What is the country code for Ireland?

Ireland's country code is +353. When calling from the US, dial 011 + 353 + area code (without the leading 0) + local number. From the UK or EU, dial 00 + 353 + area code + local number. On a mobile phone, you can simply use +353.

How much does it cost to call Ireland with Sayfone?

Sayfone offers calls to Ireland at 16¢ per minute to both landlines and mobiles. There are no connection fees, no subscriptions, and no hidden charges — you pay only for the minutes you use.

Can I call Irish mobile numbers from abroad?

Yes. Irish mobile numbers use prefixes 083, 085, 086, 087, and 089. From abroad, dial +353 followed by the prefix (without the leading 0) and the subscriber number. For example, a domestic number 087 123 4567 becomes +353 87 123 4567.

What's the difference between calling the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland?

The Republic of Ireland uses country code +353, while Northern Ireland is part of the United Kingdom and uses +44 with area code 28. These are completely separate dialing systems. If your contact is in Belfast or Derry, you need to use +44 28, not +353.

Can I call Irish 1800 (freephone) numbers from outside Ireland?

No. Irish 1800 freephone numbers only work when dialed from within Ireland. If you need to reach an Irish organisation from abroad, look for their geographic landline number (starting with 01, 021, 061, etc.) or their 0818 number, which can be dialed internationally.

What time zone is Ireland in?

Ireland uses Greenwich Mean Time (GMT/UTC+0) in winter and Irish Standard Time (IST/UTC+1) in summer. Daylight saving runs from the last Sunday of March to the last Sunday of October. Ireland is always in the same time zone as the United Kingdom.

Do I need to download an app to call Ireland with Sayfone?

No. Sayfone works directly in your web browser — no app downloads, plugins, or installations required. Just open Sayfone on any modern browser, enter the Irish number, and connect. It works on desktop, tablet, and mobile devices.

Why can't I use WhatsApp to call an Irish landline?

WhatsApp can only call other WhatsApp users — it cannot connect to traditional phone numbers. If you need to reach an Irish landline (home phone, business, GP surgery, government office), you need a service that connects through the telephone network, like Sayfone.

What area code is Dublin, Ireland?

Dublin's area code is 01 when dialing domestically within Ireland. When calling from abroad, you drop the 0 and dial +353 1 followed by the 7-digit local number. For example: +353 1 234 5678.

Is call quality good when calling Ireland through the internet?

Yes. Sayfone uses HD voice technology that routes your call through premium carrier networks to Ireland. As long as you have a stable internet connection on your end, you'll experience clear, reliable audio — often better than a traditional phone call.

International Calling

Cheap Calls to Ireland — Starting at 16¢/min

Call any Irish landline or mobile right from your browser. Crystal-clear quality, transparent per-minute pricing, and no contracts or subscriptions required.

Start Calling Ireland

No app download required — call from any browser
Transparent per-minute billing with no connection fees
HD voice quality on calls to Irish landlines and mobiles

Estimate cost

🇮🇪

Ireland

Country code +353

$0.16

Landline

$0.18

Mobile

~60%

vs retail*

Average call quality

*Illustrative savings vs 2.5× directory rate — not a carrier quote.

Simple steps

See your exact savings with Sayfone

Drag the slider to match your Ireland call volume. See what you're spending versus what you could be spending with Sayfone.

Monthly call minutes

Drag slider to adjust

220

min / month

Call type

AT&T / Verizon$1,725

~$7.84/min

T-Mobile$1,302

~$5.92/min

Calling cards$774

~$3.52/min

Google Voice$176

~$0.80/min

Sayfone$35

$0.160/min

Annual saving vs. AT&T

Based on 220 min/month

$20,275

Try Sayfone Free

GETTING STARTED

How to Call Ireland in 3 Simple Steps

No software to install, no account setup hassles. Start calling Irish numbers from your browser in under a minute.

Instant access

Step 1

Open Sayfone in Your Browser

Visit Sayfone from any modern browser on your computer, tablet, or smartphone. No downloads or plugins needed — just open and go.

Dialer

+00 000 000 00

123

Start Calling Now

Step 2

Enter the Irish Number

Type or paste the Irish number you want to reach. Dial +353 followed by the area code (drop the leading 0) and the local number — for example, +353 1 XXX XXXX for Dublin.

HD audio from your browser

Step 3

Connect and Talk

Hit call and you're connected in seconds. Enjoy HD-quality audio on calls to any Irish landline or mobile. You're billed only for the minutes you use.

UNDERSTANDING COSTS

Why Calling Ireland Can Be So Expensive

Ireland is one of the most-called international destinations from the US and UK, yet traditional carriers charge steep per-minute rates that catch many people off guard. Here's what drives those costs up.

