5 Best VPNs for Ireland in 2023 — Streaming, Speed & Security

When in Ireland, many international sites and services aren’t accessible due to geo-blocks (like your Netflix US and BBC iPlayer accounts). Similarly, Irish citizens abroad can face challenges accessing local platforms, like Virgin Player, without a VPN.

Keeping your online activity secure can be difficult too, unless you use a VPN. Cyber threats (for example, ransomware attacks) are on the rise, especially when using public WiFi networks.

My team and I tested over 80 VPNs and found the best ones for Ireland. Each one offers global servers to unblock shows from around the world, and Irish servers to access local sites. These VPNs have strong security features to protect your online data from snoops too.

My top choice for Ireland is ExpressVPN. It comes with an extensive server network and blazing-fast speeds to access the content you need without buffering. The VPN also has military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy for safe web browsing. You can try ExpressVPN for Ireland without risk, since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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The Best VPNs for Ireland — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)

All VPNs on my list provide an Ireland IP address, allowing you to access local services. The global server network helps you access platforms from your home country (like Netflix US) too, and the reliable security features maintain your online privacy.

The apps are easy-to-use, compatible with many devices, and come with professional live chat support. The best part is each service offers a reliable money-back guarantee, so you can try them without risk and easily get a refund.

1. ExpressVPN — Massive Global Network for Unblocking Irish and Worldwide Content Anywhere

ExpressVPN has a vast server network in 94 countries for bypassing geo-blocks easily. I watched shows on my Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max subscriptions using a US server from Ireland trouble-free. While testing ExpressVPN, I used Irish servers to quickly access my local streaming platforms too, like Netflix Ireland and Virgin Player. I also reliably unblocked my Sky Go, ITV Hub, and RTÉ Player accounts outside Ireland.

Lightning-fast speeds are ideal for buffer-free streaming. I tested the UK servers and recorded 83.2 Mbps of average download speed — only a 5% drop compared to my base speed. This allowed me to binge-watch Sherlock on my BBC iPlayer account without interruptions (just 25 Mbps is required for UHD streaming).

P2P-enabled servers allow torrenting, and thanks to unlimited bandwidth, you can download without data limits. There’s also split-tunneling to choose which apps should go through the VPN tunnel and which should use your regular internet connection. So, I downloaded files safely with the VPN while making video calls using my usual Irish connection.

Advanced security protocols such as Lightway and OpenVPN protect you online. Lightway offers robust security without compromising on speeds, and OpenVPN is the industry standard for online safety. Plus, the Network Lock feature (kill switch) safeguards your personal data from accidental exposure if the VPN connection suddenly drops — but it didn’t happen during my tests.

Your online activity is secured from snoops. Perfect Forward Secrecy frequently changes your encryption keys, making your data unreadable to hackers. The military-grade encryption also scrambles your data so no one can intercept it. My actual IP address wasn’t revealed either, thanks to the DNS/IPv6 leak protection. You can pay with Bitcoin for an additional layer of privacy.

The VPN doesn’t share your sensitive information with any third party. It’s based outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (a pact of countries exchanging information on their citizens) — in the British Virgin Islands. Plus, all data is wiped with every reboot, as VPN servers run on RAM only (TrustedServer technology), so nothing remains on a server. The VPN also follows a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or sell your data.

A straightforward interface makes the apps beginner-friendly. It took me less than 5 minutes to download and set up ExpressVPN on my Linux PC. MediaStreamer lets you stream content on devices that aren’t usually compatible with a VPN, too (like Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV/Stick, and gaming consoles). If you have questions, you can conveniently reach out to customer support via the 24/7 live chat or email ticket system.

I was disappointed that subscriptions are quite expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers significant discounts. I got 49% off my 12-month plan and 3 extra months of use for free.

There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee backing the service. Getting a refund is hassle-free if the VPN doesn’t suit you. I tested this policy by contacting customer support through the live chat and answering a few basic questions. The money was credited back to my PayPal wallet within 3 days.

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2. CyberGhost — Robust Security Features for Private Web Browsing in Ireland and Abroad

CyberGhost safeguards your online activity even on public WiFi networks thanks to the automatic WiFi protection. I safely logged in to my AIB banking app without worrying about snoops. Your connection is also encrypted with AES 256-bit. I ran WebRTC/DNS/IPv6 leak tests on CyberGhost’s US servers and didn’t detect any. Plus, a kill switch protects your sensitive information against unexpected VPN drops.

A built-in ad and malware blocker identifies and blocks security risks and annoying pop-ups. I didn’t see any of them while browsing The Irish Times. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is based outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances — in privacy-friendly Romania. The service also has a verified no-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option.

Some servers are specially optimized for a better streaming experience on selected platforms, like RTÉ Player and Sky Go UK. With a network across 91 countries, the VPN offers you worldwide coverage. I had no problem accessing my BBC iPlayer account. I also unblocked my Netflix US subscription right away and watched New Girl. You can easily access your local online services (such as Virgin Media Player and TG4) when outside Ireland as well.

Watching Premier League without buffering isn’t an issue as the speeds are super-fast. My average download speed was 67.4 Mbps on the UK servers. There are also P2P-optimized servers for fast torrenting. CyberGhost doesn’t have any bandwidth limits either, letting you download as much as you want.

The apps are easy-to-use and compatible with many devices — including routers, Amazon Fire TV, and gaming consoles. CyberGhost offers 24/7 live chat that's easy to reach if you run into any problems. I also chose the websites I didn’t want to pass through the VPN tunnel by adding a URL under the smart rules menu (in a section called “Exceptions”) on my Windows PC.

Monthly subscriptions are expensive and have short money-back guarantees (only 14 days). However, the long-term plans are cost-effective starting at $2.19/month. They also offer an extended refund period. I recommend getting the 3-year subscription as it’s the most affordable option in the long run.

A 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test CyberGhost for free. I canceled and applied for the refund through the online web form. The process wasn’t complicated, and the money was transferred to my bank account in just 4 days.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Excellent Speeds to Watch Irish and International Shows Interruption-Free

Private Internet Access offers high-speed connections for watching your favorite shows in UHD. You can stream Shamrock Rovers’ matches on Sky Sports without buffering as well. I ran multiple speed tests on PIA’s servers with great results. My average download speed on a UK server was 54.5 Mbps. Unlimited bandwidth also lets you stream as much as you want. Plus, the VPN allows P2P file sharing on all its servers.

A large server network across 84 countries allows you to bypass geo-blocks quickly. I accessed my BBC iPlayer, Netflix US, and Disney+ accounts hassle-free. Thanks to the Irish servers, I also unblocked my Virgin Media Player from abroad with ease. It’s possible to get a dedicated IP that only you can use (for example, US or UK), which helps avoid VPN blocks, but it requires an extra fee.

The VPN lets you personalize the security settings according to your needs. You can choose between secure AES 128-bit encryption with an emphasis on speed and AES 256-bit (for even better protection). I also added an extra layer of safety by activating multi-hop and rerouting my VPN traffic through the SOCKS5 proxy. There are various security protocols available too, like OpenVPN and WireGuard (great for streaming as it’s speedy and secure).

One drawback is that PIA is based in the US (a core member of the 5 Eyes Alliance). However, the VPN offers a solid no-logs policy, so your personal information can’t be collected or shared. Like CyberGhost, PIA has a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE) that prevents annoying ads from popping up. DNS/IPv6 leak protection and a kill switch also prevent accidental data exposure.

You can get PIA for as low as $2.03/month. As all plans come with the same features (including 24/7 live chat), I recommend the 2-year subscription as the most economical.

With a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s easy to get a full refund. I contacted customer support by email. My request was processed quickly by the support team, and I received the money in my PayPal account after 5 days.

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4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Cover All Your Devices in Ireland and Beyond

IPVanish allows connecting all your devices at the same time. It’s compatible with major operating systems, routers, and media streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV and Kodi. During my IPVanish tests, I installed it on my Linux PC in just a few minutes. The apps are straightforward to use, but you can contact customer support through a 24/7 live chat if you require assistance.

Fast connection speeds let you stream HD content buffer-free and download large files without delays. Plus, a SOCKS5 proxy gives you a speed boost during torrenting. I recorded an average download speed of 48.9 Mbps on the Irish servers (less than a 30% decrease from my base speed).

The VPN owns its entire network with no outsourced servers, so no third party can access them. Your personal data is safe with AES 256-bit encryption and top security protocols (OpenVPN and WireGuard). Thanks to the DNS/IPv6 leak protection, my actual IP address remained hidden. A kill switch further safeguards your data, and a zero-logs policy ensures IPVanish doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.

A small concern is that the VPN doesn’t unblock all streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video. However, ample servers located in 75 countries allow you to access your other major streaming platforms (like BBC iPlayer, ESPN +, and Vudu). I also unblocked my Netflix Ireland and RTÉ Player accounts trouble-free when outside the country. Plus, I easily accessed my Virgin Player from abroad and watched Harlots without issues.

I find subscriptions very reasonably priced — the most affordable plan starts at only $2.49/month. It’s worth considering the yearly plan, as the monthly subscriptions come with significantly higher prices and no additional benefits.

You can test IPVanish for free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription effortlessly using the form on the VPN’s website. Afterwards, I just needed to follow up with a message to the support team. The money was back in my bank account in 7 days.

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5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Friendly Servers for Quick Torrenting in and Outside of Ireland

PrivateVPN is good for reliable torrenting on all its servers and is compatible with major P2P clients. A SOCKS5 proxy and port forwarding also make your downloads faster. During PrivateVPN tests, it proved reliable for torrents. I downloaded a 2 GB file in just 6 minutes — plus, the VPN doesn’t have the bandwidth or data caps so you can torrent without limits.

