5 Best VPNs for Ireland to Stay Safe and Anonymous in 2024
Whether you’re living in Ireland or planning a trip there, you’ll want a VPN to ensure that you stay protected during your stay. Using a quality VPN will allow you to access your home content while you travel, especially for local Ireland services like RTÉ Player.
My team and I tested all of the top VPNs that have servers in Ireland to see which ones offer the best connectivity, security, and privacy. After several weeks of testing, I’ve compiled a list of the top 5 choices. Each one offers lightning-fast speeds, access to local content platforms, and industry-standard encryption to keep your data safe.
While all VPNs on this list has competitive features, ExpressVPN came out on top as the best VPN for Ireland. It has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out and get a refund if you’re not completely satisfied.
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Ireland in 2024
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Ireland to access the global web at super-fast speeds. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try ExpressVPN without worries.
- CyberGhost — Optimized servers to support high-speed streaming, but long distance connections can be slower.
- Private Internet Access — Customizable security settings for a personalized VPN, but it can’t access BBC iPlayer.
- PrivateVPN — Reliable VPN for accessing major streaming services in Ireland, but its global network is smaller.
- IPVanish — Capable of securing all your devices at once, but it doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies.
The Best VPNs for Ireland — Updated 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Ireland With Fast Speeds and a Global Server Network
Key Features:
- Fastest among the VPNs I tested in Ireland with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, many in Europe
- Offers better security and privacy with Trusted Server technology
- Compatible with all major operating systems and can even be set up on routers
- Connect up to 8 devices easily at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is my go-to VPN in Ireland for several reasons. Topping the list is its speed. Of all the VPNs I tested in Ireland, ExpressVPN consistently showed the highest speed no matter which server I connected to. This made uploading my travel photos in cloud storage super-fast. You’ll also enjoy binge-watching Hidden Assets on RTE Player if you’re an Irish person traveling abroad.
Another reason I highly recommend ExpressVPN for Ireland is its ability to access international content. I was able to access all the streaming services I’m subscribed to within seconds of connecting with ExpressVPN. Some of the popular ones I tested include Netflix US, Disney+, and Hulu. My teammate from the UK was able to access BBC iPlayer. If you’re from Ireland on holiday abroad, you could connect to the servers in Ireland to access ITV Hub and Virgin Media Player.
While staying in Galway, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that every ExpressVPN server supports P2P file sharing. With more than 3,000 servers to choose from, I never had to worry that the servers would be crowded or slow. This made it easy to access torrent files while I traveled. Though be sure that any torrent you download is available in the public domain, as my team and I do not condone downloading copyrighted content.
Regardless of what I use a VPN for, one of the top criteria I look at is security. ExpressVPN has industry-leading features such as AES 256-bit encryption for impenetrable security. The kill switch automatically disconnects your devices from the internet if the VPN connection drops. This prevents accidental exposure of your real location and IP address. I also didn’t detect any IP leaks during my stay in Ireland thanks to ExpressVPN’s DNS protection feature.
The VPN also has a strict no-log policy to make sure none of my data is shared with third parties. But the real peace of mind comes from knowing that this VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is not part of the 14 Eyes Alliance. Therefore, it’s not governed by data retention laws that can result in leaks and misuse of personal information.
I also found ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling feature extremely helpful while working from Ireland. It allows some of your data to go through an encrypted VPN connection (for security) and others to access the internet directly (for speed). So, I was able to pay for online transactions securely and print out the receipt on my network printer without connecting and disconnecting the VPN.
ExpressVPN is compatible with all major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, and more. You can also connect up to 8 devices at the same time to maximize your online security and privacy in Ireland. Getting connected is easy with ExpressVPN’s extensive knowledge base online. I was up and running in under 5 minutes.
This is the most expensive VPN compared to others on this list, but it’s worth every penny. My experience using it in Ireland was so smooth that I barely realized I had it turned on. I found the 1-year + 3 months plan to provide the best value at $6.67 per month. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you give ExpressVPN a try and it’s not right for you, you can easily ask for a refund. I’ve got mine in just 2 business days.
