How To Call Ireland from the UK? A Step-by-Step Guide

The format of an Irish phone number, when dialing from the UK, includes the UK exit code, the Ireland country code, and area codes. Each of these plays a role in connecting your call accurately to your desired recipient.

The exit code comes first in any international phone number format. The code instructs your phone network to make an international call. For the UK, the exit code is 00. However, you can also replace this code with a ‘+’ signal when dialing from a mobile phone.

A country code is a unique number assigned to each country for international dialing. The country code for Ireland is 353, and it should come right after the exit code when dialing. This code helps route your call to the correct country.

An area code is a set of digits that represent a specific location within the country. In Ireland, area codes typically start with a 0, followed by a one or two-digit number. The area code is dialed right after the country code and varies depending on the region you’re calling.

Here are some popular Irish area codes, alongside their respective cities.

To call from the UK to Ireland, dial the UK exit code, followed by the Ireland country code, area code, and 7-digit local number.

To call an Ireland landline phone number from the UK, dial 00 (UK exit code), 353 (Irish country code), the area code, and the local landline number. Here are the five simple steps:

• Step 1: Dial the UK exit code, i.e., 00.
• Step 2: Dial Ireland’s country code, i.e., 353.
• Step 3: Dial the area code of the specific city/town you want to reach (omit the initial ‘0’).
• Step 4: Dial the local landline phone number.
• Step 5: Hit the call button and wait for the call to connect.

To dial an Irish mobile number from the UK, dial ‘00’ the UK exit code, ‘353’ the Irish country code, and the mobile number (typically starting with ‘08’).

• Step 1: Enter the UK’s exit code, i.e., 00 or “+”.
• Step 2: Enter Ireland’s country code, i.e., 353.
• Step 3: Enter the Irish recipient's mobile number.
• Step 4: Press the call button.

Note: When calling Ireland from a UK mobile number, you can replace the exit code with the ‘+’ sign.

The best time to call Ireland is from 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., the country’s official business hours. You can call between these hours to ensure your call reaches the appropriate time for your recipient. And, since Ireland and the United Kingdom both follow the same time zone, you also do not have to worry about the time differences. Despite that, here are some considerations to make:

• Avoid Early Morning and Late Night: You should avoid calling late at night and early in the morning, as this might not be a convenient time for your recipient.
• Avoid calling at lunchtime: In Ireland, people do not prefer to receive calls during the break hours, i.e., around 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
• Weekend and Holidays: Avoid calling on weekends and public holidays, as people are less likely to answer.

To save cost when dialing from the UK to Ireland, consider using VoIP phone services, calling cards, or online calling apps like Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber.

VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) phone service providers offer virtual phone numbers. These numbers allow you to make calls over the internet and often charge less for international calls than traditional carriers. Also, you can configure them on your existing mobile phone, avoiding the expenses for additional infrastructure.

Apps like WhatsApp, Facebook, Telegram, and Viber offer free calls to Ireland from the UK. However, both the caller and the receiver must use the same app to connect. Plus, you must ensure a robust internet connection for high-quality sound.

Calling cards are prepaid cards for making international calls at a lower rate. You can use this card to make calls from your personal device without needing an additional SIM. Simply, purchase the card, enter the PIN and access code, and dial your desired number to connect.

When calling Ireland from the UK, avoid dialing the wrong format, calling at inappropriate times, and not considering international calling costs. Also, keep in mind that toll-free numbers may not be free when dialing internationally.

• Wrong Number Format: Follow the proper dialing structure: Always start with the exit code, followed by the country code, area code, and the local number.
• Calling at an Inappropriate Time: Although Ireland and the UK share the same time zone, avoid calling too early in the morning or too late in the evening.
• Not Checking Call Plans: To avoid unexpected charges, always check your call plan and be aware of any additional costs for international dialing.
• Misunderstanding Toll-Free Numbers Cost: Irish toll-free numbers are usually free only within Ireland. Before calling from the UK, check if the number is available for international calls.

Calling Ireland from the UK is simple once you know the right format, prefixes, and codes. However, you must also consider the calling cost besides the dialing format, as international calling costs are typically higher. If you’re a frequent caller, using calling cards, online apps, or virtual numbers can help reduce costs.