Does Surfshark Work in Ireland? – Servers, Speed, and Performance
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are becoming more popular in Ireland as people look for ways to improve online privacy and access global content.
Among the many VPN services available, Surfshark has built a strong reputation for being affordable, reliable, and packed with useful features. But the big question is: Does Surfshark work in Ireland?
The short answer is yes. Surfshark has a physical server location in Dublin, giving Irish users access to local content as well as international libraries from services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
In our tests, Surfshark delivered fast speeds, strong security, and a smooth streaming and gaming experience.
This article explores Surfshark’s performance in Ireland, what features stand out, how it works for different online activities, and whether it’s worth choosing if you live in or travel to Ireland.
Surfshark Ireland Servers in Dublin
One of the biggest advantages Surfshark offers Irish users is its dedicated server in Dublin. A local server is important because it ensures you can access Irish websites, banking platforms, and local TV without restrictions. It also offers the fastest speeds since your data travels a shorter distance.
In our speed tests, the Dublin server consistently delivered high download and upload speeds, making it ideal for everyday browsing, streaming, and video calls.
If you’re in Ireland and simply want a secure internet with little impact on your connection, Surfshark’s Dublin server is a great choice.
Streaming with Surfshark in Ireland
Streaming is one of the main reasons people use a VPN, and Surfshark performs well in Ireland. Many streaming platforms restrict their content to specific countries, but Surfshark can bypass these limitations.
Here’s what we found when streaming with Surfshark:
Netflix in Ireland
With Surfshark, we could access the Irish library using the Dublin server, and switch to US, UK, and Japanese servers to unlock more shows. Streaming was smooth, and titles like The Vampire Diaries (on UK Netflix) played in HD without buffering.
BBC iPlayer
Connected to a UK server, Surfshark gave us full access to BBC iPlayer, which usually blocks users outside the UK. We were able to stream Peaky Blinders and Doctor Who on the platform from Ireland.
Hulu and Disney+
US servers of Surfshark unlocked Hulu and Disney+ content that isn’t available in Ireland. We connected to its New York server and were able to access Hulu in Ireland with ease, not once getting the proxy error.
Local Irish streaming sites
If you are outside Ireland, Surfshark is a great choice for streaming local platforms abroad. RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Player worked seamlessly with the Dublin server during testing.
Surfshark’s ability to unblock multiple libraries makes it one of the best VPNs for streaming in Ireland.
Gaming with Surfshark in Ireland
Gamers in Ireland also benefit from Surfshark. Online games often require stable connections with low latency. In our tests, Surfshark performed well:
- Ping on the Dublin server stayed under 20 ms, which is excellent for competitive gaming.
- US and UK servers had slightly higher ping (50–80 ms) but were still playable for most games, including fast-paced shooters.
- P2P support means you can safely download or share files without restrictions, which is useful for gamers who also use torrenting.
Overall, Surfshark gave us smooth gameplay without disconnects, even when connected to international servers.
Privacy and Security in Ireland
Using a VPN isn’t just about streaming; it’s also about protecting your online privacy. Ireland, as part of the European Union, follows GDPR rules, but your internet activity can still be logged by ISPs or tracked on public Wi-Fi.
AES-256 Encryption
Surfshark protects all your online activity using AES-256 encryption, also known as military-grade encryption. This means your data is scrambled into unreadable code before leaving your device. Even if hackers, snoopers, or cybercriminals intercept it, they won’t be able to make sense of it.
AES-256 is trusted by banks, governments, and security agencies worldwide. With this level of encryption, you can safely use public Wi-Fi, browse securely, and stream without worrying about your data being exposed.
No-Logs Policy
One of the most important promises Surfshark makes is its no-logs policy. This means the VPN doesn’t store or record your browsing history, IP address, or any details of what you do online.
Even if someone asked Surfshark for your data, there would be nothing to hand over. This ensures full privacy and peace of mind while you browse, stream, or shop online.
RAM-Only Servers
Surfshark uses RAM-only servers to boost security. Unlike traditional servers that store data on hard drives, RAM servers don’t retain information permanently.