ExpressVPN is compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Fire TV Stick, Kindle Fire, Nook HD, and more
ExpressVPN unblocks: RTE Player, Virgin Media Player, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
2024 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan + 3 months free (you can save up to 49%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers Worldwide for Better Performance and Speed
Key Features:
- 11,780+ servers in 100 countries, including 60 in Dublin
- Streaming-optimized servers to access popular streaming platforms
- Strict no-log policy verified by quarterly transparency record
- Allows you to connect 7 devices at the same time
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost has optimized servers to support all your bandwidth-heavy activities in Ireland. I was able to stream shows at high-speed and experienced no buffering or lags. All you have to do is click on the “For streaming” category on the and select a server that’s optimized for the streaming service you want.
However, long-distance connections were a bit slower when I connected to a server in Asia from Ireland. Still, it was fast enough to make video calls and play online games without experiencing dropped calls or lags.
CyberGhost also has a wide range of servers optimized for P2P sharing in Ireland and many other parts of the world. These servers are fast and offer unlimited bandwidth for torrenting. They also allow you to download torrents completely anonymously. Your real IP address is hidden from third parties.
Speaking of privacy and security, CyberGhost encrypts all your connections with AES 256-bit encryption, which is the highest standard in the industry. The kill switch protects your identity from accidental exposure should the VPN disconnect. I also detected no IP or DNS leaks while using CyberGhost.
Whether you’re in Ireland as a citizen or for work or holiday, you’ll want to be extra careful if you frequently use public WiFi. Since CyberGhost encrypts your data, it prevents anyone snooping on a public WiFi from getting their hands on your personal information such as credit card and bank account details.
CyberGhost’s no-log policy also offers peace of mind. The VPN does not collect or store your browsing history, IP address, session duration, or bandwidth usage. For complete anonymity, you can subscribe to the VPN using cryptocurrency. Since CyberGhost is based in Romania, it’s not part of the 14 Eyes Alliance that’s governed by data retention laws.
The VPN is supported by all major operating systems including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android and more. Plus, you can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. Try CyberGhost’s long-term plan to get more value for your money. The lowest price is $2.03/month with the 2-year + 4 months plan. There’s also a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can ask for a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.
CyberGhost is compatible with: Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, Chrome, Firefox, routers, Amazon Fire TV, consoles, and more
CyberGhost unblocks: RTE Player, Virgin Media Player, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and more
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Highly Adjustable Settings for a Personalized VPN Experience
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, including Ireland
- Customizable encryption levels with 128-bit and 256-bit encryption options
- SOCKS5 proxy boosts speed when downloading torrent files
- Enjoy up to unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
If you like being more in control of your VPN in Ireland then PIA offers a number of customizations for features like encryption standards and protocols. AES 128-bit encryption is optimized for speed while AES 256-bit is more secure. Depending on your internet activity in Ireland, you can pair the encryption with the WireGuard protocol for higher security or with the L2TP protocol for more speed. PIA’s Ireland servers also support OpenVPN and IKeV2, so there are more options for you.
You can also choose to turn on MACE, one of PIA’s security features for a better browsing experience. MACE is specially designed to block ads, trackers, and malware.
There are also other measures you can take to protect your online privacy in Ireland. The kill switch is enabled by default in PIA. But you can also turn on the advanced kill switch feature to ensure that your devices don’t connect to the internet before the VPN launches.
Dedicated IP is an optional PIA add-on with a fee, but it’s worth it. I had to solve countless CAPTCHAs when accessing my foreign bank account online from Ireland. After signing up for a dedicated IP, I was finally able to avoid the annoying verifications and do my transactions faster.
