.ie Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have a business in Ireland to register a .ie domainname?

.ie domains are restricted, requiring proof of residency. All applicants applying for a .ie domain name who are not situated in the 32 counties of Ireland, must demonstrate a Real and Substantive Connection with Ireland (with the exception of those applying with a registered Community Trademark)

How long does it take to register a .ie domain name?

Due to the way the Irish Domain Registry are structured all domains appear to be available until they have been fully accepted and they have been moved off the stalled list by the IEDR (see www.domainregistry.ie for more information). Don't expect your domain to show up in the Whois until all your documents have been submitted to us, the IEDR has accepted your application and it has moved off the stalled list. Please note that once your domain name has been accepted it cannot be taken by anyone else even if it appears as available.

Domain names cannot be owned as such, they're leased to you by the Registry on a first-come, first-served basis, and remain with you until either you decide not to renew the name or a business with a trademark of the same name demonstrates a greater claim to the name than you can demonstrate.

I have placed an order for a domain on your site, it is reserved for me now?

No, it is not possible to reserve .ie domain names. Under IEDR rules as long as your application remains unsupported by the necessary documentation the domain you applied for is available to all comers to register on a first come first served basis.

Why is it cheaper to get a .com domain name compared to a .ie domain?

.com is a high volume, free-for-all, universally recognised, automated, budget priced "Internet address". Like many other ccTLDs, .ie is a managed, upper end of the market, national "Internet address" which, due to necessary human intervention to ensure checks and balances, comes at a higher cost - but due to its exclusivity it also conveys commercial credibility and respectability. It also underlines to your prospective customers and clients that you are transacting business in Ireland. At the end of the day it's a business decision - do you want to project your business as a credible, respectable Irish business doing business in Ireland essentially for Irish consumers. The world may be a global village but consumers still like to know where you're based!