The Irish poker community is close-knit and vibrant, and that follows them into the online poker world. Some of the best online poker sites in the world are available to Irish poker players, and those sites have made it easier than ever for Irish players to experience all the highs and lows of online poker.
Prominent and successful Irish poker players fly the flag for the Emerald Isle and are part of the reason why poker is so popular in Ireland. Such luminaries as Eoghan O'Dea, Padraig Parkinson and Fintan Gavin are instantly recognizable the world over thanks to their poker prowess.
So, on this page we will delve deep into all the top Irish poker sites, give you the best bonuses available and tell you which operator is best for exactly what you're looking for.
They're our picks for the top 3, but read on as we justify our decisions and go in detail to explain what these sites offer. We don't just stop there either. Here, we will give you the top 5 best Irish poker sites, but why listen to us?
We're not just journalists, we're poker players ourselves. PokerNews is full of poker enthusiasts who don't just report on the game, but are active participants in it as well. Our site and the people at PokerNews have over two decades worth of experience reviewing, covering and ultimately playing the game we all love.
GGPoker, PokerStars, PaddyPower Poker and 888pokerare generally considered to be some of the best online poker sites in Ireland, but it's ultimately subjective and the best site is dependent on exactly what you're looking for in poker.
For example, if you're after mystery bounty tournaments and softer games, 888poker is a clear pick. However, if you prefer a range of formats, including mixed games like Stud, Razz and Badugi, PokerStars is the best choice. If you want something a little more reminiscent of home, Irish operator PaddyPower Poker is great for frequent, ongoing promotions.
Ultimately, it's important to do your own research (and you're on this page, so it's already a good start!).
First decide on what you want from a poker site - whether it's soft games, strong bonuses, a specific poker format or anything else. Then, with the help of the information on this page, choose a site that offers the features that you're most interested in.
On PokerNews, we have reviewed all the top poker sites available in Ireland to make things a little easier for you. Simply click the links below to visit our in-depth Poker Reviews.
Continue reading to find a quick but informative overview of each site, or click the links below to read our full, comprehensive poker reviews for each site.
Ireland may not have the population of the US, or the live event schedule of the UK, Spain or France, but there's still great appetite for poker in the country. This means there is no shortage in choice, with many operators facilitating online poker in Ireland. GGPoker and PokerStars are the two obvious choices for the best Irish poker site, but the others have their benefits too. Remember, you're not limited to just playing on one site as well!
Several WSOP satellites (including FREE WSOP Express)
Unique gameplay and table dynamics
Cons
Complicated rewards system
No Razz, Stud or Draw games
GGPoker initially launched in 2014 with a focus on the Asian markets. However, it has since spread globally and is now well established across Europe - including Ireland. It's currently completely legal to play GGPoker in Ireland, however there have been major regulatory shifts in 2026. It's highly likely that GGPoker will remain in Ireland, but tighter player protection controls and limits on stakes and wins might be applied as a result.
The main appeal of GGPoker in general is its innovation. For many years, PokerStars was (and still is by some) considered to be the industry leading poker site, but GG has strived to mount a real challenge to this and might have even surpassed its main rival. It's constantly evolving and releasing new games, features and promos that ensures it never stays still.
With some now-established poker series like the GG Masters, its ties to the World Series of Poker (that includes running satellites) and its in-house features like being able to stake players and the built-in HUD, GGPoker is an excellent choice for Irish poker players.
Home of the largest tournaments: Sunday Million, SCOOP and WCOOP
Cons
Slow customer support at times
Less lucrative rakeback and rewards schemes than competitors
PokerStars is one of the world's busiest and largest online poker sites, which is just one of a myriad of reasons thousands of Irish players ply their trade at its tables. No online poker can hold a candle to PokerStars for game variety, with the online poker giant spreading over a dozen poker variants across its massive cash game and tournament offerings.
The United Kingdom & Ireland Poker Tour (UKIPT) is run by PokerStars, and the site is the only place you can qualify for UKIPT Main Events online. In addition, PokerStars and Paddy Power Poker often join forces in the run-up to the Irish Open, hosting dozens of budget satellites into the Irish Open Main Event.
