Categories: How-To

How to: Register a .IE domain with SmartHost

Register a .IE domain with SmartHost

.IE domains have come a long way in recent times. The popularity of a .IE domain name has continued to increase dramatically over the last 5 years. This statement is supported by the national registry for .IE domain names. .IE (formerly IEDR) has recorded a 43.6% increase in .IE domains over the last 5 years.

Over 65 thousand .IE domains were registered in 2020. In the first half of 2020 alone, 78.4% of all .IE domains purchased were by companies and self employed individuals. This clearly shows that .IE domains are leading the field in e-commerce and business in Ireland.

The process of registering a .IE has also changed dramatically in recent times. In November 2020, .IE released their brand new TITAN system. One of the many changes included in this new system is the ease of which a .IE can be registered.

If you purchase a .IE domain, you must prove your connection to Ireland. TITAN makes that process much easier.

What is a .IE domain?

Why register a .IE domain?

The Registration Process

FAQs

What is a .IE domain?

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.

Why should I register a .IE domain?

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.

The Registration Process

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.

In Conclusion

Irish domain name registration has gained prominence as organisations seek secure and trustworthy online platforms. The .IE extension continues to grow in popularity by requiring proof of an Irish link, which provides additional confidence for local customers and stakeholders.

If you are unsure about what option suits you, our team is available to discuss this with you. Feel free to give us a ring on (01) 901 9700, or send us an email at support@smarthost.ie.

You can purchase your .IE domain through SmartHost for only €3.99. Visit https://smarthost.ie/ie-domains/ to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need a domain name?

You need a domain name if you want to have your own website. A domain name makes your website easy to remember and find for visitors. It also helps to establish your brand and credibility.

What is a domain name?

A domain name is the address of your website on the internet. It is what people type into their web browser to visit your website. For example, the domain name for the Smarthost.ie website is “smarthost.ie”.

I'm not an Irish citizen or resident. Can I still register a .ie domain?

Yes, you may still be eligible if you can demonstrate a connection to Ireland through trade. You’ll need to provide invoices showing sales to Irish customers or a letter from a professional (solicitor, bank manager) confirming your business activities in Ireland.