How to get the best broadband in rural Ireland

Getting fast, reliable broadband in rural Ireland has traditionally been a challenge, but things are changing fast. Fibre rollout, new satellite services and improved mobile coverage now mean most homes have more choice than ever before.

Though more homes and businesses in remote areas are now connected to full fibre networks, broadband availability still varies widely compared with urban areas.

The broadband speed you get depends on:

• The type of broadband available in your area
• The provider and plan you choose
• Your home’s distance from infrastructure or mobile masts

Why is it harder to get fast broadband in rural Ireland?

For decades, rural homes and businesses have been left with slower speeds and patchier connections than urban areas.

Sparse populations and older infrastructure made it expensive to deliver high-speed broadband to every townland.

However, the National Broadband Plan (NBP) and private investments from providers such as SIRO and Starlink are rapidly transforming this picture.

Millions of homes are now within reach of fibre or 5G, and new technologies make even remote properties easier to connect.

What rural areas already have full fibre?

National Broadband Ireland (NBI) is rolling out high-speed, full fibre broadband to homes and businesses in rural Ireland.

As of late-2025, the NBI’s county progress map shows full fibre is already available to the majority of rural homes and businesses, with two-thirds of premises in their Intervention Area (rural areas not served by commercial providers) able to connect.

The Midlands, West Coast and South-East are now largely covered, and remaining rollout areas are scheduled to complete over the next couple of years. Numbers include:

• Over 500,000 rural premises can now order high-speed fibre.
• 120,000+ homes are already connected.

If you want to see when faster broadband is on its way to you, check out the NBI eircode map and sign up for updates in your area.

If your home isn’t covered yet, you can still get online using mobile or satellite broadband until fibre arrives.

What are the options for broadband in rural Ireland?

If you live in a rural part of Ireland, here’s the main broadband options in 2025, from the fastest and most reliable to alternatives you can use if fibre isn’t yet available where you live.

• 1. Fibre Broadband: Most reliable. If you have access, fibre (FTTH) gives speeds of 500Mb, 1Gb, 2Gb, or 5Gb, low latency and unlimited data. It’s also future-proof as bandwidth needs grow.
• 2. Satellite broadband A solid alternative. Starlink uses a low-earth orbit satellite network to deliver high-speed broadband to remote areas, with unlimited data and better latency than older satellites.
• 3. Mobile Broadband Flexible, affordable. 4G and emerging 5G mobile broadband offered by eir, Three and Vodafone in rural Ireland. Most networks offer mobile broadband via modems, mobile dongles and 4G/5G SIMs.
• 4. Fixed wireless Broadband Niche option. Fixed wireless uses a local mast to deliver internet, with providers like Imagine or Regional Broadband focusing on rural areas where other options aren’t available.

Legacy ADSL Broadband

In some rural areas where fibre or wireless isn’t yet available, you may still be offered ADSL via a landline. This is much slower (up to 24 Mb) and being phased out as fibre and wireless alternatives expand.

Compare rural broadband packages and plans

WiFi for rural areas

If you’re looking for WiFi in a rural area, what you will need is an internet connection with a WiFi router included. Here’s the key difference:

• Broadband is the internet connection coming into your home - via fibre, mobile, satellite or fixed wireless.
• WiFi is the wireless signal in your home that connects your devices to that broadband.

Most broadband packages now include a WiFi router, so once your broadband is installed, you’ll automatically have WiFi at home.

How to get WiFi in a rural area

• Pick the best broadband available first: Fibre is fastest and most reliable, followed by Starlink (satellite), mobile broadband (4G/5G), or fixed wireless. Use our eircode checker to see what’s available.
• Make sure your plan includes a WiFi router: Most providers supply one for free, but you can also upgrade to a better model or invest in a mesh WiFi system for whole-home coverage.
• Boost your signal if needed: In large or thick-walled homes, use WiFi extenders or mesh systems. For mobile or fixed wireless broadband, an external antenna can improve stability and speed.
• Optimise your setup: Place your router centrally and away from obstructions. Use Ethernet cables for devices like gaming consoles or desktop PCs for the most stable connection.

If you want good WiFi in a rural area, start by choosing the best broadband connection available to you. Once installed, invest in good equipment and position it correctly - that’s how you get fast, reliable Wi-Fi throughout your home.

Find broadband deals where you live

How to improve slow broadband

If you live in a rural area and are having issues with slow internet, consider switching your broadband provider. As well as the potential to improve the speed of your broadband, you may also benefit from an introductory discount and save money too.

If you’ve recently switched, or you can’t get a faster plan where you live, try our tips on improving slow broadband, which could make a big difference at no extra cost.