Staying connected while traveling in Ireland doesn’t have to mean expensive phone bills or a complicated setup. I’ve never considered myself particularly tech-savvy, so when I had the opportunity to try Ezy eSIM at no cost during my recent trip to Ireland, I was curious to see how it would work.
Since staying connected is a common question among Ireland travelers, I’m sharing my experience, from setting up the eSIM to using it on the road, along with who I think might benefit most from giving it a try.
Disclosure: Ezy eSIM provided me with an eSIM at no cost so I could try the service during my trip. As always, this post reflects my own experience and honest opinions.
I travel to Ireland as often as time and budget allow, so reliable cell service and mobile data are important to me. My phone is unlocked, which means I can take advantage of a very affordable phone plan at home.
While my plan does offer international add-on plans for travel, I tried it on my last trip and things didn’t go as planned. After plenty of back-and-forth with my husband at home acting as the go-between with the cell phone company, I finally gave up in frustration and purchased a physical SIM card at a shop in Boyle.
For my most recent trip, I was determined to find an easier solution. Hotel WiFi is helpful, of course, but I wanted the freedom to stay connected while out exploring, whether I needed to check:
- Maps and navigation
- Irish Rail and transportation information
- Messaging
- Looking up restaurants, attractions, hours, etc.
- General travel research while out and about
What Is an eSIM
Remember, I’m not well-versed in technology, but I will try my best to explain what an eSIM is as I understand it.
An eSIM is essentially a digital version of the little SIM card that goes into your phone. Instead of buying a physical card and swapping it out, you download an eSIM to your compatible phone and follow a few steps to get connected.
When traveling in Ireland, this can be a convenient way to access mobile data without relying solely on hotel Wi-Fi or paying for an international plan through your regular phone company.
The best part?
You can keep your usual SIM in place for your regular number while using the eSIM for data, depending on your phone and plan. It sounded a little technical to me at first, but the idea is actually pretty simple!
Does Your Phone Need to Be Unlocked?
An unlocked phone is one that is not tied to a specific cell phone carrier, meaning you’re free to use it with other compatible networks. This is important when traveling because you will need a phone that is both unlocked and eSIM-compatible to use a travel eSIM.
Before purchasing one it’s worth checking your phone’s settings and confirming with your carrier that your particular device will work. A quick check ahead of time can save you a lot of frustration once you arrive in Ireland.
Why I Chose an eSIM
I chose an eSIM for a variety of reasons. My cellphone is unlocked, which means I have more flexibility when it comes to my phone plan. I also wanted to keep my regular U.S. phone service without making any permanent changes, while finding an option that was both affordable and convenient.
After my frustrating connectivity experience last year, I was pleased to meet Patrick from Ezy eSIM at the TBEX North America Conference in Richmond, Virginia. Patrick introduced me to the idea of using an eSIM, and perhaps more importantly, gave me the confidence to try it. I may not be particularly comfortable with technology, but after talking with Patrick, I felt confident that I could figure it out and use it successfully on my next trip to Ireland.
My Experience with Ezy eSIM in Ireland
Choosing & Installing My Plan
Ezy eSIM offers plans for more than 150 countries, making it easy to find an option for your destination. To find a plan for Ireland, visit the Ezy eSIM website and search for Ireland among the available destinations. I chose the Ireland & UK 20GB 30-Day plan. Since I’d be in Ireland for just under two weeks, 20GB seemed like the right amount of data for my needs. Of course, every traveler is different, so consider your travel style and typical data usage when choosing your own plan.
Once my order was complete, it took only moments for an email containing a QR code to arrive in my inbox. I was able to download and install the eSIM right away, but my plan didn’t begin until I connected to a supported network in Ireland. That meant I could get everything set up before leaving home, without using up any of my plan days before my trip even began.
Getting Connected in Ireland
Choosing, purchasing, and downloading the Ezy eSIM was pretty straight-forward. Getting connected once I landed in Ireland, however, required a little more attention on my part! I hadn’t switched off my U.S. SIM line or enabled Data Roaming for my eSIM. Once I realized what I’d missed and made those adjustments, everything worked smoothly.