How could we not mention Ireland's own, Paddy Power Poker. The official online poker site of Irish sports betting giant Paddy Power, Paddy Power Poker is part of the busy iPoker Network, and a natural haven for Irish poker players.
In addition to busy cash game traffic, Paddy Power Poker runs hundreds of multi-table tournaments each week. The site can never be accused of forgetting its roots. Aside from its notable, prominent green branding, it's also one of the only operators where you can satellite into live poker events such as the Irish Open and the Irish Poker Tour. Its close ties to the live scene in Ireland make it ideal for those players who like to play live poker, as well as on the virtual screen.
Paddy Power Poker also runs community-based games, and leagues, and usually has more special offers and promotions than you can shake a stick at. Leaderboards, challenges and even MTT Player of the Week promos are all fun ways to reward and engage its players. Throw into the mix a potentially lucrative and easy-to-achieve welcome offer, and it is easy to see why Paddy Power Poker is the online poker site for Irish players.
Great mix of tournaments inc PKOs, features tourneys and Freerolls
Best online site for mystery bounty games
Solid MTT schedule for all bankrolls
Fast-fold format ('Snap') available
Plenty of satellites to live events
Cons
Only Hold'em and Omaha offered
VIP scheme tailored more towards high-volume players
888poker has been in business for over two decades, making it one of the oldest online poker rooms in existence. 888poker prides itself on providing a fun and safe online poker environment that is tailored to recreational players. That is not to say 888poker is not deadly serious about poker because it is, and that is shown in its vibrant cash games, and value-packed multi-table tournaments.
888poker is the place to go if you are an Irish poker player who loves playing in exciting Mystery Bounty tournaments. Although other online poker rooms spread mystery bounty events, 888poker has more mystery bounty tourneys than any other site on the internet.
It is not only online poker where 888poker shines because it has a popular 888poker LIVE tour that stops off at various European locations. In 2024, 888poker launched the UK Poker League (UKPL), a mid-stakes tour taking place across the United Kingdom.
Qualify for partypoker LIVE events around the world
Cons
Limited number of games at higher stakes
Customer support sometimes slow
PartyPoker- This site was one of the first online poker rooms to offer real-money gaming, and its two decades worth of experience is there for all to see. PartyPoker was once the world's largest and busiest online poker site, and while it may have lost that crown, PartyPoker is still very popular and delivers a quality poker service to Irish players.
In particular, PartyPoker excels when it comes to freerolls. The site runs 'Round the Clock' freerolls which literally run every hours throughout the day. You won't get rich playing them, but for beginners or those looking to boost their bankrolls, PartyPoker and its freerolls are ideal.
Additionally, the site runs regular major online series that offers Irish players a chance to compete for enhanced prize pools and prestigious titles. Away from the tables, the rakeback program is also one of the best in the game. Players can earn up to 40% back based on their loyalty tier.
Strong inter-connectivity between products (Poker - Casino - Sports)
Good range of tournaments with generous guarantees
Part of the shared iPoker network, meaning higher player volume
Great welcome bonus, including fun mission rewards
Cons
Limited high-stakes games
Not a great deal of game diversity - mostly Hold'em and Omaha
Bet365 Poker may be better known for its global sports operations, but it also has a busy online poker room. Bet365 Poker is part of the iPoker Network, which is made up of several poker rooms, mostly those attached to sportsbooks, which all share the same pool of players. The only time this changes is if you play on the Premium Tables because these are only visible to Bet365 Poker customers.
Bet365 Poker has plentiful cash game traffic, although it is concentrated towards the lower end of the buy-in scale. It is a similar story regarding multi-table tournaments, mostly because the iPoker Network attracts more than its fair share of recreational players with the "skins" of the network each having large-scale sports betting and online casino operations.
More basic graphics and software compared to other sites
Only available in UK, Ireland and Gibraltar
Sky Poker is another site on this list that's part of the iPoker Network, but that doesn't mean it's just a carbon copy of the rest.
The site offers a solid online poker experience with some notable strengths. The platform is user-friendly, providing various game options like Texas Hold’em and Omaha. Its software is reliable and offers smooth gameplay, with customizable features and a mobile app for on-the-go gaming. The site also boasts a strong community, featuring forums and social interaction, creating an engaging atmosphere for players.
