So why should you use a VPN? For a start, they encrypt your internet traffic, increasing your online security and preventing any third parties, including hackers, network administrators, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP), from monitoring your activities. Of course, they have a secondary benefit that’s particularly useful if you like to stream.

VPN services enable you to choose servers from all over the world. When you connect, your real IP address is hidden and you’re given a temporary, region-specific address. Most geo-restricted services use your IP address as the primary method of determining your location. When you use a VPN, you appear to be located in whichever country your current server is in, bypassing the site’s regional restrictions and allowing you to use it as normal.

We’ll go into more detail for each of these below, but if you’re in a rush, here are our top VPNs for Ireland:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 choice VPN for Ireland! A very fast VPN with an expansive network and strong unblocking capabilities, not to mention a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Security-conscious and affordable provider for Ireland that offers decent speeds and strong unblocking capabilities.
  • ExpressVPN: Easy to use, able to unblock numerous Irish streaming services while abroad, and very fast.
  • CyberGhost: Another versatile VPN offering over 8,000 international servers. Fast speeds and tight security.
  • IPVanish: A speedy VPN that boasts unique security features and allows ten simultaneous connections.
  • PrivateVPN: Fast, reliable, and able to access services like Netflix Ireland abroad.
  • AtlasVPN: Servers in 40+ locations, high speeds, robust security features, and the ability to unblock a wide range of region-locked services.

The best VPNs for Ireland – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Ireland.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t a good fit and you’ll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for Ireland

Choosing which VPN to use can be difficult as so many different services are vying for your attention. We looked for services meeting the criteria below when finding the best VPNs for Ireland:

  • Provides high speeds and stable connections
  • Offers an expansive network and at least one server in Ireland
  • Uses powerful encryption and includes additional security features
  • Has apps for the most popular operating systems
  • Doesn’t log any information that could identify you

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Ireland:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This service puts major emphasis on your privacy. It uses 256-bit encryption and protection against DNS, WebRTC, port-forwarding, and IPv6 leaks by default. There are also more advanced features like dual VPN, Tor over VPN, ad-blocking, and malware-scanning functionality. With various cryptocurrencies accepted and no logs kept, this VPN enables you to register and browse almost completely anonymously.

NordVPN has apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. It works with network routers, but must be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR IRELAND:NordVPN is our #1 pick for Ireland. It’s ultrafast, security-conscious, and keeps no logs. Better still, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Expansive server network
  • Fastest on the market
  • Great security features
  • 24/7 support over live chat
  • Excellent unblocking ability
  • No-logs policy

Cons:

  • Desktop app can take a while to connect

Our score:

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This service’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch (in every version of the app). Ads and malware are blocked automatically, and if you visit a country with strict online censorship, the NoBorders feature will let you browse freely again. Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you although you can pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum if you’d prefer another layer of privacy. Customer support is on-hand 24/7 over live chat to address any issues you might have.

Surfshark has apps for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. It can be manually installed on supported network routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a cheap and versatile service that easily unblocks major geo-blocked services abroad. More importantly, it gives you the tools you need to do so safely. Boasts a no-logs policy, decent speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast enough for live streaming

  • Wide range of security and privacy protections

  • Accepts three cryptocurrencies

  • Unblocks all kinds of geo-restricted services

  • Lets you secure all of your devices at once

  • Fewer servers than some of its rivals

  • Some slow speeds

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN currently offers access to more than 3,000 high-speed servers across 94 countries, including Ireland. It has excellent multi-platform support, and can even be installed on routers relatively easily. Additionally, this service is able to access some of the most popular streaming platforms, like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and ITV Hub.

ExpressVPN uses 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to keep your traffic hidden at all times. This service doesn’t record any personally identifiable information, and accepts Bitcoin, allowing for anonymous sign up. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat in case of any problems.

This VPN comes with apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android. It can be quickly and easily installed on some routers using ExpressVPN’s custom router firmware (or an alternative).

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a strong all-rounder. It’s fast, has a large server network, and unblocks a wide array of geo-blocked services. Includes a 30 day money back guarantee.