My colleague in the UK was unable to use PIA to access BBC iPlayer, but I was able to access Netflix US easily, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+. If BBC iPlayer is a must on your list of streaming services in Ireland, I suggest subscribing to ExpressVPN as it’s able to access content from all these streaming platforms and more.
This VPN is compatible with all major operating systems including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android, and more. Plus, you can connect up to unlimited devices with a single subscription. PIA is one of the most affordable VPNs at $2.03 per month with the 2-year + 4 months subscription. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try PIA risk-free in Ireland. If it does not meet your expectations, asking for a refund is easy.
PIA is compatible with: Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, consoles, and more
PIA unblocks: RTE Player, Virgin Media Player, ITV Hub, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.03 per month + get an extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 83%)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. PrivateVPN — Reliable VPN for Accessing Major Streaming Services
Key Features:
- 200+ servers in 63 countries, including Ireland
- Torrenting friendly with port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy
- Use across 10 devices at the same time
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63 countries, with one location in Dublin, and it’s actually one of the best VPNs for streaming in Ireland. This is mainly because all the PrivateVPN servers my colleagues and I tested in Ireland were able to access Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and RTÉ Player.
PrivateVPN uses High Quality Network servers, meaning they buy internet capacity directly from the IP transit provider, resulting in lower latency, fewer routing hops, and higher speeds. Tests indicate that PrivateVPN provides satisfactory speeds for browsing and streaming in Ireland, but it is not as fast as ExpressVPN.
In terms of security and privacy, PrivateVPN has all the features you need such as an automatic kill switch and AES 256-bit encryption. The perfect forward secrecy system changes your private keys regularly to prevent hackers from accessing your private information. Plus, the VPN is governed by a no-log policy. I also detected no IP and DNS leaks during my tests.
If you torrent from Ireland frequently, PrivateVPN offers port forwarding to make your transfers a lot safer and faster. It also comes with a SOCKS5 proxy to boost the speed even more and hide your IP address during downloads. This is the most secure proxy for torrenting, and it doesn’t allow others in the network to identify you. Just be sure to adhere to all of your local laws and regulations when engaging in peer-to-peer file-sharing.
PrivateVPN may have the smallest network compared to other VPNs on this list, but it’s easy-to-use with an intuitive interface, even if you’re new to VPNs. The simple mode has everything you need and doesn’t confuse with advanced features. Plus, it has the lowest price for short-term subscriptions making it one of the best monthly VPNs.
If you want to try PrivateVPN for yourself, the 3-year plan offers the best value at $2.00/month. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind. Asking for a refund was easy, and I received my money in just 6 days.
PrivateVPN is compatible with: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, routers, and more
PrivateVPN unblocks: RTE Player, Virgin Media Player, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Disney+, and more
2024 Update! PrivateVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $2.00 per month with the 3-year plan (you can save up to 85%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
5. IPVanish — Secure All Your Devices Simultaneously With a Single Subscription
Key Features:
- 2,400+ servers in 57 countries, including 14 in Dublin
- Allows P2P connections for unrestricted torrent downloads
- Allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish is the only VPN on this list that allows unlimited device connections with a single subscription. It’s great value for money, especially if you have a small team in Ireland who needs to access the internet anonymously for business or other reasons.
With 14 servers in Dublin and dozens more within the UK, I faced no server congestion issues or slower connection speeds. It was also easy to access local and regional content on RTE Player and more. However, I was not able to access all major streaming services with IPVanish. To access BBC iPlayer or Amazon Prime Video, ExpressVPN might be a better option.
IPVanish owns its entire network with no outsourced servers, so no other third parties can see your connections or steal your information. It also protects your connection with AES 256-bit encryption. Its security protocols include WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. A verified no-logs policy makes sure none of your sensitive data is retained.
IPVanish did not restrict me from downloading torrents in Ireland. In fact, it prevented deep packet inspection so the ISP was not able to spy on my online activities. A dedicated SOCKS5 proxy server made my P2P traffic anonymous. If you’re a beginner, worry not. IPVanish has an entire guide for this, so you can get to torrenting public domain files quickly.