Sky Poker provides various tournaments and promotions, including satellite events to live tournaments, adding excitement to the gameplay. However, the player pool may be relatively small compared to larger poker sites, potentially leading to fewer tables at certain times. While the graphics and interface are serviceable, they might not be as visually appealing as some competitors.
In summary, Sky Poker is a good choice for casual and intermediate Irish players seeking reliable gameplay and a sense of community, but high-stakes or high-traffic poker enthusiasts might find better options elsewhere.
As we've mentioned, each online poker site in Ireland is vastly different to one another, making it essential that you choose the right one suited for you. That means there's no one-fits-all site that will be perfect for all players. Several factors might dictate your choice of site, which we will outline below.
First, you should check if the operator has a valid gambling license. Rest assured that every online poker room you see PokerNews promoting is fully legal and regulated.
2. Look for Available Games
Second, look at the selection of games available. This includes the cash game and tournament stakes, as well as formats and poker variants on offer. An Irish online poker site may look perfect for you, but then you later discover it does not have much Pot-Limit Omaha cash game traffic and that is your favorite game.
3. Check Bonuses and Promotions
You should also consider the bonuses and promotions an online poker room has. Such bonuses should not be the be-all and end-all when choosing a poker room, but they can often give your bankroll a significant boost, or keep you motivated to grind away the hours at the tables.
4. Read PokerNews Reviews
Last but certainly not least, ensure you read the PokerNews online poker site reviews. Our team of industry experts go through each online poker room with a fine-toothed comb, highlighting each site's positives while informing you about the negatives. We want you to enjoy your time playing online poker, which is why our reviews are up-to-date and impartial.
5. Consider Customer Support
Furthermore, look for a site offering around-the-clock customer support, be that either by email, live chat, or telephone. Issues and problems are rare when playing at top-tier online poker sites, but having a solid support network provides you with peace of mind.
6. Test the Site
Last but not least, it's testing the site. If all other attributes are there but the site itself has clunky software or offers gameplay you can't get on board with, this is a major red flag and something that might make you reconsider playing with that operator. If you don't want to commit real money to test a site, most operators will offer some sort of free play that closely emulates their real money poker games. This will either be through free poker tournaments or a dedicated free play section of the site that uses play chips.
Once you're happy, all that's left to do it hit the tables!
Poker is meant to be fun, so forget all the other noise. As long as you will have fun on the site, whether that means it offers the games you want to play, or the software is quick, efficient and interactive, then that's the main thing. Everyone loves a good bonus, but consider that the experience of playing on the site is the most important factor.
The best Irish online poker site for beginners is 888poker.
Each of the online poker rooms on this page are suitable for beginners because they offer a variety of low-stakes cash games and tournaments. However, a couple of those sites are particularly good for players new to poker.
For example,
888poker is site renowned for being friendly to newcomers. 888poker's parent company runs one of the busiest online casinos worldwide, and that results in an influx of newbies to the 888poker tables. If you're an Irish player looking for beatable games, you know where you should go.
Paddy Power Poker is another excellent option for poker players new to the game. Paddy Power is one of the world's largest sports betting and casino companies, resulting in many of those customers heading to the Paddy Power Poker tables to try their luck at poker. It is a similar story with the other skins on the iPoker Network, meaning the cash games tend to have more than their fair share of recreational and amateur players frequenting them.
PartyPoker is also a solid choice for recreational and Irish poker players at the start of the online poker journey. PartyPoker limits late registration and re-entries in its tournaments, which levels the playing field. In addition, lower-stakes cash game players earn weekly cashback at a faster rate than high-stakes grinders, which attracts beginner players to the site.
Best Irish Online Poker Site for Home Games
The best Irish online poker site for Home Games is PokerStars.
PokerStars is, without doubt, the best online poker site for Irish players wanting to play Home Games. Many online poker rooms make it possible to create private tournaments or cash games for you and your friends to play, but PokerStars' Home Games takes that to the next level.
