Ranked for streaming Facts checked 17 Oct 2026 Scores recalculated live
Best VPN for Ireland
Ireland is the EU home of most big platforms, and since 21 July 2025 its Online Safety Code makes video platforms age-check users who upload adult content.
Top pick right now
NordVPN 96/100
Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.
Why you'd use a VPN in Ireland
Online Safety Code
Part B of Coimisiún na Meán's code took full effect on 21 July 2025: video-sharing platforms based in Ireland must ban adult content or rate it and use effective age assurance. [1]
Open internet
RSF ranks Ireland 7th of 180 in 2026; no apps are blocked. [2]
Is a VPN legal in Ireland? Legal. VPNs are legal.
The top 3 for Ireland
#1
NordVPN 96/100
Connects
Largest network of the six, with the NordWhisper protocol for networks that inspect traffic.
Try NordVPN#2
ExpressVPN 89/100
Connects
Obfuscation is switched on automatically on every server, so there is no special mode to find.
Try ExpressVPN#3
Surfshark 88/100
Connects
Unlimited devices on one plan, with NoBorders mode that switches on in restrictive regions.
Try SurfsharkFull ranking of the 6 VPNs we track
| # | VPN | Score | Connects here | Visitor reports | Website (OONI) | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordVPN | 96/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Website loads 159 tests | Try NordVPN |
| 2 | ExpressVPN | 89/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Too few tests | Try ExpressVPN |
| 3 | Surfshark | 88/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Website loads 132 tests | Try Surfshark |
| 4 | CyberGhost | 85/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Too few tests | Try CyberGhost |
| 5 | Private Internet Access | 82/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Too few tests | Try Private Internet Access |
| 6 | Proton VPN | 76/100 | Connects | Not enough yet | Website loads 147 tests | Try Proton VPN |
"Connects here" comes from our Ireland status page. Visitor reports count the last 14 days. Website checks come from OONI measurements over 30 days, refreshed 20 Oct 2026; a blocked website doesn't mean the app is blocked, but you'll need to install the app another way.
How we scored
Nobody pays for a position here. Each VPN gets a score out of 100 from these weights, chosen because the main reason to use a VPN in Ireland is streaming:
- Streaming
- 55%
- Speed & gaming
- 10%
- Privacy & audits
- 10%
- Connects in this country
- 10%
- Visitor reports
- 15%
Feature ratings are our editorial scores. If a VPN has too few visitor reports, that weight is shared among the other factors. A VPN that doesn't connect here is capped at 35. How we track
Questions people ask
What is the best VPN for Ireland?
On our current scores, NordVPN (96/100), followed by ExpressVPN (89) and Surfshark (88). Scores weigh streaming most heavily for Ireland and update as visitors there report what works.
Is using a VPN legal in Ireland?
Legal. VPNs are legal.
Do all VPNs work in Ireland?
All six VPNs we track connect normally in Ireland. The differences are in streaming, privacy and speed.
Why does this ranking change?
Part of each score comes from visitor reports in the last 14 days and from whether each VPN currently connects in the country. When those change, the order changes. The formula is shown on the page.
Sources
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick