Mobile phone usage in Ireland is the largest in Europe per head of population. There is over 120 per cent penetration with five million subscribers in a population of 4.2 million.

The choice of mobile phone network providers in Ireland has grown in the past few years. The main mobile phone networks are listed here :
Click on the links to find out more about pricing and phones available.
Three
O2
Vodaphone
Meteor
Tesco


Vodafone and 02 account for about 85% of the market. "3" ,Tesco and Meteor are recent newcomers to the market.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages and their own various pricing structures with offers of so called "free" call time etc.
All networks offer pay as you go options as well as monthly tarrifs.

Pay as You Go - or Pre-Pay is more popular in Ireland. There is no need for a contract or a credit check - you just buy credit as and when you need it. For people who don't use the phone heavily - then PAYG is usually the best option.

Bill Pay - can work out cheaper though.
A very good bill pay deal is the Three Ireland "Classic Flex" Sim Only package . For €35 a month you get 500 "units" . Each Flex Unit will get you 1 minutes worth of calls or 2 text messages. They also throw in a free "add on" - the best of these is free anytime calls to Irish landlines. The contract is just for 30 days - so no long term comittment required. Visit Three to see more

See some comparisons of mobile phone charges here