Playing online poker with friends is ridiculously easy with PokerStars' Home Games. You can create a private poker club, create one-off games, or long-running leagues. PokerStars Home Games are perfect for getting the gang together if you're struggling to assemble everyone for your traditional home game.
Best Irish Online Poker Site for Freerolls
The best Irish online poker site for freerolls is PartyPoker.
While it is true that most poker players dream of battling it out in high-stakes tournaments, there is a massive section of the online poker community who love playing poker for free. Online poker sites run freeroll tournaments – those are games that cost nothing to enter – either for the pure joy of playing poker or in an attempt to build a bankroll without risking their hard-earned cash.
PartyPoker stands out from the crowd for its freeroll schedule. Its Round the Clock freerolls award over $2,000 every day, with a new freeroll shuffling up and dealing every hour.
888poker is another Irish-friendly online poker room offering dozens of daily freerolls. 888poker often links its freerolls to ongoing promotions, and there are plenty of those throughout a typical month.
Be aware most online poker rooms require you to make at least one real money deposit or have verified your identification before you can play for real money in freeroll tournaments.
Getting Started - How to Play Online Poker in the Ireland?
Ready to go? Once you've picked an online poker site to play that's available in Ireland, it's easy to get started! It's super simple. All you have to do is follow these quick steps and you'll be bossing the tables in no time!
Pick a Site
Register for an Account
Verify Your Identity
Deposit and Claim Bonus
Start Playing!
1. Pick a Site
Hopefully we've given you enough of an indication which Irish poker site will be best for you. If you're still unsure, PokerStars, GGPoker or 888poker are all great sites to choose. To get started, click the links in the widget below, or scroll up the page to signup to another Ireland poker site. And remember, you don't only have to pick one operator!
2. Register for an Account
Next up is registering for an account. It can seem daunting but in reality, this is a very easy process. Just provide your name and usual contact details, address and select a username and password. That's pretty much it.
3. Verify Your Identity
Next up is verifying your identity. This is also simple, but will typically take longer than the process of creating an account. You'll need some form of ID, such as a passport or driving license. This is an industry standard practice to ensure you're of legal age to gamble in Ireland. Some sites may also ask you to provide proof of address. You'll usually be verified within 24 hours, but we've often found it can be much quicker.
4. Deposit and Claim Bonus
Once verified, the hard work's all done. All that's left is to deposit funds into your account. You can do this through many different ways, including debit card, bank transfer and PayPal - though payment methods accepted might vary slightly by operator.
Be sure to check our bonus page to make sure you're not forgetting to claim any signup bonus offers. Most sites will give you a bonus on your first deposit, but some will require promo codes to be input during the deposit process. So make sure you don't miss out on some bonus funds as they're well worth taking advantage of!
5. Start Playing
Once your ID is verified, you've deposited funds and claimed any bonuses available, you're all set! Now just find a cash game or tournament you want to play and start crushing it at the tables!
Best Irish Online Poker Bonuses
Online poker sites that allow Irish players almost always have a variety of bonuses. They come in different shapes and sizes but tend to fall under a handful of categories: welcome bonus, deposit or reload bonus, and no-deposit bonus.
Most, if not all, regulated, online poker sites in Ireland will offer a welcome bonus. These are well worth taking advantage of as they can significantly boost your bankroll. Deposit bonuses (also known as reload bonuses) are less frequent, but allow existing customers to get a top-up on a deposit. Finally, no-deposit bonuses are very rare, so if you see one be sure to snap it up quickly as it might not be round for long!
Welcome bonuses are only available to new customers who are making their first deposit at an Irish online poker site. These bonuses will often be larger than any other bonus the poker room offers because they are designed to entice you. Typically, a welcome bonus will be offered that says something like 100% match up to €500. This means the online poker room will match your initial deposit 100% up to a maximum of €500 in bonus money. Using this example, depositing €100 would net you a €100 bonus, depositing €500 would see €500 of bonus money hit your account, but depositing €1,000 would see a €500 bonus given.
Deposit Bonuses
Deposit and reload bonuses are offered to existing customers, often in the build-up to a major online poker tournament festival. Reload bonuses are usually smaller than welcome bonuses, but they can still be lucrative. Most reload bonuses will offer to match your deposit amount up to a predetermined amount, while others will offer you tournament tickets in exchange for reloading your account.
