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.ie

.ie is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ireland, corresponding to the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code IE, and serves as the official internet namespace for the island of Ireland, including both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. It is managed by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR), a not-for-profit organization responsible for its operation, policy development, and promotion since taking over from University College Dublin in 2000. The domain was delegated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) on January 27, 1988, marking one of the early ccTLDs established in the global domain name system. Eligibility for .ie registration requires demonstrating a "real and tangible connection" to Ireland, applicable to individuals, businesses, charities, schools, and other entities, with proof such as Irish passports, company registration numbers (e.g., CRO or RBN), VAT numbers, or evidence of trading in Ireland for overseas applicants. This policy, which evolved from stricter business-only requirements to a more inclusive framework in 2018, ensures the domain remains tied to Irish identity while broadening access. As of September 2025, over 330,000 .ie domains are registered, making it the most popular top-level domain in Ireland and a key digital asset for local businesses, with 91% of registrations based on the island. The .ie namespace supports second-level registrations (e.g., example.ie) and is governed by policies emphasizing consumer protection, dispute resolution through the .ie Dispute Resolution Policy (ieDRP), and promotion of online presence for Irish entities. Its growth reflects Ireland's digital economy, with annual new registrations exceeding 46,000 in recent years, underscoring its role as a trusted marker of authenticity and local relevance in an increasingly global internet landscape.

History

Origins and Early Adoption

The .ie top-level domain was delegated by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) on January 27, 1988, establishing it as Ireland's country code top-level domain (ccTLD) based on the ISO 3166-1 alpha-2 code "IE," derived from the English name "Ireland." The first .ie domain registration occurred in 1988, shortly after delegation, with early adoption confined primarily to academic and research institutions due to the nascent state of the internet in Ireland and the domain's initial oversight by university computing services. In 1991, Peter Flynn, while working at University College Cork (UCC), developed Ireland's inaugural website as part of the CELT (Corpus of Electronic Texts) project, hosted under a .ie domain and signifying the onset of tangible web utilization within the academic sector. From its inception, the .ie domain operated under informal management arrangements led by academic entities, notably University College Dublin (UCD)'s Computing Services and UCC, which handled registrations and technical operations before the introduction of formalized registry processes in 1991.

Establishment and Evolution of the Registry

The IE Domain Registry (IEDR) was founded in 1991 at University College Dublin (UCD) as a not-for-profit entity tasked with centralizing the management of the .ie domain namespace, building on early adoption efforts in the late 1980s. Initially operating under UCD's computing services, the registry handled registrations manually and grew steadily during the early internet era in Ireland. This structure allowed for coordinated oversight of .ie domains, which were delegated to UCD in 1989, ensuring a unified approach to Ireland's country code top-level domain (ccTLD). In July 2000, IEDR spun out from UCD to become an independent, not-for-profit company limited by guarantee, with no shareholders, marking a significant step toward operational autonomy. Incorporated on 16 November 1999 and commencing trading on 1 July 2000, this transition enabled IEDR to function as a standalone organization dedicated solely to .ie administration, free from university affiliations. The move supported expanded services and professionalization, while maintaining its not-for-profit status to prioritize community interests over commercial gain. In 2020, coinciding with its 20th anniversary as an independent entity, IEDR rebranded to ".ie" and launched the weare.ie website to strengthen its emphasis on Irish national identity and digital empowerment. This rebranding simplified its public-facing name, dropping the IEDR acronym, and aligned with modern branding to promote .ie as a trusted symbol of Ireland online. Operationally, IEDR shifted to a managed registry system in the 2000s, which automated processes while retaining verification, enabling registrations to be processed within one hour during weekdays by the 2010s—a vast improvement from earlier manual timelines exceeding 12 hours. IEDR also joined key international bodies, such as the Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries (CENTR) in the early 2000s, fostering collaboration on best practices among European ccTLD operators.

Major Policy and Operational Milestones

In the early , following of the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) as a private in , formal registration were introduced for .ie domains, mandating an nexus—defined as a real and substantive connection to , such as residency, , or operations within the —to ensure the namespace's to the Irish community. These policies also imposed initial restrictions on generic names through a "claim to the name" requirement, compelling applicants to demonstrate a legitimate interest or association with the proposed domain to curb speculative registrations and protect against cybersquatting. A significant operational milestone occurred on May 16, 2016, when the IEDR permitted the registration of 1- and 2-character .ie domains during the general availability phase, addressing modern branding demands after technical limitations from earlier decades were resolved through the Policy Advisory Committee's recommendations and a public auction for contested names. This change expanded the namespace's utility for concise, memorable online identities while adhering to existing eligibility criteria. In March 2018, the IEDR liberalized its registration policies by eliminating the "claim to the name" , streamlining and broadening eligibility for Irish-connected entities without compromising the proof, a move approved via that resulted in a of new registrations, including a record 699 domains on the launch day of March 21. Concurrently, on May 25, 2018, the registry implemented GDPR compliance measures, updating WHOIS records to limit public exposure of personal data, revising registrant terms, privacy policies, and data retention protocols, and introducing consent options for data publication, all reviewed by the Policy Advisory Committee to align with EU data protection standards. During the , the () adopted a structured 10-step policy development framework, formalized on , , after a initiative launched in and ; this bottom-up, consensus-driven —encompassing submission, formation, consultations, , board approval, and —ensured transparent of .ie policies, influencing changes like short releases and liberalizations. Marking a reflective operational milestone, the .ie registry celebrated its 25th anniversary on September 22, 2025, at the EPIC Museum in Dublin, highlighting growth from approximately 20,000 registered domains in 2000 to over 330,000 by 2025—a 2,000% increase—and launching the ".ie Gives Back" campaign to donate €1 per domain registration or renewal to Irish charities over 25 days.

Governance and Regulation

Regulatory Oversight

The regulation of the .ie domain name is governed by Irish legislation, initially established under Part 4, Section 31 of the , which empowered the for , and to make regulations for the registration and administration of names, including the designation of a registration authority. This framework provided the foundational legal basis for managing Ireland's (ccTLD). Oversight shifted to the for Communications (ComReg) in through the Communications () , which transferred regulatory powers from the to ComReg, enabling it to designate an authorized for .ie registrations and specify operational terms and conditions. ComReg's responsibilities include approving significant policy changes to ensure stability and integrity of the namespace, developing a to safeguard registrants against unfair practices, and to prevent misuse such as abusive or fraudulent registrations. In December 2024, the Irish government launched a public consultation on the future management of the .ie ccTLD, seeking input on terms and conditions for the domain name manager; the consultation closed in February 2025 with no major structural changes announced as of November 2025. At the EU level, .ie operations align with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), requiring secure handling of personal data in domain registrations, including WHOIS privacy measures to protect registrant information while allowing necessary access for legitimate purposes like dispute resolution. Although the .ie registry operates as an independent not-for-profit entity with no direct state ownership, it maintains accountability via annual reporting to ComReg and the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications, covering operational performance, financials, and compliance metrics.

Role and Structure of the IE Domain Registry

The IE Domain Registry, trading as .ie and legally known as IE Domain Registry CLG, is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee that manages Ireland's country code top-level domain (ccTLD), .ie. Incorporated in 2000 without shareholders and governed by members, it operates independently to ensure the stability, security, and growth of the .ie namespace. The organization maintains a comprehensive database of all registered .ie domains, oversees the technical infrastructure including Domain Name System (DNS) operations, and ensures compliance with international standards such as those from the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF). Under regulatory oversight by the Commission for Communications Regulation (ComReg) since 2007, it functions as the designated registry operator for .ie. The registry's responsibilities encompass and supporting registrars worldwide, who domain , , and renewals on its behalf. As of of 2024, it had accredited 125 registrars, to .ie domains while maintaining quality standards through rigorous accreditation processes. It also administers , such as the .ie , to conflicts over domain registrations efficiently and fairly. Additionally, the registry promotes .ie through targeted initiatives, including providing domain registrations to registered charities in with accredited registrars and Domain Reports that analyze trends, usage , and insights within the .ie . Organizationally, the IE Domain Registry is structured with a unitary board of eight independent non-executive directors, who provide strategic oversight and are supported by subcommittees including Audit, Governance/Nomination/Remuneration, and Business Development. Day-to-day operations are led by CEO David Curtin, who directs executive functions such as policy implementation, cybersecurity enhancements, and stakeholder engagement. Technical teams manage DNS infrastructure, database integrity, and security protocols, while marketing and business development staff support registrar partnerships and promotional efforts to foster .ie growth. This structure ensures efficient operations, with a focus on transparency and multi-stakeholder input through bodies like the Policy Advisory Committee.

