Best VPNs for Ireland in 2025 for security and speed

Your online security is more vulnerable than you might think in today’s digital age. Every click, search, and streamed video is a potential entry point for unwanted intruders. But, with the best VPNs for Ireland, you can take control of your online security and privacy, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable online experience while also gaining access to a world of geographically restricted global content.

Have you ever been annoyed by the ‘content not available in your region’ message when trying to access Irish content while abroad? A VPN for Ireland is the answer. It’s as simple as clicking a button. By hiding your real IP address and replacing it with one from the main cities in Ireland, you can unlock a world of content that was previously inaccessible. Imagine enjoying your favorite streaming platforms from any corner of the globe, without any hassle.

We’ve compiled our list of the best VPNs for Ireland through exhaustive testing, and we’ve distilled this research into this article. You’ll find detailed reviews of each VPN as well as step-by-step instructions on how to use them and answers to common VPN questions. But in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice VPN for Ireland! A very fast VPN with an expansive network and strong unblocking capabilities. Premium features are designed to protect your online privacy, including apps for all major platforms and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Ireland.
2. Surfshark: The best budget Ireland VPN. Works with most major streaming sites, including Netflix US, RTE Player, and Amazon Prime. Unlimited bandwidth, fast speeds an no connection limit.
3. Total VPN: Works well with Irish and international streaming services. Fast servers in 85+ countries. Hydra protocol automatically obfuscates traffic. Low-cost subscription.
4. ProtonVPN: Highly secure, reliable VPN. Plentiful servers in Ireland and 116+ other countries. Works with Irish and international streaming services. 24/7 chat support.
5. ExpressVPN: A great VPN for streaming content and unblocking websites in Ireland. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy make it easy to stay anonymous online.
6. IPVanish: A speedy VPN that boasts a range of security features and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Access your favorite content in Ireland or anywhere in the world.
7. PureVPN: A cheap and effective VPN for Ireland. Strong encryption, bypasses geo-blocks, has port forwarding and allows up to 10 simultaneous devices.
8. CyberGhost: Thousands of servers and the ability to unblock major streaming platforms or bypass censorship worldwide. Works with Irish platforms like RTE player and doesn’t keep connection logs.
9. PrivateVPN: Secure, reliable, and able to access online services like Netflix Ireland abroad. Allows port forwarding and has free static IP addresses available.

How we selected the best VPNs for Ireland

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

• Speed: We conducted multiple tests to find out how fast each VPN was while we were connected to its servers in Ireland.
• Value for money: To gauge the overall value of a particular VPN service for comparison, we evaluate each provider against eight different value-for-money metrics.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated the VPNs against 16 unique criteria to find the ones most capable of keeping you safe online. This included the level of encryption they used and their data logging policies.
• Ease of use: We gauged how easy each service is to use by evaluating them using 10 individual metrics, including the helpfulness of their customer support and the simplicity of the sign-up and cancellation processes.
• Streaming ability: Many people use VPNs to access streaming platforms, making this a key area for testing. We tested each provider with popular streaming sites in Ireland as we as the big-name international services.

You can read more about the tests we carried out and see the results for each test later in this article. First, let’s take a close look at the providers that made the grade.

The best VPNs for Ireland compared

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

Best VPNs for Ireland

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

1. NordVPN

Aug 2025

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for Ireland. It’s a veteran provider that is fast enough to stream live HD content with no interruptions. It has more than 7,900 servers spanning 118 countries.

More than 50 of these are in Ireland alone, and perfect for watching Irish TV abroad. In our tests, the provider worked with RTE Player and TG4 as well as multiple content libraries from Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

If you want to stream with a VPN-incompatible device, a smart DNS service will help you spoof your location (with the US being the only option). Alternatively, the provider is compatible with many home routers, making it possible to set Ireland as your public-facing location for every device on your network.

This provider has built up a reputation for being one of the fastest around. It’s easy to understand why; NordVPN delivered speeds well in excess of 200 Mbps across all three of our tests, resulting in an average of 229.51 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for you to watch live TV, torrent, or video call friends without any noticeable drop in performance.

For reference, we used a virtual machine for speed testing that had been rate-limited to 250 Mbps. As you can see, using NordVPN barely impacted that speed at all, which makes it a strong choice for just about any task and suitable for households where multiple people share a connection.

This service puts a major emphasis on your privacy. It uses 256-bit encryption and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks by default. We confirmed that it was leak-free by connecting to a server in Ireland and performing multiple leak tests.

To improve privacy, the provider only uses RAM-only servers in its network. It has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited on multiple occasions, and multiple specialty servers for those with specific security and privacy requirements.