Traditional Carrier Markups

Major US carriers like T-Mobile can charge up to $3/min for calls to Ireland without an international plan. UK mobile networks like EE charge around 40p/min out-of-bundle. These markups exist because carriers treat international calls as a premium feature.

[1]Plexatalk — UK to Ireland calling costs comparisonSupports UK carrier rate claims (EE 40p/min, O2 22p/min)

Termination Fees for Irish Networks

Every international call to Ireland must terminate on a local Irish network — eir, Vodafone Ireland, or Three Ireland. These operators charge interconnection fees that get passed through to the caller, particularly for mobile-terminated calls which cost more than landline calls.

High Demand, Low Transparency

Ireland is among the top five most-called destinations from the UK, with over 600,000 Irish-born residents in Britain and strong business ties. Despite this demand, carriers often bury international rates in fine print, leading to bill shock.

[1]Plexatalk — Irish diaspora and calling demand from UKSupports claim about 600,000 Irish-born UK residents and top-5 calling destination

Separate Landline and Mobile Pricing

Calls to Irish mobiles typically cost significantly more than calls to landlines because mobile termination rates are higher. Many callers don't realise they're paying a premium until they see the bill, especially when calling mobile-heavy younger contacts.

Sources

1
ComReg — Irish Telecommunications Regulator
Authority on Irish telecom market structure and numbering regulation

ALTERNATIVES COMPARED

How People Call Ireland Today

From traditional carrier plans to free apps, there are many ways to reach someone in Ireland. Each option comes with trade-offs in cost, reliability, and convenience.

WhatsApp / FaceTime

Free (data only)Popular but limited

Popular but limited

WhatsApp and FaceTime are widely used for calling Ireland, especially among younger users and the diaspora. However, both parties need the app and a reliable internet connection. You can't reach Irish landlines, businesses, or older contacts who aren't on the platform.

Carrier International Plans

$5–$15/month + per-min feesExpensive add-ons

Expensive add-ons

Most US and UK mobile carriers offer international calling add-ons, but these still carry per-minute charges and often include only a small bundle of minutes. Without an add-on, rates can spike to $3/min on some US networks or 40p/min on UK mobile networks.

International Calling Cards

Low per-min, hidden feesDeclining in use

Declining in use

Calling cards once dominated the Ireland route, especially among the Irish diaspora in the US and UK. While per-minute rates can be low, many cards charge connection fees, maintenance fees, and round up call durations, making the real cost higher than advertised.

Browser-Based VoIP (Sayfone)

16¢/minRecommended

Recommended

Call any Irish landline or mobile directly from your browser at a flat per-minute rate. No app to install, no subscription, no connection fees. Pay only for the minutes you talk, and enjoy HD call quality.

Bar lengths reflect relative cost tiers for each option — not survey percentages.

APP LIMITATIONS

When WhatsApp and Free Apps Aren't Enough for Ireland

Free messaging apps are great for casual chats, but they fall short when you need to reach an Irish landline, a business, or someone without a smartphone.

Sayfone's advantage

Whether it's a Dublin office, a Cork landline, or a Galway mobile, Sayfone connects you directly through the telephone network — no app needed on the other end.

Call any Irish landline or mobile number
Works from your browser — no app install needed
HD voice quality without depending on the recipient's internet
Transparent 16¢/min with no connection fees

Call Ireland Now

The problem

Can't Reach Irish Landlines or Businesses
Many Irish businesses, GP offices, hospitals, and government services are only reachable on landline numbers. WhatsApp and FaceTime can't dial these numbers at all — you need a real phone connection.
Both Parties Need the Same App
WhatsApp calls only work if the person in Ireland also has WhatsApp installed and is actively connected to the internet. For older family members or professional contacts, this isn't always the case.
3
Rural Coverage Gaps Affect Call Quality
While Irish cities like Dublin, Cork, and Galway have good broadband and 4G coverage, more rural and western regions can have inconsistent data connectivity. WhatsApp calls over weak data connections suffer from lag, echo, and dropped audio.
- [1]Little Gem Tours — Wi-Fi and mobile data coverage in IrelandSupports claim about reliable urban coverage but variable rural connectivity
No Caller ID or Local Number Presentation
When you call someone in Ireland via WhatsApp, the call shows up as an app notification — not a phone call. This means Irish contacts may ignore or miss the call, especially if they don't recognise the notification.

TIPS & ETIQUETTE

Smart Tips for Calling Ireland

Get the timing right, avoid common mistakes, and make a great impression when calling Irish contacts for personal or business reasons.

