About .irish domain
.irish is a generic top-level domain (gTLD) operated by Dot-Irish LLC. It was delegated in December 2014 and became publicly available for registration in June 2015. The registry services are provided by Afilias. The extension was created as part of ICANN's New gTLD Program.
Who can register .irish domain
Registration for .irish domains is open to anyone globally, with no geographic or cultural restrictions. There are no specific verification or documentation requirements tied to Irish heritage or location. Both individuals and organizations can register these domains through accredited registrars without proving affiliation to Ireland or the Irish diaspora.
How to register .irish domain
- Search for your desired .irish domain name on a registrar's website to check its availability and see if it is offered as a standard or premium name.
- Compare prices and features from different ICANN-accredited registrars, noting any bundled services like WHOIS privacy or email hosting.
- Complete the checkout process, which typically requires selecting a registration term (often one to ten years) and providing accurate registrant contact details.
- After purchase, verify your contact email to activate the domain and configure its DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your website or service.
Typical uses of .irish domain
The .irish TLD is commonly used by businesses, cultural organizations, and individuals who wish to highlight a connection to Irish culture, heritage, or identity. It is popular for websites related to tourism, genealogy, food and drink, sports, and community groups, providing a clear, thematic alternative to more generic extensions like .com. Users choose it to instantly communicate an Irish affiliation to a global audience.
Tips for registering .irish domain
- Domains can typically be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal prices that may differ from introductory promotional rates.
- WHOIS privacy protection is generally available for .irish domains through most registrars, helping to shield personal contact information from public view.
- The TLD is subject to standard ICANN transfer policies, meaning domains are usually locked for 60 days after registration or a previous transfer.
- Premium .irish domain names with higher value may be available at elevated, non-standard pricing set by the registry.
Frequently asked questions about .irish domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .irish domain?
As of today, .irish domains start from $4.96/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $76.11/yr across 32 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.
Which registrars support .irish domains?
NameBeta tracks 32 registrars that support .irish domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.96/yr. Full list on this page.
Who operates .irish domain?
The registry for .irish domains is Identity Digital, administered by Binky Moon, LLC.
Who can register a .irish domain?
Anyone, anywhere in the world can register a .irish domain name. There is no requirement to prove Irish ancestry, residency, or business presence. The registration process is the same as for other open gTLDs, handled through standard commercial registrars without any special eligibility checks.
Can I transfer a .irish domain between registrars?
Transferring a .irish domain between registrars follows the standard ICANN policy. You will need to obtain an authorization code (EPP code) from your current registrar and initiate the transfer at the gaining registrar. The domain must be unlocked and not within the 60-day transfer lock period that follows initial registration or a previous transfer.
Are there any content restrictions for .irish websites?
The .irish registry does not enforce specific content policies tied to Irish culture or identity. Registrants must comply with ICANN's mandatory policies and applicable laws, but there are no additional content audits or requirements unique to the .irish TLD for operating a website.
How are trademark disputes handled for .irish domains?
The .irish TLD is subject to ICANN's Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Trademark holders can file a UDRP complaint if they believe a domain was registered and is being used in bad faith. The registry also participated in sunrise periods during launch to allow trademark owners early registration.
What happens if I forget to renew my .irish domain?
Like most gTLDs, .irish domains enter a renewal grace period immediately after expiration, during which you can renew at the standard rate. If not renewed, the domain then enters a redemption grace period where recovery is possible for an additional fee, before eventually being deleted and released back to the pool for general registration.