How to: Register a .IE domain with SmartHost

A .ie domain is the Internet country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ireland. Here are some key aspects of a .ie domain:

• National Domain: It’s the national domain for Ireland, much like .us for the United States or .uk for the United Kingdom.
• Managed by IEDR: The .ie domain is managed by the Ireland’s Domain Registry (IEDR), which is responsible for the administration, management, and registration of all .ie domain names.
• Intended for Irish Entities: The .ie domain is primarily intended for individuals, businesses, and organizations with a connection to Ireland. This can include residents, companies registered in Ireland, and others who can demonstrate a substantial connection to the country.
• Trust and Identity: A .ie domain often signifies a trusted, identifiably Irish presence on the internet. It can be particularly important for businesses operating in or targeting the Irish market, as it can help establish a local identity and trustworthiness.
• Eligibility Criteria: To register a .ie domain, applicants typically need to provide proof of their connection to Ireland. This can include evidence of residency, citizenship, business registration, or other forms of ties to Ireland.
• Used for Various Purposes: .ie domains are used by individuals for personal websites, by businesses for e-commerce and corporate presence, and by organizations for various activities connected to Ireland.
• Domain Registration: To register a .ie domain, one must go through an accredited registrar, such as SmartHost, who will facilitate the registration process, including checking domain availability, collecting required documents, and submitting the registration to IEDR.

Choosing a .ie domain can offer several advantages, especially if you are targeting an Irish audience or operating in Ireland. Here are some reasons why a .ie domain might be a good choice:

• Credibility and Trust: .IE domains instill credibility and trust in your audience, as they are subject to stringent registration requirements that ensure a real connection to Ireland.
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO) Benefits: If your target audience is in Ireland, a .ie domain can help with local SEO. Search engines tend to favor local domains when providing search results to users in that country, potentially increasing your visibility to an Irish audience.
• Availability of Names: Since .ie is a specific ccTLD, you might find it easier to get the exact domain name you want, especially if the more common .com or .net versions of your desired name are already taken.
• Community and Identity: A .ie domain can also reflect a sense of community and Irish identity, which can be appealing both to businesses and individuals who want to express their connection to Ireland.

• Visit https://smarthost.ie/ie-domains/ and use the search bar to find your perfect domain name.

• If the domain name is available, add it to your cart and begin the billing process.

• You will be asked to show your connection to Ireland during this process. Please click the option that is most relevant to you. The four options you will see will be as follows:

I have a .ie domain registered with SmartHost already

An Individual

A Business 

An Organisation

• Each of these requires different forms of proof of a connection. For example, An Individual can prove their connection to Ireland with a passport or driver’s license, whereas a business can provide their CRO number. For a full list of requirements for each category, please visit: https://www.weare.ie/how-to-register-a-domain/#registration_requirements

• Once you have purchased and paid for the domain, you will receive an email from .IE asking you to upload your proof of connection to Ireland, using their secure ticketing system. You will be given a unique Ticket ID. Using that Ticket ID, you can input your documents to their Document Uploader here: https://www.weare.ie/document-uploader/. All of this will be accessible through the email you will receive.