Policy Development Process

The Policy Development Process (PDP) for the .ie domain is overseen by the Policy Advisory Committee (PAC), an independent advisory body established in 2014 by the IE Domain Registry Board to represent the interests of the Irish internet community. In 2024, the PAC marked its 10th anniversary and focused on preparations for the EU's NIS2 regulations, with meetings held in February and June 2025 addressing legislative updates and cybersecurity. The PAC comprises members nominated by eligible organizations (such as internet service providers, domain registrars, and civil society groups), accredited registrars, and the registry itself, ensuring diverse input from industry experts, stakeholders, and operational representatives; members serve four-year terms on a voluntary basis. The committee operates autonomously, providing objective recommendations on policies related to domain registration, dispute resolution, and namespace integrity, while aligning with best practices from organizations like ICANN, IANA, and CENTR. The PDP follows a structured 10-step framework designed to be bottom-up, consensus-driven, and transparent, enabling the development and update of .ie policies through collaborative stakeholder involvement. The process begins with the submission of a Policy Change Request Form to the registry, followed by an initial review by the PAC to determine viability and form a working group if accepted. Subsequent steps include assessing the need for public consultation, preparing and conducting consultations via questionnaires if required, drafting a working group report, gathering stakeholder feedback to build consensus, achieving consensus (or documenting minority views via majority vote), PAC review and recommendation to the Board, Board approval, and final implementation of the policy change. If consensus cannot be reached, the proposal may return to the working group for revision or be abandoned, with ongoing monitoring and periodic reviews to evaluate effectiveness. Public consultations play a central role in the PDP for major policy changes, promoting inclusivity and broad input from the community; for instance, the 2018 liberalization policy, which simplified registration by removing the prior two-year claim requirement and allowing international registrants with a demonstrated nexus to Ireland, was developed through extensive public consultation before PAC and Board approval. This approach ensures transparency, as all non-confidential recommendations and consultation outcomes are published online. The PAC's Terms of Reference, which outline its composition, operations, and authority, are updated periodically to reflect evolving needs; the 2019 version emphasized adherence to principles of good internet governance, including respect for global standards and prioritization of the Irish community's interests in policy decisions. This framework strikes a balance between openness—such as enabling broader access for international entities with a valid Irish connection—and protection, through mechanisms like consensus requirements, Board oversight, and anti-abuse policies to safeguard the namespace from misuse. For example, the process supported the 2016 allowance of short (one- and two-letter) .ie domains via structured consultation.

Eligibility and Registration

Nexus Requirements

To register a .ie domain name, applicants must demonstrate a "nexus" or real and substantive connection to the island of Ireland, ensuring the domain is used by those with legitimate ties to the region. This requirement applies to all registrants and aims to maintain the ccTLD's relevance to Irish individuals, businesses, and entities. For individuals, eligibility is established through residency in Ireland or Northern Ireland or Irish citizenship; non-residents without citizenship are generally ineligible unless they can prove other qualifying connections like active trading. Acceptable documentation for individuals includes one primary form of identification and proof of address, such as an Irish passport, Irish or UK driver's license, Irish or Northern Irish bank statement, official college ID, Public Services Card, correspondence from the Revenue Commissioners including a Personal Public Service (PPS) number, or a utility bill combined with additional ID verification. These documents must clearly evidence personal identity and an Irish address or connection. For organizations, proof typically involves official registration or operational evidence, including a company Registration Business Number (RBN) or Certificate of Incorporation from the Companies Registration Office (CRO), an Irish Value Added Tax (VAT) number, a tax clearance certificate, an Irish, EU, or World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) trademark number enforceable in Ireland, or correspondence from HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC). Exceptions exist for certain entities to streamline verification while upholding the nexus principle. EU and European Economic Area (EEA) organizations with an established Irish trading presence, such as through sales to Irish consumers or businesses, may qualify without requiring full residency, provided they submit evidence like sales invoices or a signed confirmation letter from a solicitor, accountant, bank manager, auditor, or similar professional attesting to their operations. Foreign companies operating locally in Ireland through branches or subsidiaries also benefit from this flexibility, needing only to demonstrate active trading rather than headquarters location. Statutory bodies and state agencies, verifiable through public online records, are exempt from submitting connection documentation altogether. Following the 2018 policy liberalization by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR), the nexus verification process was retained to prevent domain squatting, but the prior requirement to prove a specific "claim to the name" was eliminated for new registrations and transfers. This change broadened access while preserving the core eligibility focus on Irish connections, with all documentation submitted electronically via accredited registrars for review by the IEDR.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