For example, the obfuscated servers help users get connected in countries such as China which would otherwise be able to detect and block VPN traffic. The double VPN server routes traffic through an additional VPN server, while an Onion over VPN option providers one-click access to the Tor network.

Other features include app-based split tunneling, remote access options, and a kill switch. NordVPN has its own connection protocol — NordLynx — that comes with quantum-resistant encryption — should the power of the next generation of computers keep you up at night.

NordVPN apps have an aesthetically pleasing interface that makes it easy to find a server and establish a connection. They’re available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Note that the Linux app doesn’t have a GUI, though it’s easy enough to use via the command line.

With various cryptocurrencies accepted and no logs kept, this VPN enables you to register and browse almost completely anonymously.

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.

---

2. Surfshark

Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. These include Ireland, where it has approximately 64 servers in the Republic of Ireland’s capital, Dublin.

The provider is known for its exceptional unblocking ability. Accordingly, you’ll be able to use platforms in Ireland as well as those outside of it — like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video — regardless of where you are in the world.

Better still, unlike most VPNs, Surfshark has no connection limit, which means you can secure every device you own with a single account.

Surfshark delivered very high speeds in our tests and, if not for one marginally slower result in the morning, it may even have matched or outpaced NordVPN. In all three tests it exceeded 220 Mbps, which is a superb result.

Suffice it to say that with an average speed of 227.66 Mbps, you’re unlikely to notice any problems when performing data-intensive tasks. In fact, even if your entire family is streaming at the same time, you should be just fine.

This service’s security and privacy features include a kill switch; an ad and malware blocker; and the option to automatically change your IP address without disconnecting. A NoBorders mode will allow you to browse freely when visiting a country with strict online censorship.

Apps are available for Android, Windows, iOS, MacOS, and Linux. These use 256-bit AES encryption and come with protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. We confirmed that our true location was kept hidden while using a Surfshark server in Ireland.

Other features include split tunneling; access to static IP address in six countries; and customizable multi-hop connections. Our favorite, however, is the ID Generator tool. This allows you to quickly conjure up a new persona, complete with a name, date of birth and address.

The tool can help protect your real details when signing up to online services you don’t 100% trust (which could well be all of them).

Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you, and has been through multiple third-party audits to prove it. Subscriptions are great value and start from the equivalent of $2.19 a month. Note that the provider accepts Bitcoin, Ripple, and Ethereum as payment. Customer support is on hand 24/7 over live chat to address any issues you might have.

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.

Read our full Surfshark review.

---

3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a UK-based provider that works well with stubborn streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

The provider has servers in 85+ countries overall. This includes Ireland as well as some countries you won’t find with other mainstream providers, such as China, Russia, and Kyrgyzstan.

While connected to Total VPN’s servers in Dublin, we measured speeds of between 193.06 Mbps and 199.65 Mbps. As well as being notably consistent, these results were very fast. This makes Total VPN suitable for everything from multiplayer gaming to streaming in UHD.

Total VPN’s apps — which are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS — have a pleasingly minimal interface that makes it simple to establish a secure connection.

Your traffic is kept safe using strong 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch prevents you exposing your true IP address if the VPN connection drops out. Other features include split tunneling, built-in leak protection, and a choice of connection protocols. WireGuard is used by default, though Hydra is available if you want your traffic disguised to avoid detection in restrictive countries.

Subscriptions are heavily discounted for the first year, and cost the equivalent of $1.59 a month. They include free ad-blocking and antivirus software, which makes the deal all the sweeter.

OBFUSCATION AVAILABLE:Total VPN is fast and secure, with servers in 85+ countries. Its able to disguise VPN traffic and has great-value subscriptions that comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

---

4. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is a highly trusted and reliable VPN developed by the same team responsible for Proton Mail. Its Swiss base means the VPN benefits from excellent privacy laws, and as you would expect from such a reputable brand — it includes a fully audited no-logs policy.

The provider has been rapidly expanding its server network over the past year or so. It now comprises more than 12,000 servers in 117 countries, making it one of the largest networks available. Destinations can be chosen via the map, search bar or by scrolling through the country list.

In Ireland, the provider has 49 servers. Relatively unusually, users can choose between them. Forty-five of these servers are suitable for streaming.

While connected we were able to access Irish platforms such as RTE Player and TG4. The provider’s US servers worked with both Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

ProtonVPN’s speeds are on the higher end, though it wasn’t able to break into the top three this time. It wasn’t far off, though, with average speeds of 188.61 Mbps. In practice, this makes ProtonVPN suitable for streaming 4K video on up to seven devices simultaneously.

ProtonVPN has apps for all platforms that are equipped with strong security features like AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection.

Other features include port forwarding; app-based and IP-based split tunneling. The WireGuard and OpenVPN connection protocols are available, along with Stealth, which obfuscates user-generated traffic.