If you have any questions or need a little guidance, Ezy eSIM has an excellent FAQ page with step-by-step instructions for both iPhone and Android users.
I recommend taking a look before you leave home or keeping the page handy to reference once you arrive. It’s a useful resource to have available while getting everything set up.
Pro Tip
Yes, for the eSIM line only. It sounds counterintuitive, but travel eSIMs connect to local networks as a roaming service, so roaming needs to be switched on for the eSIM. You won’t be charged roaming fees. Your plan price is all you pay. Keep data roaming off on your physical SIM so your home carrier can’t charge you. – Ezy eSIM FAQs
What I Actually Used My eSIM For in Ireland
Although I wasn’t driving on this trip, having reliable data was still important. When my friend Debbie and I weren’t exploring with our small-group tour through Touraloora, we relied on Irish Rail to get around. Being able to check train schedules, access our tickets, and look up travel information on the go made getting from place to place much easier.
We also met up with friends in Cork, so staying in touch through WhatsApp and being able to order a cab when needed were essential.
Another time having data proved invaluable was during our stay near Lough Key for the Irish Hot Air Balloon Championships. Our Airbnb didn’t have Wi-Fi, so having mobile data meant we could still look up information, check directions, and stay connected without any difficulty. From checking restaurant hours and researching nearby attractions to making plans as we went, having data available gave us the flexibility to travel with confidence without having to hunt for Wi-Fi whenever we needed to get online.
One thing to keep in mind is that a data-only eSIM for travel doesn’t automatically cover regular calls and texts through your U.S. phone carrier. I used WhatsApp to stay in touch while in Ireland, which worked well with my data connection. It’s worth checking your carrier’s international policies before you leave home so you know what to expect.
An eSIM may be ideal if you:
- Have an unlocked, compatible phone
- Travel internationally
- Want affordable mobile data
- Want to keep your regular phone number/service
- Don't want to swap physical SIM cards
- Use maps and travel apps frequently
- Don't want to depend on Wi-Fi
- Want connectivity as soon as you arrive
My Verdict: Would I Use Ezy eSIM Again?
Yes, I would use Ezy eSIM again on my next trip to Ireland.
It was reliable, easy to use, and gave me an affordable way to stay connected without making any changes to my regular U.S. phone plan. My eSIM connected primarily to Vodafone, and I had great coverage in most places.
The one exception was Kylemore Abbey in the wilds of Connemara, where I didn’t have a single bar. But honestly, nobody else did either, so I certainly wasn’t complaining! If there’s anywhere I don’t mind putting the phone away and simply enjoying where I am, it’s a place as beautiful as Kylemore Abbey.
Overall, Ezy eSIM did exactly what I needed it to do, and I’d happily use it again on my next Ireland adventure.
Click the button below to learn more about Ezy eSIM.
More great travel stories you'll love reading!
Why Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland Keeps Calling Me Back (and Why You Should Visit)
Tucked along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way in County Sligo, Strandhill is a captivating coastal village where world-class surfing, breathtaking scenery, and Irish charm come together. It’s the kind of place that captures your heart, and keeps calling you back.
Discovering the Story of Connemara Marble in Ireland
The Connemara region of Ireland is a magical place. Located along the Wild Atlantic Way, Connemara feels a little more rural, rugged, and untamed than other parts of the island. Yet beneath its breathtaking landscapes lies a story carved deep into the land itself. Travel there with me to discover the history, craftsmanship, and beauty of Connemara Marble in Ireland.
A Perfect Day in Dahlonega Wine Country at Three Sisters Vineyards
Nestled in the North Georgia mountains, Three Sisters Vineyards, in Dahlonega, offers the perfect setting for sipping wine, relaxing with friends, and enjoying a memorable day. Come along with PullOverandLetMeOut to discover why this welcoming winery deserves a place on your Dahlonega wine country itinerary.