To register a .ie domain, begin by checking the availability of the desired domain name using the official search tool provided by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) or through WHOIS lookup services. This step ensures the name is not already registered or reserved. Next, select an accredited .ie registrar from the official list maintained by IEDR, as all registrations must be processed through these authorized entities, which handle submission, payment, and management on behalf of the registry. Examples include registrars listed at weare.ie/accredited-reg, ensuring compliance with IEDR policies. Submit the application via the chosen registrar's online portal, providing required registrant details and one supporting document to demonstrate the nexus requirement—a real and substantive connection to Ireland, such as an Irish passport for individuals or a Companies Registration Office (CRO) number for businesses. The registrar forwards the application to IEDR for verification. IEDR verifies the application, including the nexus proof, typically within three hours during business days (Monday to Friday). Upon successful verification, the domain is activated during one of the scheduled IE Zone Reloads, which occur at odd hours in Irish time (e.g., 01:00, 03:00). Pay the initial registration fee to the registrar at this stage; fees vary but are generally €20–€50 for one to two years depending on the provider and term selected. Following activation, update the domain's DNS records through the registrar to point to your website or email servers, enable any available privacy options to protect personal data, and maintain accurate contact information as mandated by the registrant terms to avoid suspension. If the application is rejected, often due to insufficient nexus proof, the registry or registrar will notify the applicant via email and may request additional documentation for resubmission. In cases where the nexus is contested, applicants can appeal through the registry's internal complaints process by emailing [email protected], with responses provided within 1–2 working days; further escalation may involve the formal Dispute Resolution Policy if applicable.

Renewal, Transfer, and Pricing

.ie domain names are renewed through accredited registrars, with a default term of one year, though registrants may opt for periods up to ten years. Renewal is typically automatic if sufficient funds are available in the registrant's account with the registrar, unless the registrant has explicitly opted out of this feature. Registrants receive notifications from their registrar prior to the renewal date. If not renewed by the expiration date, the domain enters a 45-day grace period during which it can be renewed at standard rates. After 45 days, it enters a 30-day suspension period, during which standard renewal fees still apply. If not renewed, it then enters a 30-day redemption period, requiring an additional redemption fee of €48 plus VAT (wholesale rate set by the IE Domain Registry, with retail prices varying by registrar) on top of the renewal cost, a policy introduced on August 1, 2025, followed by a 5-day pending delete period before deletion. Transfers of .ie domains between registrars are facilitated using () obtained from the or directly from the IE Domain Registry if needed. The process follows practices similar to ICANN guidelines, with no restrictions beyond ensuring the domain is unlocked and not in . Upon successful transfer, the domain is renewed for , and updates to nameservers propagate every two hours. Transfers cannot occur during the initial post-expiration; must precede any transfer if the domain has lapsed. Pricing for .ie domains is set at the wholesale level by the IE Domain Registry, with retail prices determined by individual registrars. As of September 1, 2024, the wholesale renewal and transfer fee stands at €16 per year, following a €2 increase from the previous €14 rate, while new registration fees remained unchanged at that time. Retail prices typically range from €10 to €40 annually for registrations and renewals, varying by registrar and term length, with multi-year options often offering discounts. Registered charities in Ireland receive the first year free under the IE Domain Registry's Charity Policy, provided they supply valid registration details with the Revenue Commissioners. Volume discounts are available for bulk registrations through certain registrars, and no major pricing adjustments have been announced for 2025 beyond the ongoing redemption fee structure.

