Introduction
Whether you are looking to start a new business, showcase your creations, highlight your community’s work, or simply expand your knowledge on how to make the best impression online we’ve got the resources to help you succeed in the digital world.
Our resources are crafted to help you build your digital presence, connect with the right audience, and make your vision shine. From expert tips to hands-on tools, we’re here to support your journey to getting online with a .ie domain. So dive in below and explore.
So why get online with a .ie?
The Benefits
- It’s unique to Ireland
The official Internet country code for Ireland is .ie and is the only online address that is Irish. - It’s more likely to be available
There is a wider choice of available .ie domain names compared to .com. - It lets your customers find you online
.ie addresses rank higher than .com addresses on Irish based search engines like Google.ie. - It’s trusted
Every .ie applicant’s identity is checked and validated at the point of registration. - It’s the preferred online address for business in Ireland
The .ie domain accounts for the majority of hosted domains in Ireland. - It protects your brand
Securing your .ie online address strengthens your brand and protects your online identity.
The Facts
- 91% of consumers associate .ie websites with Irish businesses over other websites like .com
- 79% of Irish consumers prefer a .ie website when buying online instead of a .com
- 80% of Irish consumers agree that all businesses should have, at the very least, a basic website
- 63% think a business is outdated if it doesn’t have a website
- 36% of websites in Ireland in had little to no technological intensity meaning they are not utilising tools to help optimise their digital presence
Where To Start?
I describe myself as...
The Hobbyist / Passionate Learner
Motivation: Sharing a passion or hobby with a wider audience, whether it’s blogging, vlogging, or offering tutorials.
Needs: Blogging platforms, content creation tools, community-building features.
Challenges: Limited understanding of web design, finding an audience, staying consistent with content creation.
Example: A food blogger sharing recipes or a DIY enthusiast offering crafting tutorials.
The Freelancer / Solo Consultant
Motivation: Creating a professional online presence to attract clients and showcase expertise.
Needs: Service offerings, client testimonials, booking systems, and payment options.
Challenges: Differentiating themselves in a crowded market, managing leads, and promoting services.
Example: A freelance graphic designer or digital marketing consultant wanting to attract clients.
The Community Leader
Motivation: Promoting events, raising awareness, or sharing resources for a community group or non-profit organisation.
Needs: Event management tools, donation platforms, member engagement.
Challenges: Lack of technical expertise, tight budget, limited time to manage an online presence.
Example: A community group organising local clean-up efforts looking to engage volunteers online.
Helpful Content
Success Stories
FAQs
A registrar is the company that you choose to register your domain name through. This may be an ISP, website developer, hosting company or a company that specialises in registering domain names. A list of our Accredited Registrars is available here.
To check what domain names are available you can use our online WHOIS search facility. A search for a name will show you if it is available. If you want to purchase an available domain name, please contact a registrar. If the domain name is not available the organisation or person who registered it and when it was registered will be listed in WHOIS. Individual owners are not listed on WHOIS following the introduction of GDPR (.ie Whois Policy). You can use the WHOIS search box on every page of this website.
We recommend that you register your domain name through one of our Accredited Registrars. Registrars will help you to register your domain name and they will usually provide related services, such as the hosting of your website and email services. To make the registration process straightforward, we recommend that you visit our How to register a .ie domain page. Here you can see what supporting information you need to submit with your application.
Registration works on a first come first served basis. If somebody has already registered it you can offer to buy it from them but there is no obligation on them to sell. For more information visit our Sell your domain page. If you feel that the domain was registered in bad faith by the current holder, you can use the Alternative Dispute Resolution Service which offers an easier and more affordable option for disputing a .ie domain registration. Another option is to use the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) process. Please be aware that this can cost between €1,500 and €5,000 (payable to WIPO and not to .IE). Please visit the WIPO website for further information.
Yes, however there is no obligation on them to sell the domain name if they do not wish to do so. Click here for more information about buying and selling domains that are already registered.
Registering a .ie domain has never been easier. To find out what supporting information you will need to submit with your application please visit our document requirements page.
Domain names can only use letters, numbers, the fada character (acute accent) and hyphens (“-“). Spaces and other symbols are not permitted for use. Names cannot begin or end with a hyphen and are not case sensitive. Domains cannot exceed 63 characters.
When an application is submitted it is usually processed within 3 hours, Monday to Friday. If the registration requirements are immediately met the application will be accepted and the domain will go live in one of the IE Zone Reloads. These occur every odd hour daily (01, 03, 05, 07, 09, 11, 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23 hrs). If the registration requirements are not met you will receive an email telling you what you need send us to complete your application.
No, if you register a domain name this does not prevent other people from registering similar domain names or variations. If you do not want other individuals or organisations to be able to use variations of your domain name, you should register them yourself. For other Top Level Domains (TLDs), someone can register the same .com, .net, .org etc. domain name as your .ie domain name unless you have already registered it yourself.
.ie domain registrations are made on a first come, first served basis. No application is ever refused on the grounds that a similar domain or company name might exist.