Every time the server restarts, all data is automatically wiped. This reduces the risk of your data being stolen or leaked. It also makes Surfshark more secure because there are no long-term records left behind on the server hardware.
Kill Switch
The kill switch is a built-in safety net. If your VPN connection drops for any reason, the kill switch instantly blocks your internet traffic until the connection is restored.
This prevents your real IP address or unencrypted data from being exposed, even for a few seconds. For anyone who values privacy, this feature is crucial—especially when using public networks or accessing geo-restricted content.
These features are valuable for anyone who wants to browse privately, shop online securely, or use public Wi-Fi without risk.
Surfshark Features That Work Well in Ireland
Apart from strong performance, Surfshark includes features that Irish users will find helpful:
Multihop
Routes your connection through two servers for extra security. For example, you could connect through Dublin and then London.
We tested MultiHop; overhead is higher, so speeds dropped a bit, but still acceptable for streaming and privacy.
Rotating IP
Changes your IP address regularly while keeping your connection stable. Some VPN services provide rotating IP addresses.
Surfshark offers this feature so that you are not always using the same server IP address. This helps avoid Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services blocking you for repeated use of one IP.
Split tunneling
Split tunneling or Bypasser in Surfshark allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which use your normal internet. Useful if you only want the VPN for Netflix while browsing local Irish news directly.
CleanWeb
Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, improving both privacy and browsing speed. Ads take up a lot of your bandwidth while surfing online. With CleanWeb, you don’t have to worry about annoying pop-up ads scattered across your screens.
Unlimited devices
Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want with one subscription. This is great if you have a large household or want to share your subscription with friends. One account protects all devices with ease.
Subscription Options in Ireland
Surfshark is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs available. Irish users can choose from:
- Starter – $1.99/month.
- Starter+ – $2.19/month.
- Surfshark One – $2.49/month.
- One+ – $4.49/month.
Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. Payment options include credit cards, PayPal, Google Pay, and even cryptocurrencies for extra privacy.
Our Experience Testing Surfshark in Ireland
We tested Surfshark in Ireland using multiple devices, including a MacBook, Windows PC, iPhone, and smart TV. We unlocked multiple Netflix regions (Ireland, UK, US, Japan) without issues. The Vampire Diaries and Attack on Titan streamed in HD.
On the Dublin server, speeds averaged between 160–200 Mbps, close to our baseline internet connection. US servers gave around 120 Mbps, still enough for 4K streaming. Low latency on local servers made online gaming smooth.
Moreover, public Wi-Fi tests at a Dublin café showed encrypted traffic, protecting us from potential snooping. Our experience confirmed that Surfshark is reliable and versatile in Ireland.
Common Issues and Fixes
Even the best VPNs can run into problems. Here are some common Surfshark issues in Ireland and how to fix them:
- Streaming site not working – Clear your browser cookies, switch to another server, or use Surfshark’s “NoBorders” mode.
- Slow speeds – Connect to the nearest server (like Dublin), switch protocols in the app, or restart your router.
- VPN won’t connect – Update the app, check your firewall or antivirus settings, or reinstall Surfshark.
- App crashes on mobile – Ensure you’re using the latest version from the App Store or Google Play.
These quick fixes usually solve most problems, ensuring you can keep enjoying Surfshark without hassle.
Final Verdict: Does Surfshark Work in Ireland?
Yes, Surfshark works extremely well in Ireland. With a local server in Dublin, strong international coverage, and features like CleanWeb, Multihop, and unlimited device connections, it’s a great option for both privacy and entertainment.
From our tests, Surfshark delivered fast speeds, unlocked multiple streaming libraries, and offered reliable protection on public Wi-Fi. Whether you’re streaming The Vampire Diaries on UK Netflix, accessing Hulu from Ireland, or gaming with friends, Surfshark handled everything smoothly.
Add in affordable pricing and a 30-day money-back guarantee, and Surfshark is one of the best VPN choices for people living in or visiting Ireland.