Ireland is a beautiful country with stunning landscapes, rich history, and a vibrant culture. For tourist when visiting Ireland, having internet access on your phone can be invaluable for searching map, sharing photos, and staying in touch with family and friends.
The best way to avoid expensive roaming charges and have data calling access when traveling to Ireland is getting a local Ireland SIM card. This guide gives you everything you need to know about purchasing SIM card at Ireland airports.
Table of Contents
1. Which airport in Ireland offers SIM card for tourists
Dublin, Shannon, and Cork Airport are three main international airports in Ireland. All of them have SIM card vending machines or stores where you can easily purchase when arriving in Ireland.
- Dublin Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Ireland. It has a lot of SIM card providers like Lycamobile, 48 Months, and As You Go, located in the Arrivals Halls of both Terminals 1 and 2.
Dublin Airport
- Shannon Airport has Lycamobile and 48 Months SIM card vending machines in the Arrivals Halls. A CallingIreland store located before you exit into the Arrivals area where you can purchase SIM cards.
Shannon Airport
- Cork Airport offers SIM card vending machines from Lycamobile and 48 Months, which are located right after you exit from the luggage belts into the Arrivals Hall.
Cork Airport
It is advisable to buy a SIM card at Ireland airports, as smaller regional airports may have limited availability.
In summary, it’s easy for tourists to buy SIM Card at Ireland airports such as Dublin, Shannon, and Cork.
2. Where to buy SIM card at Ireland airports
Easy to buy SIM Card at Ireland airports
The easiest places to purchase an Ireland SIM card at Ireland airports are vending machines and dedicated SIM card shops.
Vending Machines: Offer a quick and convenient way to purchase Ireland SIM cards from popular providers like Lycamobile, 48 Months, and As You Go. Simply use cash or a credit/debit card to select your SIM card plan and receive the activated SIM on the spot.
SIM Card Shops: Provide helpful sales assistants and a wide selection of providers/plans. You can discuss your options and requirements with staff to choose the right SIM plan.
You can also buy SIM cards at convenience stores, phone shops, supermarkets, and other retailers outside of the airports.
3. What to prepare to buy a SIM card at Ireland airports
Here are some tips on what to prepare to purchase a SIM card at Ireland airports:
- Passport – Make sure to have your passport ready, as you will need to show this as proof of ID when buying a SIM card at Ireland airports.
- Unlocked Phone – Your phone will need to be unlocked to use a different SIM card abroad. Contact your home carrier in advance to request your phone be network unlocked.
- SIM Tool/Paperclip – To physically insert and swap the new SIM card in your phone.
- Cash credit/debit cards – For activating and topping up your SIM card’s balance at the airport.
- Data Needed – Consider how much data you will need during your Ireland trip to choose a suitable SIM card plan.
4. Ireland eSIM – an Alternative to Airport SIM Card
Though tourists can buy and use SIM Card at Ireland airports for data, or calling during their Irish trip, eSIM offers a digital alternative. eSIM allows to activate a mobile plan using a QR code or app without physically changing SIM cards.
Here are some benefits when using an Ireland eSIM:
- Activate an Ireland phone plan instantly from your phone. No waiting in airport lines.
- Remote eSIM activation before you even leave home.
- No physical SIM card to potentially lose or damage. Everything is digital.
- Ability to have multiple eSIM cellular plans active simultaneously.
esimireland.com specializes in providing Ireland eSIMs for tourists. It could be convenient to purchase eSIM online and download it onto your phone before your departure.
Are you going to have a vacation in Ireland? Consider using Ireland eSIM from esimireland.com by GIGAGO to stay connected wherever you go. Our eSIMs offer a range of data plans, from 3 days to 1 month, so you can enjoy high-speed 4G/5G wherever you go without the stress of roaming charges. It’s easy to set up – simply scan the QR code on your device and you’re ready to go. Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees and hello to uninterrupted connectivity at a fraction of the cost.
Convenient eSIM Plans Provide Savings
5. FAQs
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about getting SIM cards at Ireland airports:
What are the best SIM card options at Dublin Airport?
Some top SIM card options at Dublin Airport are Lycamobile, 48 Months, Ready to Go SIMs, and CallingIreland. Lycamobile and 48 Months have vending machines located right in the Arrivals Halls.
Can I use a SIM card from another European country in Ireland?
You can, thanks to EU roaming rules, but you will still incur expensive roaming fees. It is much cheaper to get an Ireland SIM card with a local data plan.
How long does it take to activate an airport SIM card?
Most Ireland airport SIM cards activate instantly. Just insert the SIM in your phone and it will automatically configure carrier settings and activate.
Do I need to show ID or passport when purchasing a SIM card?
Yes, Ireland requires you to show your passport at SIM card retailers and vending machines as proof of identity. Make sure to have it handy at the airport.
Can I use Apple Pay and Google Pay with an Ireland eSIM plan?
Absolutely! eSIM plans fully support all features just like a regular SIM card. You can use Apple Pay, Google Pay, location services, 2-factor authentication, and more.
What is the best Ireland SIM card for tourists visiting multiple countries?
Lycamobile Pay As You Go SIM cards offer very affordable roaming rates in over 80 destinations across Europe and beyond. Great for multi-country trips.
6. Conclusion
Getting a SIM card at Ireland airports is the best way to stay connected throughout your Ireland trip. Dublin, Shannon, and Cork Airports all offer easy SIM card access through vending machines and dedicated shops located right in the terminals.
Top providers to consider include Lycamobile, 48 Months, and CallingIreland. Alternatively, Ireland eSIM provides a digital option to activate a plan remotely from your phone. With affordable data and calling rates, you can conveniently use maps, recommendations, messaging, and more during your Ireland travels.
