The .ie domain zone is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Ireland. It is primarily intended for individuals, businesses, and organizations that are based in Ireland or have a significant connection to the country. The .ie domain serves to promote Irish identity online and is often used by local businesses, government entities, and non-profit organizations.
The .ie domain was established in 1988, making it one of the earlier ccTLDs created. The initiative for its creation was led by the Irish government and the Internet Service Provider (ISP) community, aiming to provide a national domain that would support the growing internet presence in Ireland. The domain was initially managed by the University College Dublin (UCD) until the establishment of the IE Domain Registry (IEDR) in 2000, which took over the administration of the .ie domain.
The .ie domain is currently managed by the IE Domain Registry (IEDR), a not-for-profit organization responsible for the registration and management of .ie domains. The IEDR operates under the oversight of the Irish government and complies with international standards set by organizations such as the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN).
To register a .ie domain, applicants must demonstrate a connection to Ireland. This can include Irish citizenship, residency, or a business presence in the country. The registration process involves the following steps:
There are restrictions on registration for individuals and organizations outside of Ireland, ensuring that the .ie domain remains closely tied to the Irish community.
The .ie domain supports Internationalized Domain Names (IDN), allowing for the registration of domain names in Irish characters. The following technical parameters apply:
The .ie domain has maintained a good reputation, although, like many domains, it has faced issues with spam and phishing attempts. To combat these threats, the IEDR has implemented several security measures, including:
The .ie domain has seen steady growth in the number of registered domains over the years. As of October 2023, there are approximately 300,000 registered .ie domains. The registration and renewal costs for a .ie domain typically range from €20 to €40 per year, depending on the registrar. Additionally, premium domains may be available at higher prices, reflecting their market value.
The .ie domain zone plays a crucial role in representing Ireland's online presence. With its strict registration policies, technical robustness, and commitment to security, the .ie domain continues to be a trusted choice for individuals and businesses looking to establish their identity on the internet.