Domain Structure

Second-Level Domain Categories

The .ie top-level domain (TLD) primarily operates through unrestricted second-level registrations, allowing eligible entities to register domains directly as example.ie without subdomains. These registrations are available to individuals, companies, or organizations demonstrating a real and substantive connection to Ireland, such as residency, business incorporation, or active trading within the country. This structure was liberalized in 2018 to simplify access, eliminating prior requirements for justifying specific name claims while maintaining the nexus to Ireland. Semi-restricted second-level categories, originally established to segment usage by registrant type, include ac.ie for academic institutions, co.ie for commercial entities, and org.ie for non-commercial organizations. These were designed to provide targeted namespaces, with eligibility tied to the respective sector and an Irish connection, but their usage has diminished since the 2018 policy shift favoring direct .ie registrations. New registrations in these categories are discouraged, though existing domains remain valid and operational. Government and state second-level domains are strictly reserved: gov.ie for official Irish government bodies, such as departments and ministries, and state.ie for state agencies or statutory entities established under Irish or Northern Irish law. Eligibility requires verification as a public sector organization, with no additional proof of Irish connection needed if the entity's status is publicly confirmed online. These categories ensure secure, authoritative online presence for public administration without private sector access. Other legacy second-level categories, such as net.ie for network providers, mil.ie for military entities, and soc.ie for social or cultural societies, follow similar semi-restricted eligibility based on sector-specific criteria and Irish nexus. These have seen minimal contemporary adoption, with policy emphasis on the unrestricted .ie to consolidate the namespace. Overall, .ie imposes no mandates for third-level registrations; all categories function as second-level domains beneath the .ie TLD, promoting flexibility in domain structure.

Restrictions and Reserved Names

The .ie domain namespace imposes several restrictions to prevent misuse, protect public interest, and safeguard intellectual property rights. Prohibited names include those that are offensive or contrary to public policy or generally accepted principles of morality, such as terms promoting illegal activities or hate speech. Additionally, domain names containing the word "university" are barred unless the applicant is a recognized institution approved by the Irish Department of Education. Registrations that infringe on third-party rights, including trademarks, or are made in bad faith—such as to disrupt a competitor's business or create confusion—are also forbidden under the registry's anti-abuse policy. Reserved names are withheld by the IE Domain Registry for commercial, historical, policy, or administrative reasons to maintain namespace integrity. These include geographic names designated for official use, such as dublin.ie, which are typically allocated to relevant local authorities or government entities rather than general registrants. Premium short domains, particularly those with 1-3 characters, are often reserved and, if released, may be made available through application processes demonstrating legitimate interest and Irish connection, though no standard auction mechanism is employed by the registry. Other examples of reserved names encompass government.ie for state purposes and porn.ie to avoid sensitive content proliferation. The registry maintains non-exhaustive lists of reserved and blocked names, with blocked ones further restricted for security or technical reasons and unavailable for any application. Protected names prioritize government-related and institutional uses, exempting state and agencies—such as —from standard nexus requirements, allowing direct registration upon . International organizations with ties may also qualify under similar protections. For , sunrise periods have been implemented for specific domain releases, enabling qualifying holders of , , or WIPO-registered marks to register priority names before general availability, as seen in the 2019 launch of , , and exclusively for owners from to . Following the 2018 liberalisation, terms are no longer banned outright, permitting broader registration without a prior "claim to the name," though the registry retains authority to block applications in the public interest, potentially via review by its Policy Advisory Committee. Disputes over restricted or reserved names, particularly bad faith registrations, are resolved through the .ie Dispute Resolution Policy (ieDRP), an administrative process administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) that closely mirrors the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy (UDRP). Complainants must demonstrate that the domain is identical or confusingly similar to a protected identifier (e.g., trademark or geographic indication), that the registrant lacks legitimate rights or interests, and that the registration was in bad faith. Panels of one to three independent experts issue binding decisions, which may result in domain transfer, cancellation, or confirmation of the current registration, with implementation by the registry unless appealed in court.