Time & offsets

Ireland Time Zone

GMT (winter) / IST UTC+1 (summer)

Same as UK time year-round

Current Offset from US East Coast

5 hours ahead of EST

4 hours ahead during US daylight saving

Daylight Saving Change

Last Sunday of March → Last Sunday of October

Clocks spring forward 1 hour in March

Best time to call from US (Eastern)

7:00 AM – 11:00 AM ET (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Ireland)

Best time to call from US (Pacific)

4:00 AM – 8:00 AM PT (12:00 PM – 4:00 PM Ireland)

Best time to call from UK

Same time zone — call during standard business hours

Avoid calling

Before 9:00 AM or after 9:00 PM Irish time for personal calls

Calling tips

Drop the Leading Zero
When dialing Ireland internationally, always drop the leading 0 from the area code. Dublin is 01 domestically but +353 1 from abroad. Mobile numbers like 087 become +353 87.
Northern Ireland Uses a Different Code
Northern Ireland is part of the UK and uses country code +44 with area code 28, not +353. Double-check whether your contact is in the Republic or Northern Ireland before dialing.
Irish Freephone Numbers Don't Work Internationally
1800 (Freephone) numbers in Ireland can only be dialed from within Ireland. If you need to reach an Irish business from abroad, look for their geographic number (starting with 01, 021, etc.) or an 0818 number.
Mind the Bank Holidays
Ireland has several public holidays where businesses close — including St. Patrick's Day (March 17), Easter Monday, and various June/August/October Monday holidays. Schedule business calls around these.

Etiquette

Be Warm but Professional
Irish business culture values personal rapport. It's common to exchange pleasantries before getting down to business. A few minutes of friendly conversation at the start of a call goes a long way.
Avoid Boasting
Modesty is valued in Irish professional settings. Let your work and results speak for themselves rather than leading with grand claims about your company or credentials.
Summarise at the End
Wrap up the call by summarising what was discussed and any agreed next steps. This is standard practice in Irish business calls and helps avoid misunderstandings.
Listen More Than You Talk
Irish contacts appreciate being heard. Asking questions and giving your counterpart space to share their perspective builds trust and leads to more productive conversations.

Sources

1
Ireland.com — Time zones in Ireland
Authoritative source for Irish time zone information

POPULAR DESTINATIONS

Most-Called Cities in Ireland

Whether you're reaching family in Dublin, a business partner in Cork, or friends in Galway, here's a quick guide to Ireland's most frequently called cities.

Dublin

Ireland's Capital and Business Hub

Dublin is Ireland's largest city and the heart of its tech, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors. Most international calls to Ireland terminate in Dublin, home to European headquarters for companies like Google and Meta.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Irish time for business; evenings for personal calls

Cork

Ireland's Second City

Cork is a major economic centre in the south of Ireland with a thriving pharmaceutical and food industry. Known for its friendly locals and distinct accent, Cork is a common calling destination for diaspora families.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM Irish time

Galway

Cultural Capital of the West

Galway is a vibrant university city on Ireland's west coast, popular with tourists and home to a growing tech sector. Calls to Galway use area code 091.

Best time to call: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM Irish time

Limerick

Treaty City on the Shannon

Limerick is Ireland's third-largest city and an important hub for manufacturing and technology. It has strong connections to the US through Shannon Airport and the wider mid-west region.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM Irish time

Waterford

Ireland's Oldest City

Waterford is known for its Viking heritage and the famous Waterford Crystal brand. Calls to Waterford use area code 051 and it's a common destination for personal and tourism-related calls.

Best time to call: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM Irish time

Start Calling Now

DIALING GUIDE

How to Dial Irish Phone Numbers

Ireland uses country code +353. When calling from abroad, drop the leading 0 from the domestic area code or mobile prefix. Irish numbers vary in length depending on the area code.

Irish area codes range from 1 to 3 digits (excluding the trunk prefix 0), and subscriber numbers are between 5 and 7 digits long. Mobile numbers always start with 08x domestically, which becomes +353 8x from abroad.

Calling a mobile

+353 8X XXX XXXX

+3538XXXX XXXX

+353 87 123 4567
+353 85 987 6543
+353 83 456 7890

Calling a landline

+353 [area code] [local number]

+353area code (1–3 digits)local number (5–7 digits)

+353 1 234 5678
+353 21 234 5678
+353 91 234 5678

City / region	Code
Dublin	1
Cork	21
Galway	91
Limerick	61
Waterford	51
Drogheda	41
Kilkenny	56
Sligo	71
Dundalk	42
Letterkenny	74
Ennis	65
Tralee	66
Killarney	64
Wexford	53
Athlone	90

Sources

1
Wikipedia — Telephone numbers in the Republic of Ireland
Comprehensive reference for Irish numbering structure and area codes
2
ComReg — Area Code Maps
Official Irish telecom regulator numbering reference

COMMON QUESTIONS

Frequently Asked Questions About Calling Ireland

Everything you need to know about calling Irish numbers — from dialing formats and costs to tips on reaching businesses and navigating Northern Ireland.

Still have questions about calling Ireland? Our support team is here to help.

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