How to Call Ireland from the UK? Step-by-Step Guide

When calling Ireland from the UK, you must know the UK exit code, Ireland’s country code, and the local number.

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.

A local number refers to the subscriber’s phone number. For landline calls in Ireland, it comes after the area code and usually contains five to seven digits. In the case of mobile numbers, it follows the mobile prefix, which typically begins with 08x. Unlike landlines, Irish mobile numbers have a fixed length and consist of ten digits in total, including the prefix.

you need to dial the exit code of the UK, followed by the country code of Ireland, the area code or mobile prefix, and then the local number. However, you must remove the leading zero of the area code or mobile prefix.

To call an Irish landline phone number from the UK, dial 00 (UK exit code) or “+” sign, 353 (Irish country code), the area code, and the local landline number.

• Step 1: Dial the UK exit code, i.e., 00 or (+) sign.
• Step 2: Enter Ireland’s country code, i.e., 353.
• Step 3: Dial the area code (omitting the initial ‘0’).
• Step 4: Enter the local landline phone number.

To dial an Irish mobile number from the UK, dial 00 (UK exit code) or “+” sign, “353” the Irish country code, and the mobile number.

• Step 1: Enter the UK’s exit code, i.e., 00 or “+”.
• Step 2: Dial Ireland’s country code, i.e., 353.
• Step 3: Enter the recipient's mobile number, omitting the leading 0.

The best time to call Ireland from the UK is between 9:00 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., which is Ireland’s standard business hours. Since both countries share the same time zone, you don’t need to worry about time differences.

However, it’s best to avoid calling early in the morning, late at night, during lunchtime (around 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.), or on weekends or public holidays, as these times may not be convenient for the recipient.

Calling Ireland from the UK can cost from a few pence to £1+ per minute ($1.34 per minute), depending on your provider. Without any international plans activated, the cost of calling can be high. For instance, O2 charges around £0.22($0.30) per minute, while EE charges up to £0.40($0.54) per minute for calls to Ireland.

To reduce these charges, you can activate an international calling plan offered by UK networks. International add-ons usually cost between £5 and £15 per month, depending on the provider and the number of inclusive minutes. Once activated, calls to Ireland are often included in your allowance, which can reduce the cost of calling Ireland from the UK up to £0 per minute or just a few pence, making it a cost-effective option for regular callers.

The most cost-effective ways to dial Ireland from the UK are to use Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, calling cards, or online calling apps such as Messenger, WhatsApp, and Viber.

Calls to Ireland via VoIP services typically cost £0 to 5p per minute. Many VoIP providers offer monthly plans priced between £5 and £15, often including unlimited calls or generous minute bundles to Ireland. These services also allow you to use virtual numbers, letting you call Ireland as if it were a local call while receiving calls on a dedicated Irish or UK number, which further reduces costs.

Online calling apps can help you make calls to Ireland for free or at a very low cost. App-to-app calls are usually free when both users use the same app over Wi-Fi or mobile data. In some apps like Viber, they offer calls to Irish landlines or mobile numbers at low rates, making these apps suitable for both occasional and frequent callers.

Calling cards generally charge between 1p and 10p per minute for calls to Ireland. They are usually sold at set prices such as £5, £10, or £20, which gives you a fixed amount of calling credit. Although some cards include connection fees, they remain a reliable option for traditional calling without internet access.

Common mistakes include using the wrong dialing format, calling at inconvenient hours, and not checking international call charges. Also, dialing Irish toll-free numbers can be an issue, as it may not work or be free when called from the UK.

1. Wrong Number Format: Using the wrong dialing format is a common mistake that can stop your call from connecting. Always start with the UK exit code, followed by Ireland’s country code, the area code or mobile prefix, and then the local number.
2. Calling at an Inappropriate Time: Calling too early in the morning or late in the evening can be inconvenient for the receiver. Even though Ireland and the UK share the same time zone, it’s still important to call during reasonable hours.
3. Not Checking Carrier Plans: Failing to review your calling plan can result in unexpected charges. Many UK providers charge extra for international calls, so checking your plan or activating an international add-on can help avoid higher costs.
4. Misunderstanding Toll-Free Numbers: Irish toll-free numbers are usually free only within Ireland. When calling from the UK, these numbers may be chargeable or unavailable, so it’s important to confirm their international accessibility first.

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.