Updated : January 30, 2026
Get an AI-powered summary for this content:
If you have ever tried calling Ireland from the UK and the call failed, you are not alone. Sometimes the call drops. Sometimes it does not connect at all. Other times, the charge looks higher than expected.
In most cases, the problem is not your phone or your signal. It comes down to how the number is dialled. One extra digit or a missed code is enough to break the call.
This guide explains how to call Ireland from the UK the right way. It also covers where people usually slip up and how to avoid them.
How To Call Ireland From The UK?
Calling Ireland follows a fixed format. Below are quick steps for calling Ireland from UK.
Step 1: Enter the International Access Code
From the UK, international calls begin with 00 (the UK’s exit code). This tells the network the call is leaving the country.
If you are using a mobile phone, you can use + instead. It does the same job and is often easier to remember.
Step 2: Dial Ireland’s Country Code [353]
Next, dial 353. This is Ireland’s country code. It routes your call to the Irish phone system. Without the Irish country code, the call will never reach Ireland.
Step 3: Drop the Leading Zero
Irish phone numbers include a zero at the start when dialed locally. That zero must be removed for international calls.
For example, numbers starting with 01, 021, or 086 inside Ireland are dialed without the 0 from the UK. Keeping it can stop the call from connecting.
Step 4: Dial the Rest of the Number
Finally, enter the remaining digits and place the call. If the format is correct, the call should connect without issues.
Example:
To call 09 871 0071 from the UK, dial:
00 353 9 871 0071
Make Local Calls to Ireland with CallHippo
Get Ireland virtual phone number and start making calls within 3 minutes.
Take a 10-Day Free Trial No credit card is required!
What Is Ireland’s Dialling Code?
Ireland’s international dialling code is 353. You may also see it called the ISD or country code. This code is required for every international call to Ireland. The dialling code for Ireland applies to mobiles, landlines, business numbers, and internet-based calling services.
When calling from outside Ireland, the first zero is always removed. This rule does not change. For instance, a Dublin number starting with 01 becomes +353 1 when dialled from the UK.
List Of Ireland Area Codes
Ireland uses regional area codes for landlines. These codes point to a specific part of the country. Here are some common ones:
When calling from the UK, the first zero is removed every time.
Irish Phone Number Examples
Looking at Irish phone number examples makes the format clearer.
Irish mobile number
Local Phone Number: 086 880 7105
From the UK: +353 86 880 7105
Dublin landline
Local Landline Number: 01 009 6291
From the UK: +353 1 009 6291
Cork landline
Local: 021 900 0732
From the UK: +353 21 900 0732
Calling an Irish Mobile from the UK
To call an Irish mobile phone, dial +353, then the mobile number without the first zero.
Irish mobile numbers use prefixes like 083, 085, 086, 087, and 089. Each one is linked to a specific network. After removing the zero, dial the remaining digits. Before calling, check that international calls are enabled on your mobile plan. Many UK plans block them by default.
Some Irish toll-free numbers can be dialled using 00 800, followed by the subscriber number. These calls often cost more and are best used only when necessary.
UK Mobile vs. Landline Calls to Ireland
Landline calls from the UK are usually more reliable. Mobile calls fail more often, even when the number is correct.
This often happens because international calling for Irish phone numbers is disabled on mobile plans. Prepaid and older contracts are more likely to block overseas calls. Internet-based calling tends to be more consistent. These services avoid many of the carrier routing issues that still affect traditional calls.
Best Time to Call Northern Ireland from the UK
Northern Ireland uses the same time zone as the rest of the UK. No time adjustment is needed. Let’s see the best time to call Norther Ireland from the UK.
Most offices operate between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm on weekdays. Mid-morning and mid-afternoon are usually easier times to get through. Early mornings, evenings, and weekends tend to be busier. For personal calls, timing depends on the person you are calling.
You can call Northern Ireland at the following times:
- Business Calls: Reach out between 9:00 AM and 5:00 PM on weekdays. These are standard working hours when people expect professional calls.
- Personal Calls: Evenings after 6:00 PM or lunch breaks usually work well, but it’s always good to check what times suit them best.
Avoid calling before 8:00 AM, after 9:00 PM, or on weekends for business matters. These times can feel intrusive and catch people during their personal time.
Rules to Keep in Mind When Calling Irish Mobiles
- Irish mobile numbers fall within the 08 range. When calling from the UK, the leading zero is removed and replaced with +353.
- These calls are billed as international mobile calls. They usually cost more than landline calls.
- Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland use different numbering systems. Northern Ireland uses +44, while the Republic of Ireland uses +353. This difference affects both routing and pricing.
3 Simply Ways to Reduce Ireland Calling Costs
There are a few ways to manage costs when calling Ireland.
If you’re calling Ireland from the UK regularly, the cost usually creeps up before you notice. It’s rarely one big charge. It’s small things adding up.
1. Consider Using A Calling Card
They’re not outdated, just situational. If you’re making longer calls, a calling card can be cheaper than pay-as-you-go rates. The catch is in the details. Expiry dates, connection fees, and time-based charges are where most people get caught out.
2. Look For Roaming Charges
A lot of UK mobile plans treat Ireland as “international” even when it feels like it shouldn’t be. International calling might be blocked by default or priced separately. A quick check with your provider can save you from surprise charges later.
3. Use a VoIP Service
If you’re calling often, especially for work, VoIP tends to make more sense. CallHippo routes calls over the internet, which keeps costs predictable and avoids carrier quirks. As long as your connection is stable, call quality is rarely an issue.
Conclusion
Once you understand Ireland’s country code and remember to remove the leading zero, calling from the UK becomes much easier. Most problems come from small formatting mistakes or mobile plan limits.
For occasional calls, a standard plan may be enough. For frequent or business calls, internet-based calling offers clearer costs and fewer surprises.
FAQs
1. Can I call Ireland for free from the UK?
Only through certain apps where both people use the same service. Standard phone calls usually cost money.
2. How do I dial Southern Ireland from the UK?
Dial 00, then 353, remove the leading zero, and enter the rest of the number.
3. How much does it cost to call Ireland?
Costs depend on your provider and plan. Rates vary widely.
4. Is calling Ireland from the UK an international call?
Yes. Ireland uses a different country code.
5. How do I call Dublin from the UK?
Dial +353 1, followed by the local number without the zero.
6. Why Calls Fail Even When the Number Is Correct?
Not every failed call is caused by a typing error. Other common reasons include:
- Outdated routing between UK and Irish networks
- Irish numbers that have moved between carriers
- Mobile plans that restrict international calls
- Heavy network traffic during peak hours
Published : January 30, 2026
Priya Naha is an experienced technical content writer who focuses on VoIP and telephony technologies. Her expertise in telecommunication and content marketing allows her to simplify complex topics with real-world knowledge, making her writing relatable, informative, and easy-to-read. Her direct involvement with VoIP products and solutions makes her a reliable voice in the field.
Let’s Stay in Touch
Subscribe to our newsletter & never miss our latest news and promotions.
24k+ people have already subscribed
Source