The provider has self-owned Secure Core servers in 66 locations, one of which is Ireland where two servers are available. Connecting to one will route your traffic through an additional stop in privacy-friendly Switzerland, while the other routes it through Iceland. Tor over VPN servers are also available, making it possible to join the Tor network in a single click.

These features make ProtonVPN safe for any Irish internet user seeking robust online privacy, whether at home, at work, on campus, or using public wi-fi.

ProtonVPN provides 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee allows users to trial the service. The only drawback is that it is a touch more expensive, so it is probably going to be better suited to people who need all of its advanced features.

FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is a highly secure and reliable VPN based in Switzerland. It has servers in Ireland and 116+ other countries. Performs exceptionally well for streaming Irish content and international services, including Netflix US. Has more advanced features than most of its competitors. 24/7 live chat support on its website. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

---

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN offers access to over 3,000 RAM-only servers across 105+ countries, including Ireland.

The provider has excellent multi-platform support and can be installed on routers relatively easily, thanks to its dedicated app.

More usefully for most people, ExpressVPN can access some of the most popular streaming platforms, like BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and ITV Hub. It also works with channels in Ireland, such as TG4 and RTE Player.

In our tests, ExpressVPN provided fairly consistent speeds — even if they weren’t the fastest we saw. After three tests, it returned an average speed of 151.31 Mbps. This should be plenty for most households, given that you only need around a 15 Mbps connection to stream uninterrupted 4K video.

You might want to consider this provider’s home-grown Lightway protocol for connections; it’s specially optimized to reduce speed loss when using servers in distant countries.

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. As expected, it didn’t leak our location in England while connected to one if its servers in Ireland.

Other features include split tunneling on a per-app basis, and the ability to block ads, malware, trackers and adult sites. Somewhat unusually, ExpressVPN has always-on obfuscation that is so effective that it can evade detection in countries such as China.

This service doesn’t record any personally identifiable information and accepts Bitcoin, allowing for anonymous signup. 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. These are easy for beginners to learn how to use, thanks to a user-friendly interface. While the Linux app doesn’t have a GUI, it’s straightforward enough for command-line newbies to quickly master.

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.

---

6. IPVanish

IPVanish is perfect for people looking to protect their whole household: it allows any number of connections, while most of its rivals permit around six.

This VPN has more than 2,400 servers in more than 100 countries. This includes Ireland, where it has 19 servers that users can choose between.

While connected to one of them, we were able to watch RTE Player and TG4 without issue. Using the providers US servers we were able to access the US content libraries of big-name platforms such as Disney Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.

IPVanish is another provider that’s punching above its weight where performance is concerned. After three tests using the Dublin servers and a base connection speed of 250 Mbps, IPVanish delivered an average speed of 175.2 Mbps.

That shows a low impact on our speed without a VPN and is way more than you’ll need for uninterrupted streaming, gaming, or video calls. In fact, it means you’ll be able to download a 1GB file in about 36 seconds.

There was minimal difference in speed depending on the time of day tested either, which is always good news.

Considering its apps are so lightweight, a good degree of security is built in. There’s 256-bit encryption, local traffic blocking, and a kill switch. We checked that there were no DNS, WebRTC or IPv6 leaks, and it seemed like the built-in protection was doing its job.

Other features include app-based and domain-based split tunneling; an ad, tracker and malware blocker; and a choice of three connection protocols. Using the OpenVPN protocol, users can enable the Scramble function to obfuscate their traffic.

There’s no need to worry about being tracked either as IPVanish doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. Like the previous providers, IPVanish has had its no-logs policies independently audited.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Firestick. After manual configuration, it even works on Linux systems and some wireless routers.

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 a 30-day money-back guarantee.

---

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is an exceptional option if you want a cheap VPN with servers in Ireland. Its competitive pricing starts at only US$1.96 per month, and this will provide you with access to servers in Ireland and 65+ other countries around the world. This makes it perfect for accessing local Irish services like RTE, Volta, and IrishEyes.tv. It also works to watch international platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.

PureVPN is a fairly fast provider but we’ve occasionally seen it struggle with consistency. This time around, though, it had no such problem. Its three test results were remarkably close together, regardless of the time of day. This VPN delivers an average speed of 162.55 Mbps, which means you’re never going to struggle to stream Irish TV abroad. It also works for torrenting or gaming! Here are PureVPN’s full test results:

Designed for a range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, PureVPN is versatile for both home and public Wi-Fi use. It’s particularly beneficial for Irish expats or travelers needing to access Irish streaming services and other regional content, as well as those within Ireland looking to bypass restrictions at work or school.

