The demand for .ie domains continues to hold firm, even as social media platforms expand their e-commerce capabilities, according to the latest .ie Domain Profile Report. Despite growing competition from platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram, Irish businesses are maintaining a strong preference for a local top-level domain (TLD) to establish a professional online presence.
Now in its tenth year, the annual report provides insights into the .ie domain database, tracking trends in digital adoption, business activity, and the challenges faced by Irish SMEs.
.ie Still Dominates Ireland’s Digital Landscape
The latest findings reveal that .ie domains account for 54.2% of all hosted domains in Ireland, significantly ahead of .com (29.43%) and .uk (7.33%). While there has been a slight 0.5% decline in total registrations compared to 2023, the .ie database has grown by 16% over the past five years.
David Curtin, CEO of .ie, emphasised the critical role of digital infrastructure in supporting Irish SMEs, which make up 99.8% of businesses in the country.
“While there has been substantial progress in digital engagement, Ireland still has a long way to go in achieving true digital growth. To future-proof the economy, the government must invest more in digital infrastructure and provide targeted support to SMEs,” Curtin stated.
Closing the Digital Divide Across Ireland
The report highlights the ongoing digital divide between urban and rural areas, particularly for micro-SMEs (businesses with fewer than 10 employees). While commuter hubs like Kildare, Meath, and Limerick continue to see rising .ie registrations, Connacht and Ulster recorded a decline in new domain sign-ups in 2024.
However, some rural areas showed impressive growth. Leitrim led the way with a 51% increase in new .ie registrations compared to 2023, followed by Tyrone (20%) and Meath (19%). In contrast, Fermanagh had the lowest number of .ie domains, with just 191 total registrations.
Impact of Social Media on Domain Registrations
Globally, domain registrations have been declining, with CENTR (Council of European National Top-Level Domain Registries) noting a post-pandemic slowdown. One factor is the rapid rise of social selling, where businesses sell directly through social media rather than traditional websites.
For example, TikTok Shop sales hit $100 million on Black Friday 2024, as reported by Reuters. With platforms like Instagram and Facebook also offering in-app shopping, some businesses are opting for social commerce rather than setting up their own domain.
However, Curtin warns against over-reliance on third-party platforms:
“Social media is a fantastic tool for building awareness, but businesses must have full control over their digital presence. Relying solely on platforms like TikTok Shop is risky, as recent volatility has shown.”
Why Businesses Still Need a .ie Domain
Curtin advocates for an omnichannel approach, where businesses use social media to drive traffic to their own secure websites. Having a dedicated domain ensures greater stability, customer trust, and control over e-commerce operations, compared to relying solely on external platforms.
Final Thoughts
Despite changing trends in online commerce, the demand for .ie domains remains strong, with Irish businesses recognising the importance of a trusted, local online presence. While social media is a valuable tool, a dedicated website remains essential for long-term brand credibility, security, and growth in Ireland’s digital economy.
