A .ie domain is Ireland’s official country-code top-level domain (ccTLD). It shows that a business or individual has a genuine Irish connection. Managed by the IE Domain Registry, .ie domains help build trust with Irish customers and are ideal for anyone targeting the Irish market.

If your application and documentation are complete, registration usually takes 1–2 business days. Delays can occur if extra documents are required or if any information needs clarification.

A .ie domain instantly signals an Irish presence, boosting trust and credibility with local customers. It’s often easier to secure your preferred name than with .com, and search engines may prioritise .ie websites for users in Ireland.

Choose an accredited .ie registrar, select your domain name, and provide documentation showing your connection to Ireland (e.g., company number, Irish ID, or proof of trade). Once approved, your domain is activated.

You must be able to show a genuine link to Ireland. Depending on whether you’re a business or individual, this may include a CRO number, RBN, VAT number, or Irish passport. Non-Irish applicants can provide evidence of trading with Ireland. Requirements vary, so check with your registrar.

Yes. Request an Auth-Code from your current registrar and provide it to your new one. Transfers can’t occur within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer.

Fees depend on the registrar. Some offer free transfers; others may charge a standard fee. Transfers typically include a 1-year renewal, so check both transfer and renewal costs in advance.

Pricing varies by registrar. Extra fees may apply for services like DNS management, WHOIS privacy, or higher renewal rates after the first year. Always review the registrar’s terms to avoid surprises.

Your registrar will notify you before your domain expires. Simply log in to your account to renew, or enable automatic renewal to avoid accidental lapses. Make sure your contact details are up to date.

Expired domains enter a 30-day grace period, during which you can renew normally. After that, the domain enters a redemption period, which carries additional recovery fees. If not renewed, the domain becomes available for others to register.

Yes—if you can prove a legitimate link to Ireland. This can include Irish clients or contracts, an Irish trademark, or other relevant documentation. The goal is to ensure .ie domains are used by those with a genuine Irish connection.

Individuals automatically have their personal details withheld from public WHOIS records. Businesses, however, may have some information displayed. Your registrar can explain what will or won’t be visible.

Your domain name must be unique, non-offensive, and not infringe on trademarks. Some names may require justification or may be reserved. These rules help maintain the integrity of the .ie domain space.

Compare pricing (registration, renewal, transfers), customer support, available services, and ease of use. Reviews can be helpful. Our comparison table also highlights key differences to help you choose confidently.

Yes. A .ie domain signals Irish relevance to search engines, helping improve rankings for searches made within Ireland. When paired with strong SEO, a .ie domain can boost visibility and engagement from local audiences.