei P40 5G
Huawei Mate 40 pro
Watch 2 y 3

Motorola

Motorola RAZR 40 Ultra
Motorola EDGE 40 Neo
Motorla Moto G54 5G

Xiaomi

Xiaomi 12T Pro
Xiaomi 13
Xiaomi 13 Pro
Xiaomi 13 Lite
Xiaomi 13T
Xiaomi 13T Pro
Xiaomi Watch 2 Pro

Other devices such as Oppo, Vivo, Honor, Montblanc and many others may also be compatible with eSIM.

Please note that not all devices are eSIM compatible, so before you buy one, check our list of compatible phones or ask your eSIM provider.

Prepaid eSIMs in Ireland

With a prepaid eSIM, you can pay once for your cellular connectivity for a given time interval, then forget about it for the duration of that time. If you need more time or more data, you can just top-up. Essentially, you only need to pay when you actually want more data, no unexpected charges.

Orange eSIM Holidays is an example of a prepaid eSIM. It offers 30GB of data at 4G/LTE speed over 15 days for 25€. This should be more than enough for the average traveller. In the rare case that this is not enough, you can top-up in order to have more data or time to use it.

Best Prepaid eSIMs for Ireland

Below is a table detailing some of the best prepaid eSIMs for Ireland.

Rank	Brand	Data Quantity	Price	Price/GB	Duration	Additional Features
1 🏆	Orange eSIM Holidays	30GB	25€	0.83€	15 days	100 minutes of Voice CallsSMS for additional Credit
2	eSIM MEO Enjoy Europe	5GB 15GB	15€ ($15.64) 30€ ($31.29)	3€ ($3.13) 2€ ($2.09)	15 days	Up to 10 installations of the same eSIM
3	Airalo Fáilte	1GB 3GB 5GB 10GB	$5 $9 $13 $22	$5 $3 $2.60 $2.20	7 days 30 days 30 days 30 days	N/A
4	WHIZ	10GB 50GB	$23.99 $80.99	$2.40 $1.62	30 Days	N/A
5	Ubigi	500MB 1GB 3GB 10GB 50GB	$9 $8 $10 $25 $69	$9 $8 $3.3 $2.5 $1.3	1 day 30 days 30 days 30 days 30 days	N/A

Data collected in 2024

Orange eSIM Holidays – Best value eSIM

Huge amount of data – Small Price

Orange eSIM Holidays is truly the best eSIM you can buy if you want to travel to Ireland. As mentioned before, this plan includes 30GB of data at 4G/LTE Speed to be used over 15 days for 25€.

Unmatched Price per Gigabyte

Orange eSIM Holidays has an unmatched Price per Gigabyte (Price/GB) of 0.83€, making it the best value product. The Price/GB is so competitive that it compensates for the shorter duration. You can just top-up your eSIM for a similar amount of data as other companies, but at half the price.

European Carrier allows for calls

On top of that, if you buy an Orange eSIM Holidays data plan, you get 100 minutes for international calls. Given that this plan is from Orange Spain, it is fitting that you’ll receive a Spanish number for those 100 minutes of international calls. In fact, this amazing Price/GB comes as a consequence of Orange being a local carrier as opposed to other providers.

Identity Check – Quick and easy

Because of Spanish Law, this plan does require an identity check, but it’s done in such a smooth way that it’s not a bother at all.

Overall, this eSIM has an unbeatable Price/GB with calls and SMS to boot.

eSIM MEO Enjoy Europe – Best Choice without Identity Check

Best Price/GB without Identity Check

eSIM MEO has 2 eSIMs with different amounts of data to be used over 15 days, both at 4G/LTE speed. One contains 5GB for 15€ and the other contains 15GB for 30€. The latter plan is extremely recommendable, given that it has the best value for those who do not want to go through the identity check.

The 5GB plan has a Price/GB of 3€, and the 15GB plan costs 2€ for every Gigabyte. MEO is a local Portuguese carrier, which allows them to have this great Price/GB on their 15GB plan.

Communication with data-only plans

This is a data-only plan, meaning that you won’t be able to make calls or send SMS messages with this eSIM. You will be able to use apps such as Whatsapp to communicate with your loved ones during your stay in Ireland.

Up to 10 installations of the same eSIM

Moreover, unlike the majority of eSIM Brands, eSIM MEO allows you to delete and reinstall your eSIM up to 10 times.

To summarise, the 15GB plan has a superb Price/GB with the added bonus of not needing an identity check.

Airalo Fáilte – Budget option

Multiple data plans with High Price/GB

Airalo has 4 different plans for Ireland, containing different amounts of data at 4G/LTE speed, the sizes and durations of which can be consulted in the table above.

