In short

  • Cheapest SIM-only plan right now: SIM Only from Tesco Mobile at €9/month.
  • Cheapest with unlimited data: Elevate SIM from Tesco Mobile at €10/month.
  • Lyca Mobile's Unlimited Plus includes unlimited 4G+5G data and free calls to 35 countries for €10 / 28 days — strong value if you use a lot of data or call abroad;
  • Both Lyca plans include generous EU roaming (23–37 GB) with no fixed-term contract.

Compare SIM-Only Deals in Ireland

The live consumer SIM-only mobile plans currently in our back office are listed below, sorted from cheapest promotional price to highest.

SIM Only Deals with 10 GB+ Data

If a lighter data allowance covers your needs, these are the cheapest SIM only plans with at least 10 GB of data.

SIM Only Deals with 50 GB+ Data

For heavier data users, here are the cheapest SIM only plans with at least 50 GB of data.

Unlimited Data SIM Only Deals

If you don't want to worry about running out of data at all, these SIM only plans come with unlimited data.

eSIM SIM Only Deals in Ireland

An eSIM is a digital SIM built into your phone or tablet, activated with a QR code instead of a physical card — useful if you want a second number, are switching devices, or simply don't want to wait for a SIM to arrive in the post.

Three and Vodafone both offer full eSIM support for their SIM only plans in Ireland, and you can usually activate it instantly through their app. Eir's eSIM support has been more limited, so check availability for your specific plan before switching. Most smaller MVNOs (resellers running on the big networks) do not currently support eSIM, so if going digital-only matters to you, it's worth confirming with the provider directly before signing up.

Before choosing an eSIM plan, make sure your phone is eSIM-compatible — recent iPhones and most flagship Android phones support it, but many budget and older devices don't.

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Frequently Asked Questions About SIM Only Deals

A SIM only deal is a mobile phone contract where you receive only the SIM card without a handset. You insert the SIM into your existing phone to connect to the mobile network for calls, texts, and data. These deals are typically cheaper than contracts that include a phone.

There are four types in use today: Standard SIM (the original, large size, now uncommon), Micro SIM (smaller, now mostly obsolete), Nano SIM (the most common size today), and eSIM (built into the phone or tablet, activated via a QR code instead of a physical card).

The cheapest SIM only rolling contract is Clear Mobile at €12.99 per month (after a free first month) with unlimited 5G data. GoMo also offers unlimited 5G data for €14.99/month. For a 12-month fixed contract, Tesco Mobile's Elevate SIM at €10/month for the first five months (reverting to €30/month afterwards) is the cheapest option.

You will usually get a new phone number by default with a SIM only deal. If you want to keep your existing number, simply request a PAC (Porting Authorisation Code) from your current provider and give it to your new provider. They will transfer your number to the new SIM card.

If your phone is locked to a specific network, you will need to unlock it before using a SIM from another provider. Contact your current provider to request an unlock. Most providers will unlock your phone for free once your contract has ended.

There are four main types: Bill Pay (fixed yearly contracts), 30-Day Rolling (flexible monthly contracts), Pay As You Go (top-up when needed), and Data Only (internet access without calls or texts). Compare options across broadband and mobile providers to find the best fit.

Pros: cost-effective (you are not paying for a handset), flexible rolling contracts, no need to upgrade your phone, easier switching between providers, and more control over your costs. Cons: no new handset included, bill pay plans may still require a credit check, your current phone may be network-locked, lesser-known providers can have limited coverage, and going over your allowance can add extra charges.

Yes — a SIM only deal is one of the best ways to get a new contract for a mobile broadband or MiFi device. Just make sure the device is unlocked before switching the SIM, since it is typically locked to the provider it was bought from.

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