  • High-speed connections

  • Great for streaming

  • Anonymous registration possible

  • Strong security features

  • A little more expensive than some rivals

  • Doesn’t provide much control over advanced features

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has 20+ Irish servers, and over 5,700 more throughout 89+ other countries. Users can choose not just which country they’d like to connect to, but also (in some locations) which city. There’s even a list of servers designed for accessing popular streaming services like Netflix, Sky Go, and BBC iPlayer, which makes watching your favorite shows abroad extremely simple.

CyberGhost includes a kill switch in both its mobile and desktop apps, ensuring you never have to browse unprotected. It uses 256-bit encryption by default, prevents WebRTC, DNS and IPv6 leaks, and even offers automatic malware-scanning and ad-blocking features. This service does not log any personally identifiable information and accepts Bitcoin. If you need help, support can be reached over live chat, 24/7.

CyberGhost includes apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, Linux and iOS devices. It can be manually installed on select internet routers.

Beginners’ choice:CyberGhost is fast, secure, and inexpensive. Best of all, it’s extremely easy to use, even if you’re not particularly experienced with computers. Includes 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Fast enough for HD streaming

  • 7 connections permitted

  • One-click unblocking built-in

  • Easy for novices to use

  • Few options for advanced users

  • Less reliable in places like the UAE

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is perfect for people looking to protect their whole household: it allows any number of connections while most of its rivals permit between three and six. This VPN has more than 1,100 servers across over 60 countries, including several in Ireland, allowing users to gain a low-latency connection wherever they are. Further, IPVanish is fast enough to stream HD content with no noticeable buffering.

Considering its apps are so lightweight, there’s actually a good degree of security built in. There’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, for instance, as well as local traffic blocking. You can even choose to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic or switch IP addresses at regular intervals. There’s no need to worry about being tracked either as IPVanish doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.

PROTECT ALL OF YOUR DEVICES:IPVanish boasts high speeds, exceptional multi-platform support, and a few unique security features, making it ideal for those who use multiple devices to access the internet regularly. Includes 30 day money back guarantee.

  • High speeds

  • Connect any number of devices

  • Apps for a wide range of systems

  • Offers 24/7 live chat

  • Struggles to unblock some streaming platforms

  • Does not allow anonymous registration

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This VPN keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption as well as DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection. It boasts a no-logs policy so you can rest assured your activities can’t be traced back to you. Bitcoin is accepted, though, so if you’re still not convinced, you can sign up anonymously using a disposable email address. The customer support team is particularly helpful, and can even remotely connect to your device (with your permission) to install the software for you.

PrivateVPN offers MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android apps. It works with Linux systems and supported routers, although you’ll have to configure the service manually first.

STRONG GENERAL-PURPOSE VPN:PrivateVPN boasts better-than-average speeds and the ability to unblock some of the most popular streaming platforms. It’s highly secure, with a zero-logs policy for added peace of mind. Includes 30 day money back guarantee.

  • Faster than most similar VPNs

  • Able to unblock stubborn streaming services abroad

  • Keeps no logs

  • Fewer servers than its rivals

  • No live chat available

7. AtlasVPN

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is one of the newest and most secure VPNs for Ireland. It promises to keep your browsing activities safe using 256-bit encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. As its name suggests, AtlasVPN also makes sure you can easily access geo-locked content by connecting you to one of its servers in over 40 countries around the globe.

You can try AtlasVPN for 30 days risk-free with its money-back guarantee.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:AtlasVPN offers Wireguard support, 750+ servers worldwide, and an automatic kill switch. You can also connect an unlimited number of devices to one account.

  • Unlimited devices

  • Great at unblocking streaming providers

  • Lightning-fast speeds

  • No Linux or router support

  • Small number of servers vs other providers

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

Our methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Ireland

Comparing multiple VPNs can be tricky but is well worth doing since every service is slightly different from its rivals. For instance, some prioritize speed above all else while others focus on providing the strongest possible security. To ensure that we only recommend the best of the best, we came up with some characteristics that the best VPNs for Ireland must have:

  • Network size and scale: Generally, the larger a provider’s network, the more reliable an experience you’ll have. Additionally, having servers in more countries theoretically opens up the range of content you’ll be able to access. We’d like to see some Irish servers available, since nearby servers almost always provide the best speeds.
  • Performance: You can have the most secure VPN in the world but it’s useless if it’s too slow to browse with. We run periodic speed tests to verify that the services we recommend are fast enough for tasks like gaming, streaming, and torrenting.
  • Unblocking capabilities: Some of your favorite services might not be available in Ireland. Don’t worry, though: we test each candidate on a wide range of platforms including Hulu, Disney Plus, and HBO Max to find out which services it can access abroad.
  • Security and privacy: This is a key consideration, regardless of where in the world you are. To make our list, VPNs must offer a no-logs policy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and 256-bit encryption. This is a minimum requirement, though; more sophisticated security tools (such as stealth modes) are always welcome.
  • Ease of use: We look for providers with user-friendly apps that anyone can use. If there’s no connection limit, 24/7 support, or anything else that lowers the barrier to entry even further, that’s even better.
  • Pricing: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than it’s worth. As well as comparing price points to similarly-featured rivals, we highlight any available deals, discounts, or guarantees to ensure you never pay a cent more than you have to.

Believe it or not, this is only the first stage of our testing. If you’d like to learn more, we have a whole post dedicated to explaining how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

How to use a VPN for Ireland

Here’s how to use a VPN for Ireland:

  • Start by choosing a suitable VPN provider for Ireland (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the appropriate version of the app for your device.
  • Connect to one of the VPN’s servers in your desired location. For instance, to unblock the RTÉ Player, you’d use an Irish server to get an Irish IP address.
  • Try loading video on your chosen site. It should load straight away, but if it doesn’t, clear your browser’s cookies and cache, then reload the page.
  • If problems persist, contact your VPN provider’s customer support team for help.

Internet restrictions in Ireland

For the most part, users in Ireland can browse the internet without restriction. However, like in the UK, Irish ISPs block access to various file-sharing and streaming sites known for hosting unlicensed content. These include The Pirate Bay, Putlocker, RARBG, and EZTV. Further, while Eircom has had a three-strikes copyright violation policy since 2015, additional ISPs are poised to implement similar schemes in the near future. These policies will see users receive two warning letters if they’re discovered to be downloading copyrighted content, while a third violation will see their details given to the copyright holder.

There may be more restrictions on the horizon: The Times (paywall) reports that a bill set to block pro-anorexia and pro-suicide sites has cross-party support. While it’s hard to argue against blocking this kind of content, governments don’t seem to have realized that bypassing their often heavy-handed blanket restrictions is laughably simple with a VPN. In fact, one Pirate Bay proxy was (as of May 2018) the 115th most-visited site in the UK, despite the government having blocked the main site since 2012.

Let’s say you’re looking to stop an observer a little closer to home. For instance, you might want to prevent your ISP or employer from knowing that you’re watching TV on Kodi. VPNs also encrypt your web traffic, rendering it unreadable without the (impossible to crack) decryption key. 

If you regularly log into your Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, or Citibank account online from Ireland, then try accessing it from another country (for instance, if you’re on vacation), you run the risk of tripping automated fraud prevention systems. However, by connecting to one of your VPN’s Ireland servers beforehand, you can greatly reduce the likelihood of this happening.

VPNs also ensure that you can access your usual streaming services wherever you are in the world. In fact, staying up-to-date with the latest shows on platforms like RTÉ Player, TG4, and Virgin Player is trivially simple. When travelling, you’re also more likely to connect to public wifi, but with a VPN, you can browse freely without worrying about whether your activities will be tracked or not.

Very few services are completely free, and “free VPNs” are no different. Some use an ad-supported model, which in theory, isn’t anything unusual. In practice, however, these ads are often extremely large, eye-catching, and obtrusive. Some of these services even store tracking cookies on your device, enabling them to harvest information such as your favorite sites, how often you visit them, and the times at which you do so. This data can then be sold for profit to anonymous third parties, usually without your express permission.

The security aspect is also worth considering. In 2016, researchers tested 283 apps claiming to be free VPNs and found that more than one-third contained malware. Further, almost 20% allowed the user to browse without encrypting their traffic, and 84% were vulnerable to IPv6 leaks. Even larger services may not be safe: Hola infamously sold user bandwidth to help run a botnet. The best way to protect yourself online is to use a well-established VPN with a solid reputation and customer-first privacy policy.

That’s because most major VPNs follow a no-logs policy, meaning personal information (such as your browsing habits and connection timestamps) aren’t stored, and as such, can’t be shared with anyone. Some even allow you to pay with prepaid cards or cryptocurrency so that users can’t be identified by their credit card details.