PureVPN ensures user privacy with strong encryption, facilitating the bypass of geo-restrictions with its Irish IPs. Its use of the WireGuard protocol enhances the experience for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and private video calls. Security is bolstered by features such as a no-logs policy, a kill switch, multiple protocols, DNS leak protection, and AES encryption.

Although live chat support may have slow response times, the overall value and effectiveness of PureVPN are impressive. The VPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee, giving anybody ample time to test the VPN on their own devices and streaming services.

GREAT VALUE:PureVPN is cheap and effective for getting an Irish IP address. It works to prevent Irish ISPs from tracking your web visits and will protect against hackers on public Wi-Fi. Strong encryption means you can bypass blocks at work without being found out. Port forwarding is available for torrenting as an optional extra. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

---

8. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has around 100+ Irish servers for an Irish IP address and over 10,000 more throughout 100+ 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 specifically for accessing access popular streaming services like Netflix, Sky Go, and BBC iPlayer, which makes watching your favorite shows abroad extremely simple.

The Ireland streaming server is optimized for RTE, and worked perfectly when we tried it.

Speed-wise, we’ve seen consistent providers before — but CyberGhost takes things to another level. There was less than 3 Mbps of variance across its three tests, leading to an average speed of 144.65 Mbps.

Now, this puts CyberGhost in the middle of the pack, though it is still absolutely capable of dealing with everyday tasks like torrenting or video calling without any issues.

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, and prevents WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. We confirmed the provider was leak-free in a series of tests — one of which is shown below.

Other features include automatic malware-scanning and ad-blocking features. Split tunneling is available and a smart rules feature allows users to link CyberGhost to apps, so that when they are launched, the VPN is automatically turned on.

Subscriptions are competitively priced and start at the equivalent of $2.19 a month. Optional extra include a dedicated IP address and / or access to CyberGhost’s premium NoSpy servers.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, MacOS, Linux, and iOS devices. The service can be manually configured with on select internet routers.

CyberGhost does not log any personally identifiable information and accepts Bitcoin. If you need help, support can be reached over live chat, 24/7.

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 a 45-day money-back guarantee.

---

9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN can reliably access the top streaming services like Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video abroad, though it can struggle with some others. In testing it worked well with Ireland-based services such as TG4 and RTE Player.

Although the provider has a relatively small server network, it still spans 63 countries. This includes Ireland, where it has servers available in Dublin.

PrivateVPN is one of the few providers that allows port forwarding, making it a solid option for regular torrenters. Its Stealth mode is highly effective at obfuscating traffic and suitable for users trying to connect from restrictive countries like China.

PrivateVPN had the lowest average speed of any provider in this list (89.93 Mbps). However, this is well above what’s required for day-to-day tasks and is still significantly faster than most VPNs we test.

Besides, its consistency helps make up for any perceived shortcomings in performance. This provider owns its entire network outright too, meaning it can roll out optimizations quicker than those that simply rent their hardware.

PrivateVPN allows users to change the level of encryption used on their traffic — from 256-bit to 128-bit. This can give a speed boost if needed, though should be avoided if you’re doing anything sensitive online.

Apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. These are easy to use, with a dashboard that can be toggled between a simple version for new users, and an advanced version for those with VPN experience.

The kill switch and leak protection is turned on as default. We confirmed that the provider was leak-free by carrying out IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests.

Subscriptions are particularly good value if you opt for the three-year plan. This costs the equivalent of just $2 a month and enables users to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

PrivateVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy so you can rest assured your activities can’t be traced back to you. You can pay in Bitcoin and 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. They can also help with configuring router and Linux connections.

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 a 30-day money-back guarantee.

---

How to use a VPN for Ireland

Here’s how to use a VPN for Ireland:

1. Start by choosing a suitable VPN provider for Ireland (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the appropriate version of the app for your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in your desired location. For instance, to unblock the RTÉ Player, you’d use an Irish server to get an Irish IP address. To access US sites like CNN or NBC, you’ll need to select a US server.
4. Try loading a 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.
5. If problems persist, try a different server or contact your VPN provider’s customer support team for help.

Using a free VPN in Ireland

Free VPNs may appear tempting at first glance, but we don’t recommend using one. There are several reasons for this, the chief among them being their performance. These services’ networks are usually fairly limited, but there’s a constant influx of users. As such, you can expect very slow speeds. This makes high-definition streaming a frustrating experience, with low-resolution video, frequent stuttering, and lengthy pauses for buffering. Additionally, free VPNs are usually the first to be blocked by major platforms, meaning you may be unable to access your chosen service.

Secondly, very few services are completely free, and “free VPNs” are no different. Some use an ad-supported model, and 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 a customer-first privacy policy.

Why should you use a VPN in Ireland?

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.

Other reasons to use a VPN in Ireland

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 risk 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 anywhere 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 traveling, 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.

VPN for Ireland: FAQs