Usage and Statistics

Growth and Trends

The .ie has exhibited steady since the early , expanding from approximately ,500 registered domains in to over 330,000 by mid-, reflecting Ireland's increasing and . This included consistent increases of 1-5% in registrations from to , with the registry rising from 154,918 in to 328,245 by the end of , driven by broader adoption and policy liberalization. Over the past five years leading into , the overall grew by %, underscoring amid disruptions. In 2024, however, new .ie registrations dipped to 46,180, marking a 5% decline from the 48,689 recorded in 2023, a slowdown linked to broader economic pressures including inflation and reduced SME investment. Despite this, the total registry stood at 326,562 by year-end, with net growth remaining positive at 0.51%. Key trends include a post-COVID surge in e-commerce and digital transformation, where new registrations correlated with heightened online business activities; for instance, the 2020-2022 period saw accelerated uptake as 52% of Irish consumers preferred sustained online shopping. Approximately 91% of .ie domains continue to be registered by entities on the island of Ireland, highlighting its role as a national digital identifier. Sectoral patterns show a shift toward direct .ie registrations for branding purposes, particularly among businesses, which accounted for over 60% of new domains in recent years, surpassing reliance on legacy subdomains like com.ie or org.ie. Wholesale and retail sectors led with 16.3% of active .ie websites, followed by information and communication at 11.4%, signaling prioritization of owned digital presence over social media alternatives. International registrations remain modest at under 30,000, primarily from Great Britain (10,451) and the United States (5,089), representing about 9% of the total. Looking ahead, projections indicate resumed growth for .ie domains, supported by EU digital initiatives such as the 2025 State of the Digital Decade package, which aims to enhance connectivity and e-services across member states, potentially boosting Irish online adoption. Events like the inaugural IGF Ireland in May 2025 further emphasize governance and expansion opportunities in a digitally maturing economy.

Current Registration Figures

As of November 16, 2025, the total number of registered .ie domains has reached 334,081, marking an increase from 326,562 at the end of 2024. This figure encompasses all domains in the .ie namespace managed by the IE Domain Registry. New .ie domain registrations in 2025 have averaged approximately 1,509 per month as of November. These additions contribute to the ongoing expansion of Ireland's digital infrastructure, with the database size serving as an indicator of economic vitality. Deletions occur at a minimal annual rate of 1-2%, helping maintain the stability of the overall portfolio. In terms of registrant breakdown, approximately 48% of .ie domains are held by commercial entities, 45% by individuals, 2% by non-profit organizations, and 5% by other categories, based on predictive modeling. This distribution highlights the domain's predominant role in business and institutional online presence.

International and Sectoral Adoption

The .ie domain sees limited but targeted international adoption, with approximately 9.2% of registrations (around 30,000 out of 326,562 total domains as of late 2024) held by foreign entities. These are primarily EU and UK-based firms maintaining operations or market presence in Ireland, led by Great Britain with 10,451 registrations, followed by Germany (2,613) and the United States (5,089), though the U.S. does not dominate the landscape. This pattern reflects .ie's nexus requirement for an Irish connection, favoring European businesses over global ones without local ties. Sectorally, .ie domains are dominant in finance, technology, e-commerce, and government services. In finance, major institutions like Bank of Ireland utilize .ie for their primary online presence (e.g., bankofireland.ie). The technology and information & communication sector accounts for 11.4% of content-rich .ie websites, underscoring its role in Ireland's tech ecosystem. E-commerce adoption is rising, with 11.43% of .ie sites featuring e-commerce functionality, aligned with Ireland's overall e-commerce market growing at a compound annual rate of about 8.7%. Government portals under gov.ie further cement sectoral usage, representing 3.0% of active sites and serving as official entry points for public services. Adopting .ie provides key benefits, including enhanced local search engine optimization, where .ie sites rank higher in Ireland-specific queries compared to .com equivalents. It also builds consumer trust, as 91% of Irish consumers associate .ie domains with local businesses and 79% prefer them for online purchases over other extensions. Additionally, .ie offers brand protection by securing Irish market identity, mitigating risks of .com squatting where cybersquatters register similar names to exploit local traffic. Challenges to broader adoption include competition from established global extensions like .com, which holds 29.43% of Ireland's hosted domains. Despite this, .ie retains a strong 54.2% market share among hosted domains in Ireland, bolstered by its reputation for security and local relevance. In 2025, non-profit and charity sectors have shown increased .ie uptake, facilitated by a longstanding policy waiving registration and renewal fees for verified Irish charities. This was amplified by the IE Domain Registry's 25th anniversary campaign (September 19 to October 13, 2025), which donated €1 per new or renewed .ie domain to selected charities, encouraging further digital presence among these organizations. Digital startups have also experienced approximately 5% growth in .ie registrations, driven by heightened investments and economic digitalization trends.

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