Eir is Ireland's largest broadband provider, owning most of the country's telecoms infrastructure. They're available almost everywhere—but their pricing tells a complicated story.
Eir at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Coverage | ~95% of Ireland |
| Max Speed | 2Gb (where available) |
| Year 1 Price | From €29.99/month |
| Year 2 Price | From €75.99/month |
| Contract | 12 months |
| Network | Open Eir + SIRO |
Eir's Current Plans
| Plan | Speed | Year 1 | Year 2 | 2-Year Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre 150 | 150Mb | €29.99 | €65.99 | €1,152 |
| Fibre 500 | 500Mb | €29.99 | €75.99 | €1,272 |
| Fibre 1000 | 1Gb | €34.99 | €85.99 | €1,452 |
| Fibre 2000 | 2Gb | €49.99 | €99.99 | €1,800 |
Prices include off-peak landline calls. Subject to change.
The Good
1. Widest Coverage
Eir is available at more Irish addresses than any other provider. If you're in a rural area, Eir may be your only fixed-line option.
2. Low Year-One Prices
€29.99/month for 500Mb fibre is competitive for year one. It's one of the cheapest entry points in the market.
3. Own Infrastructure
Eir owns the network, meaning installations are typically straightforward and they control quality end-to-end.
4. Multiple Speed Tiers
From 150Mb to 2Gb, Eir offers options for every need and budget.
5. TV Bundles Available
Eir TV can be added for €10/month, with access to streaming services and live channels.
The Bad
1. Massive Year-Two Price Jump
This is Eir's biggest problem. Prices more than double after year one:
- 500Mb: €29.99/month (Year 1) to €75.99/month (Year 2) — 153% increase
Over 2 years, Eir's "cheap" 500Mb plan costs €1,272—more than most competitors.
2. CPI + 3% Annual Increases
Even during your contract, Eir increases prices annually by inflation + 3%. Your bill rises every year.
3. Mixed Customer Service
Eir's customer service has historically been poor. While improving under Iliad ownership, complaints remain common.
4. Speed Depends on Infrastructure
"Fibre" doesn't always mean fibre-to-home. Some areas still have fibre-to-cabinet (FTTC) with copper to your home, limiting speeds.
5. Landline Required (Usually)
Most Eir connections require a landline, even if you don't use it. You pay for line rental whether you want it or not.
Who Should Choose Eir?
Eir makes sense if:
- You're in a rural area with no alternatives
- You want the cheapest year-one price and plan to switch
- You need Eir TV bundles
- You're already an Eir mobile customer (bundle discounts)
Eir doesn't make sense if:
- You plan to stay beyond year one (too expensive)
- Other providers serve your address
- Customer service quality matters to you
The Smart Eir Strategy
Take the year-one deal, then switch.
- Sign up for Eir at €29.99/month
- Set a calendar reminder for month 11
- Switch to Pure Telecom or another provider before year two
- Repeat with another provider's year-one deal
This way, you always pay introductory prices.
Eir vs Alternatives
| Provider | 500Mb Year 1 | Year 2 | 2-Year Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eir | €29.99 | €75.99 | €1,272 |
| Pure Telecom | €35 | €50 | €1,020 |
| Sky | €35 | €64 | €1,188 |
| Vodafone | €25 to €40 | €40 | €870 |
Pure Telecom costs €252 less over 2 years for the same speed.
Eir Coverage Check
Check if Eir—and what speed—is available at your address:
- Visit eir.ie
- Enter your eircode
- See available plans and speeds
Note: "Up to" speeds aren't guaranteed. Your actual speed depends on infrastructure at your address.
Verdict
Rating: 3/5
Eir's widest coverage and low year-one prices are offset by brutal year-two pricing and mixed customer service. Use Eir as a year-one deal, then switch—or choose Pure Telecom for better long-term value.
Choose Eir if: It's your only option or you'll switch after year one.
Avoid Eir if: You want good long-term value or excellent customer service.
Last updated: January 2026