We’ve been offering .ie domain names for more than 15 years. Over that time the rules, processes and prices for IE domains have evolved considerably. Back in 2003, for example, the wholesale price was €50. To register a .ie domain name at the time was complicated, manual and slow.
Fast forward to now. The retail price for IE domain names these days is between €20 and €30, with many registrars offering deep discounts on 1st year registrations (and transfers in some cases!)
With the recent policy changes for IE domain names it’s become super simple.
All you need now is to show a “connection” to Ireland and you’re done. It’s not paperless (yet), but it’s simple and fast.
Also if you’ve already got one (or more) IE domain names it’s even simpler.
You can now register your nickname. If you want to setup a blog or other online presence calling yourself “womble head”, which would be an odd choice admittedly, you are now free to do so without being forced to “jump through hoops”.
You can now register a domain name simply because you like the idea.
You don’t need to provide any paperwork to show a “link” between you or your business and the domain name you want to register.
Sure, there’s going to be some people out there who will abuse these new rules. But overall I think the change is positive as it removes an obstacle.
So what are you waiting for?
Need more excuses? Go read our click bait styled article about IE domains!
Small print: the “connection” and the paperwork for it will vary based on your circumstances. Overall, however, the amount of paperwork required has been drastically reduced. You might need to provide some form of photo ID and a utility bill. Electronic versions are fine or you can even take a photo of them with your phone and send them to the registrar.