There’s AES 256-bit encryption along with perfect forward secrecy to protect your data from cyber threats. The VPN follows a proven no-logs policy and comes with a kill switch. I didn’t detect any DNS/WebRTC/IPv6 leaks either. You can even sign up using a disposable email address for extra privacy and use Bitcoin for payments.

The customer support team can remotely install the VPN on your Windows, Mac, and Linux devices. The apps are user-friendly and come with 22/7 live chat — actual developers can answer any technical questions. The website also has an extensive knowledge base, including setup guides and tutorials. I quickly found how to set up the VPN on my Asus router.

One issue is that PrivateVPN has a relatively small server network. However, servers in 63 countries let you bypass geo-blocks with ease. I unblocked my Netflix US and Disney+ subscriptions right away. I also watched The Fall on my Amazon Prime Video without problems. There are Irish servers as well to access Virgin Media Player and All 4 from anywhere.

You can get PrivateVPN for only $2/month. I find the 3-year plan the best option, as it has the same features as short-term plans but a lower price.

A 30-day money-back guarantee covers the VPN. Getting your money back is straightforward if you’re unsatisfied with the service. I contacted customer support through a live chat, and my credit card was reimbursed within 9 days.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Ireland

My recommended VPNs are an excellent choice for bypassing geo-blocks, buffer-free streaming, and safe browsing. However, if you want to make your own tests, you can use my checklist to pick the best VPN according to your needs:

• Global server network (including Irish servers) — Pick a VPN with a global server network and Irish IP address to access worldwide content (like your Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max accounts).
• Fast speeds — Try to pick a VPN that doesn’t cut your speed by more than 50% to maintain buffer-free streaming.
• Strong security and privacy features — Choose a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, a no-logs policy, and leak protection to safeguard your online activity.
• Easy-to-use apps — Select a service with a straightforward interface, an easy setup (for all major platforms like Android, iOS, and Windows), and live chat support.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Make sure the VPN you’re considering offers a tried-and-tested money-back guarantee to easily get a refund if you’re not 100% happy with it.

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FAQs on Using a VPN for Ireland

Is it legal to use a VPN for Ireland?

Yes, using a VPN is legal in most countries, including Ireland (as long as you use it for legitimate purposes). A reliable VPN protects you online and keeps your data private.

However, some countries (like Russia and China) restrict or ban VPN use. So make sure you're up to date on the latest rules and regulations about VPNs in your location as they often change.

Which VPN is best for torrenting in Ireland?

All the VPNs on the list are great for torrenting. They have fast speeds and P2P-enabled global networks. Make sure you pick a torrent-friendly VPN with unlimited bandwidth to download as much as you want.

However, bear in mind that downloading copyrighted material is illegal in most countries, and we at vpnMentor don’t condone this. You may be able to access sites like The Pirate Bay and Mininova while using a VPN, but be wary of the files you choose (they may be copyrighted or harmful).

Can I access BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

Yes, you can access BBC iPlayer in Ireland using a VPN. You need a VPN with UK servers to reliably access your account. CyberGhost has a vast server network and specially-optimized servers for BBC iPlayer. Plus, it has super-fast speeds to stream your favorite shows without buffering.

Why do I need a VPN for Ireland?

A VPN lets you access the content you need. This means you can use services from your home country when in Ireland or unblock Irish content abroad. Some streaming services (like Virgin Media) block VPN use, but top VPNs let you easily bypass geo-blocks. Simply connect to a server in Ireland to unblock your streaming accounts.

Thanks to a VPN, your online traffic is also encrypted, so hackers can’t intercept your personal information. Some VPNs have built-in ad blockers to prevent annoying pop-ups. Plus, they allow you to safely access your e-banking services (for example, Bank of Ireland, Allied Irish Banks, or Citibank) even on unsecured public WiFi networks.

Can I use a free VPN for Ireland?

You can use a free VPN, but it’s not recommended. Using free VPNs may put your online privacy at risk as they often lack sufficient security measures. With cyber threats on the rise, it’s safer to use a trustworthy VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Many free VPNs are also known to store cookies on users’ devices to spy on their internet activities and sell data to third parties. Some even install malware on your device. Plus, most free services can’t reliably unblock geo-restricted content as their server network is limited. Many deliberately restrict their services (including speed, bandwidth, and servers), so you’re forced to upgrade to a paid version.

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The Bottom Line

A VPN with a global server network lets you access Irish and international content from anywhere. Fast speeds are necessary for seamless streaming and torrenting in and outside Ireland. VPNs also keep your browsing activity private from prying eyes.

My top choice for Ireland is ExpressVPN. It has an extensive server network (including Ireland) to easily bypass geo-blocks. Plus, it offers lightning-fast speeds for interruption-free streaming and robust security features for safe web browsing. You can try ExpressVPN for Ireland risk-free as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Ireland