Choosing a domain name

Your domain name should reflect what your business is as far as possible.  All of your branding, both online and offline, will be based on your domain name so it’s important to make the right choice.

Try to mirror your business name e.g. www.goreyflowers.ie – this will help with search and just makes it easier for your customers.

If you’re an individual who wants a domain name for personal branding you could choose your nickname, short name or full name.  1 or 2 letter domains are highly prized as they are very easy to remember.

You can also register a .ie domain name with a fada on the vowels, as used in the Irish language: á, é, í, ó, ú.

We have a handy search tool that allows you to check if the .ie domain name you want is available.

Buy a .ie domain

Buy .ie domain

Buy domain

Don’t worry if it is already registered, our search tool offers suggestions of alternative domain names available. It is also possible to offer to buy a domain that is registered to another party.  MORE INFO

Registration requirements

Connection to Ireland

We operate a managed registry for .ie domain names.  This means that every application for a .ie domain name is checked to make sure that the applicant has a real connection with Ireland.

Applicants can provide just one document to prove identity and connection to Ireland. By including this information with your application it can be processed without delay. Information on supporting documentation is outlined below.

First-come, first-served

Domain registrations are subject to a first-come first-served policy. Once an application is submitted, it will remain on our system for 27 days until the correct supporting information is provided. During this period, no one else can apply for this domain name.

Your application will be accepted once you provide your connection to Ireland.

NOTE: if your business or personal identification cannot be verified, you will be asked to provide additional information.

Supporting documentation

In most cases, just one document is needed to prove identity and connection to Ireland, such as an Irish passport.

Express Registration Process

• Auto-validation – Returning Customer
  We have an express registration process for returning customers that already hold a .ie domain. A request to register an additional .ie domain will be automatically approved, if the request includes either the existing Registrant Contact ID, or the same Registrant name, email address and registrant type as used on the existing registration.
• Auto-validation – Company
  We have an express registration process for Irish companies that have an active CRO number. When applying for a .ie domain, the Company application type just needs to be selected, the CRO number entered into the appropriate field, and the Registrant name entered correctly.

Business

To show your connection with the island of Ireland as a company or self-employed person, please provide JUST ONE of the following:

• RBN/CRO number – find yours here.
• VAT number (company registered in Republic of Ireland / Northern Ireland).
• Tax clearance certificate from Ireland’s Revenue Commissioners (or other correspondence from them showing your VAT number).

Individual

To show your connection with the island of Ireland and evidence of personal identity, please provide any JUST ONE of the following:

• Irish Passport.
• Irish/UK driver’s licence (showing an address in the island of Ireland).
• Irish/Northern Irish bank statement (showing an address in the island of Ireland).
• Official College ID (issued by any educational institution recognised by the Department of Education).
• Public Services Card issued by the Department of Social Protection.

The options listed above cover the majority of registrations that we receive. However, if you do not fall into either category, please read our Document Requirements Page for further information or email our Registration Services Team at registrations@weare.ie who will be happy to assist you.

Sending your supporting documentation

We accept photos of your supporting documentation sent by phone – ‘snap and send’. To submit documentation, you can:

• Use our Document uploader, or
• Email them to your Registrar