Airalo is most viable for those who are on a really tight budget, given that their eSIMs mainly contain smaller amounts of data. This means that the Price/GB is more expensive, so despite offering cheaper plans, the value for money is compromised.

Download the Airalo App to activate

Like eSIM MEO, all of their eSIMs are data-only and do not require an identity check. Furthermore, Airalo requires their customers to download their app in order to activate their eSIMs, making them less intuitive to activate due to the proprietary system.

WHIZ – Large Data Plans

Large Plan without identity check

WHIZ has 2 different 4G/LTE data-only plans that last 30 days, one containing 10GB for $23.99 ($2.40/GB) , the other containing 50GB for $80.99 ($1.62/GB). This eSIM has the best value for those who want a very large amount of data without needing to do an identity check.

Higher price, ⅔ of the data

If you don’t mind doing an identity check, you can buy an Orange eSIM Holidays plan and top it up twice, and you would be provided 90GB for 75€ ($78.22) with calls and SMS, meaning that you receive more data for a cheaper price and added bonus features.

Ubigi – Highest Price/GB

Ubigi has the largest variation in data quantity in their 5 plans, ranging from 500MB to 50GB of data at 4G/LTE speed.

Expensive, even for small plans

The 500MB eSIM only lasts one day, making it perfect for those who are staying in Ireland for one night for a connecting flight. Nonetheless, such a small amount of data means that it will be expensive for the amount of data provided.

Like Airalo, Ubigi requires its customers to download their app in order to activate their eSIMs.

Buy Orange eSIM Holidays now for 30GB of 4G Data at the best price

GET your esim for ireland now

How to activate your eSIM

eSIM Activation on Apple devices

Open the Settings app.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi Network.
Select “Mobile Data”
Select “Add Data Plan”
Scan the QR Code sent to your email address.
Select “Add Data Plan”
Enter the PIN found in the same email when prompted
Enjoy your trip to Ireland!

eSIM Activation on Samsung devices

Open the Settings app.
Connect to a stable Wi-Fi Network.
Select “Connections”
Select “SIM Card Manager”
Select “Add Mobile Plan”
Select “Add using QR Code”
Scan the QR Code sent to your email address.
Enter the PIN found in the same email when prompted.
Enjoy your trip to Ireland!

Frequently Asked Questions

When will be eSIM available in Ireland

eSIM is available in Ireland right now. In fact, it has been available there since July 2nd 2021.

Does Vodafone Ireland support eSIM

Vodafone Ireland does support eSIM. Nevertheless, Vodafone Ireland does not offer prepaid eSIMs for travellers. Vodafone Ireland’s eSIMs are bound by a contract meant for locals, like regular SIM Cards.

Is eSIM available in Ireland?

Yes. You can buy yours now here.

Does eSIM work in Ireland?

Yes. In fact, eSIM works not only in Ireland, but in the whole of Europe. However, if you are buying a prepaid eSIM card, check which countries the eSIM provides coverage for, as sometimes, countries outside of the EU are not present in European plans.

How Do I Get an eSIM in Ireland?

All you need to do is order yours here, and follow the steps shown to you. Once you travel to Ireland and want to activate your plan, just follow the steps above.

Does Tesco do eSIM?

As of July 2022, Tesco does not do eSIM.

Can you buy eSIM online?

Absolutely! You can get your eSIM online before you travel to Ireland, and activate it when you’re there and want to connect to the internet. Gone is the hassle of finding a physical SIM card store and finding the carrier with the best contract. With eSIM you can pay once online, activate your plan and forget about it!

Is it a good idea to switch to eSIM?

If you are travelling to Ireland, whether it be for business or pleasure, it is a great idea to use an eSIM, given that you can buy your eSIM online ahead of time. Most phones that have eSIM have Dual-SIM compatibility, meaning that you won’t need to switch; you can have your regular SIM card in your phone while using your eSIM card. This means that once you’re there, all you need to do is activate it and enjoy your trip to Ireland.

Are eSIMs Cheaper?

If you buy a physical Irish SIM Card and forget to cancel your contract after your trip, you might find some unexpected charges. This is why it is cheaper and easier to buy an eSIM as opposed to worrying about when you’re going to be billed and cancelling your contract.

Is eSIM available for prepaid?

Yes! In fact, that is the best way to get connected as a traveller in Ireland because you won’t have to face any contracts or unexpected roaming charges.

How do I get an eSIM on my iPhone?

To get an eSIM on your iPhone, all you need to do is buy your eSIM, then follow the instructions above on the day you want to activate your data plan. After that, all you need to do is enjoy your trip to Ireland!