Eir Mobile Review 2026: Plans, 5G Coverage & GoMo Comparison

Eir has Ireland's largest 5G network and best rural coverage. But GoMo offers the same network for €14.99. Our full review.

By SmartSaver Team | Published 1 January 2026 | 5 min read

Topics: eir mobile review, eir plans ireland, eir vs gomo, eir coverage

Eir operates Ireland's original mobile network infrastructure, now with the country's largest 5G footprint. But with GoMo offering the same network at half the price, when does Eir direct make sense?

Eir at a Glance

| Feature | Details | |---------|---------| | Price Range | €15-€50/month | | 4G Coverage | 99%+ population | | 5G Coverage | ~70% (largest in Ireland) | | Strength | Rural coverage | | Budget Brand | GoMo |

Eir's Plans

Bill Pay Plans

| Plan | Price | Data | Contract | |------|-------|------|----------| | Unlimited 5G | €50/month | Unlimited | 24 months | | Complete | €30/month | 20GB | 24 months | | SIM Only | €20/month | Unlimited | 12 months |

Note: Prices may increase annually

Prepay Plans

| Plan | Price | Data | Validity | |------|-------|------|----------| | No Limits 5G | €20/month | Unlimited | 28 days | | €15 Top-Up | €15 | 10GB | 28 days |

The Good

1. Largest 5G Network

Eir has rolled out 5G to 70% of Ireland's population—more than Three or Vodafone. If 5G coverage matters, Eir leads.

2. Best Rural Coverage

Eir inherited Telecom Éireann's infrastructure. This historical investment means better coverage in rural Ireland than competitors.

3. Comprehensive WiFi Calling

Eir's WiFi calling is the most feature-complete:

  • Works for calls and texts
  • Works while roaming internationally
  • Available on most plans

4. Strong Motorway Coverage

Eir's network along major roads is consistently reliable.

5. Improving Customer Service

Eir's customer service has historically been criticised, but has improved significantly since the Iliad/Xavier Niel takeover.

The Bad

1. GoMo Is Much Cheaper

Eir's budget brand GoMo uses the exact same network:

| Provider | Price | Data | Network | |----------|-------|------|---------| | Eir | €30-50/month | Varies | Eir | | GoMo | €14.99/month | 120GB 5G | Eir |

Why pay double for the same coverage?

2. Price Increases

Bill pay contracts may include annual price increases.

3. Contract Requirements

Most Eir plans require 12-24 month commitments.

4. Customer Service History

While improving, Eir's reputation for customer service lingers. GoMo sidesteps this with minimal support interaction.

Who Should Choose Eir?

Eir direct makes sense if:
  • You want phone and in-store support
  • You're financing a phone through them
  • You're an existing Eir broadband customer (bundle discounts)
  • Your employer pays
Eir doesn't make sense if:
  • You want the best value (GoMo is cheaper)
  • You're comfortable with online support
  • You don't need bundle discounts

The Budget Alternative: GoMo

GoMo is Eir's budget brand. Same network, much cheaper:

| Feature | Eir | GoMo | |---------|-----|------| | Price | €20-50/month | €14.99/month | | Network | Eir | Eir | | Data | Varies | 120GB 5G | | Support | Full | Online only | | Contract | 12-24 months | 30-day rolling |

For most people, GoMo is the better choice. You get Eir's network—including 5G and rural coverage—for €14.99/month with no contract.

Eir vs Three vs Vodafone

| Factor | Eir | Three | Vodafone | |--------|-----|-------|----------| | Rural Coverage | ★★★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | | 5G Coverage | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | ★★★ | | Urban Speed | ★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★ | | Customer Service | ★★★ | ★★★ | ★★★★ | | Budget Brand | GoMo €14.99 | 48 €12.99 | Clear €12.99 |

Eir Broadband Bundles

If you have Eir broadband, mobile bundles can offer savings. The "Eir Complete" bundle combines broadband, TV, and mobile.

However, do the maths:

  • Eir broadband + GoMo separately might still be cheaper
  • Bundle discounts aren't always as good as they seem
  • You lose flexibility to switch mobile providers

Verdict

Rating: 3.5/5

Eir has excellent network infrastructure—arguably the best rural coverage and largest 5G network in Ireland. But GoMo offers the same network for €14.99/month.

Choose Eir direct if: You want bundles with Eir broadband or need full customer support. Choose GoMo if: You want Eir's network at a fraction of the price (most people). Choose elsewhere if: Three coverage works in your area and you want the cheapest option (48 at €12.99).

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Last updated: January 2026

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