You can get started with IPVanish easily. But if you ever get stuck, the online live chat is available 24/7 on top of email support. The cheapest IPVanish plan is the 2-year option at just $2.75 per month. If you’re not satisfied with the service, IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee with the yearly plan. It doesn’t accept cryptocurrencies, but you can pay with a major credit card or PayPal.
IPVanish is compatible with: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, and more
IPVanish unblocks: RTE Player, Netflix US, Vudu, and Kodi, and more
How to Choose the Best VPN for Ireland
I tested the best VPNs on the market to find the best performers for Ireland. I mainly evaluated server network size, their speeds in Ireland, ease of use, and streaming capabilities as I put this list together. If you’d like to do your own research, you can use these points as guidelines:
- Strong security and privacy features — For a VPN to be reliable, it must have AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch to protect sensitive information online.
- Global server network — The more servers a VPN has globally, the more content you can access regionally and internationally. The more servers there are in Ireland, the less congestion you’ll experience while accessing local content.
- Fast speeds — Activities that are bandwidth-heavy such as online streaming and gaming can only be enjoyed without interruptions if your VPN has high connection speeds.
- Apps for popular devices — Choose a VPN that supports all major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android to avoid compatibility issues. And one that allows simultaneous connection to as many devices as you need.
- Customer support — The best VPNs have customer service available 24/7, have helpful agents,l and have plenty of online tutorials and documentation.
3 Easy Steps to Get a VPN in Ireland
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s the best all-round VPN for Ireland.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server from the list or let the VPN find the fastest one for you.
- That’s it! Now you can browse the web safely and anonymously.
FAQs on VPNs for Ireland
Is using a VPN legal in Ireland?
Yes. There are no laws restricting the use of VPN in Ireland. In fact, millions of tourists and citizens of the country use VPNs to remain anonymous online and keep their sensitive information private.
I have listed only the best VPNs for Ireland. But downloading copyrighted materials is illegal anywhere, just like accessing content that’s blocked in your region is illegal. So, be sure to know the rules and regulations of what you’re about to do online with a VPN.
Can I use a proxy in Ireland instead of a VPN?
How do I check if my VPN works?
Is it safe to use a free VPN in Ireland?
It depends. Even though there are some reliable free VPNs available, most of them are unsafe or even dangerous, so I would strongly advise against it. There’s a cost to maintaining free VPNs that the service providers have to recover in some way. One way they do this is by supporting ads that are plain annoying. But other ways include storing cookies on your device to spy on your internet activities and selling that data without your permission or knowledge.
But that’s not all. Free VPNs claim to encrypt your traffic, but research has shown that about 1 in every 5 actually doesn’t. More than 30% contain malware and over 80% are vulnerable to IPv6 leaks. Scary statistics on their own, but it gets more terrifying when you consider that Ireland is seeing a rise in cyberattacks.
The only way to counter these is to choose a reputable VPN with independently audited security features and privacy policies. I recommend a premium VPN like CyberGhost instead of a free VPN for complete privacy and security. It comes with a money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free. If you decide it’s not for you, just ask for a refund within 45 days.
My refund was processed immediately after requesting it via live chat. I wasn’t asked any questions and the money was back in my account in less than a week.
Get a VPN (That Works) for Ireland Today!
The last thing you want is hackers getting your bank or credit card details because you made a payment using public WiFi in Ireland. Unfortunately, it’s more common than you think. Many VPNs claim to offer top-notch security and privacy, but many don’t work well when tested.
After testing dozens of VPNs, I highly recommend using ExpressVPN in Ireland as it offers impenetrable security features, lightning fast speeds, and access to a variety of streaming channels. It’s the best overall VPN for Ireland so far.
You can try ExpressVPN for yourself without risk, since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you don’t like what it has to offer, it’s super-easy to get a refund. I’ve had my money back in just 2 days.
