IE Domains

IE Domains
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Register a .ie

Search and Register your .IE Domain name for only €2.75/yr

Purchase IE Domains from SmartHost

  • Identifiably Irish

    An Irish domain name instantly promotes the fact that you and your business have close connections with Ireland. Your business will stand out in the crowd when you buy a IE domain.

  • Transfer to SmartHost

    Transfer your existing Irish domain to SmartHost. In addition to best value, a comprehensive control panel allows you to manage every aspect of your domain. SmartHost is an authorised IE Registrar.

  • Can I Register a .IE

    Every .IE domain name registration requires proof that you have a connection to Ireland. This can be a registered company or business, a VAT number, or copy of your driver’s licence or passport.

* .IE domain names are recognised worldwide as the home of Irish businesses and websites. As proof of your connection to Ireland is required before you can register a .IE domain, customers will trust you more.

Accredited Registrar

Smarthost is one of Ireland’s fastest-growing registrar for .IE domain names. Fully accredited and approved by the .IE domain registry (www.weare.ie), we provide a fully automated registration service and offer free and complete management of of your .IE domain from our customer portal.

IE Domain Registration Requirements: Understand Eligibility & Process

Want to secure a .IE domain name for your Irish brand or online presence? Understanding the registration requirements is essential. Here’s your guide on eligibility, documentation, and the step-by-step process to claim your perfect .ie domain.

Proving Your Connection to Ireland

To register a .ie domain, you must have a demonstrable connection to Ireland. This is designed to protect the integrity of the .ie namespace and ensure it represents those with a genuine link to the country. Here are the accepted ways to prove your eligibility:

Irish Residency: If you live in Ireland, you can provide one of the following:

  • Recent utility bill (electricity, gas, etc.) showing your Irish address.

  • Bank statement (within the last 3 months) with a clear Irish address.

  • Official government correspondence (e.g., letter from Revenue) with your Irish address.

Irish Citizenship: If you’re an Irish citizen, regardless of where you reside, submit a copy of one of the following:

  • Valid Irish passport

  • Irish birth certificate

  • Irish driver’s license

Registered Irish Business: If you have a business registered in Ireland, provide:

  • Company Registration Number (CRO)

  • Registered Business Name (RBN)

  • VAT number

Trading in Ireland: If your business is not based in Ireland but you actively trade with Irish customers, you may be eligible. Provide:

  • Invoices demonstrating sales to Irish clients.

  • A signed letter on headed paper from a certified professional (such as a solicitor or bank manager) confirming your trade with Ireland.

The Registration Process

Once you understand the eligibility requirements, the process of registering your .ie domain is straightforward. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

  • Check Domain Availability: Use the Smarthost Domain search tool to see if your desired .ie domain name is available. If it’s taken, you’ll need to brainstorm alternatives.

  • Provide Information and Documentation: Complete the registrar’s online application form. You’ll provide your contact details and upload the required documentation to prove your connection to Ireland (as outlined in Section 1).

  • Payment and Approval: Pay the registration fee to finalize your application. The registrar will submit your information to the IEDR for review. This process usually takes a few days.

  • Domain Success! Once your application is approved, the .ie domain will be yours! You can then connect it to your website hosting or WordPress Hosting and start building your online presence.

Why not choose from our other popular domain extensions?

With over 500 domain extensions to choose from, SmartHost can provide the perfect domain for your business

.ie

.IE domain names are recognised worldwide as the home of Irish businesses and websites.

€2.75/year

.com

Unleashing global opportunities. Your universal passport to an instantly recognized online presence.

€9.99/year

.co.uk

.CO.UK: The UK’s digital signature. Establish, grow, and thrive online with confidence.

€7.99/year

.net

Connect globally. A versatile platform for innovators, tech enthusiasts, and creative minds alike.

€12.99/year

.co

International appeal, local feel. The bridge connecting your business to worldwide opportunities.

€22.99/year

.org

Where missions live online. Uniting passionate communities, advocates, and nonprofits worldwide.

€12.99/year

Frequently Asked Questions About Irish Domains (.ie)

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.

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.

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”.

Smarthost.ie offers a variety of hosting services, including:

  • Shared hosting: Shared hosting is a good option for small businesses and websites that are just getting started. It is also a good option for websites that do not have a lot of traffic.
  • WordPress hosting: WordPress hosting is a specialised type of hosting that is designed for WordPress websites. It offers features such as automatic
  • WordPress updates, WordPress security, and WordPress-specific support.
  • Reseller hosting: Reseller hosting is a good option for businesses that want to resell web hosting services to their customers.
  • Cloud VPS: Cloud VPS is a more powerful type of hosting that is suitable for websites with high traffic or demanding applications.

When choosing a web hosting provider, you should consider the following factors:

  • Price: Web hosting plans can range in price from a few Euro per month to hundreds of Euros per month. Choose a plan that fits your budget and needs.
  • Features: Different web hosting providers offer different features, such as disk space, bandwidth, email accounts, and support for different programming languages. Choose a plan that offers the features that you need.
  • Reliability: Look for a web hosting provider that has a good reputation for reliability. This means that your website will be up and running most of the time.
  • Support: Look for a web hosting provider that offers good customer support. This is important in case you have any problems with your website or hosting account.

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.

The registration process typically takes 1 business day , assuming you have all your documentation ready and your application is approved.  If you are using FastPass, the registration process is completed within a few minutes

Unfortunately, .ie domains work on a first-come, first-served basis. If your desired name is taken, you’ll need to get creative! Try variations of your business name, add relevant keywords, or consider slightly different spellings.

Absolutely! There are no restrictions on the number of .ie domains you can register, provided you meet the eligibility criteria for each name.

Always refer to the official IE Domain Registry (IEDR) website (https://www.weare.ie/) for the latest policies and requirements.

Our team can help

Have further questions, or need some advice about hosting solutions for you and your business? 

Our team are on hand to assist you and get your business online. Why not give us a call on (01) 901 9700 or send us an email at support@smarthost.ie. We will get back to you as soon as possible.

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