No-Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses are available at some online poker rooms, but they are becoming rarer by the day. A no-deposit bonus is exactly what it sounds like: a bonus given to you without the need to make a deposit. It should not come as a surprise to discover that no-deposit bonuses are almost always quite small; online poker rooms would not remain in business for long if they gave away thousands of dollars to everyone for free!
Always ensure you familiarize yourself with any online poker bonus' terms and conditions. All come with wagering requirements or restrictions that make them less attractive than they appear at first glance.
Ireland recently established the seven-member Gambling Regulatory Authority of Ireland (GRAI). However, at present, most Irish-facing online poker sites are licensed and regulated by the Malta Gaming Authority. Both do a fairly similar job in ensuring player safety, fairness and transparency in the industry.
The GRAI is shaking up the whole gambling industry in Ireland, and poker is not exempt from what could be some major changes. Sites looking to offer gambling service in Ireland can now apply for new licenses through the GRAI. From July 1st 2026, the authority will begin issuing the new licenses in the country.
So what does this mean for Irish poker in particular?
The GRAI wants to create a safer market that has clearer rules for operators. Sounds fine, until you hear that they'll look to introduce a €10 max bet and a €3,000 maximum win. For micro-stakes and recreational players, this change won't likely have much impact, but it's a different story when it comes to poker regs and professional players. Here are some of the most significant ways online poker in Ireland could be impacted:
⚠️ Limited satellites to live events
⚠️ Only small stakes cash games
⚠️ Fewer operators?
Live Event Satellites
You’d think satellites would escape scrutiny since they don’t award direct cash prizes like standard MTTs. That’s not necessarily the case.
Online satellites that award live event packages could be hit hard. These packages typically bundle tournament entry, flights, accommodation and other expenses. But if the standalone buy-in for the live event exceeds the €3,000 cap, operators simply won’t be allowed to run satellites into it.
Equally, at present operators won't limit the prize pools for MTTs - it's just based on the number of entrants. However, under the new regulations, sites would have to restrict the prizes on offer to make sure none surpass the €3k limit.
Cash Games
Cash games will arguably be hit the most by the changes. A typical buy-in will be around 100 big blinds, but it can be considerably more. Taking this into account, 100 big blinds in even a €0.05 / €0.10 game will (very low stakes) will total €10.
So there really won't be much wiggle room in terms of stakes, with players prohibited from betting more than €10. Whether this means operators will focus more on tournaments, or try to find some work-around, is unclear right now.
Fewer Operators?
Ultimately, the new regulations might be beneficial to players in the sense of more transparency and protection from operators, but they are likely to severely hinder the industry in Ireland. Operators will be less attracted to the region and may decide it's not even worth continuing to provide their poker services.
Sites now must apply to obtain the new license, and abide by these new GRAI regulations. This applies to both sites that currently operate in Ireland (under different regulation) and any new sites that want to enter the market.
The truth is, we won't know the true impact until we learn which sites have applied for licenses. What is clear, though, is that 2026 will be a pivotal year that shapes the only poker landscape in Ireland.
Always ensure the online poker room you are playing at has a valid license. License holders must adhere to strict rules and regulations which protect you and the online poker site in question. We strongly recommend avoiding unregulated sites as your funds and personal data might be at risk and fair games cannot be guaranteed.
Irish Online Poker Sites Payment Methods
The banking options available to Irish online poker players change depending on the poker site on which they are playing. That said, at poker rooms like Paddy Power Poker, 888poker, PokerStars, and PartyPoker, you should find the following payment methods available to you.
Debit cards are the most popular deposit and withdrawal methods for online poker players. Most sites accept Visa and Mastercard, and do not charge fees for depositing or withdrawing. Be aware, you will be unable to use a credit card for any gambling transaction.
E-wallets, such as Neteller, Skrill, and PayPal are also popular online poker payment methods for Irish players and others around the world. These e-wallets are safe and secure, acting as a middleman between the poker site and your bank accounts. You may find some online poker sites do not allow you to claim a welcome or reload bonus if you use an e-wallet.
Bank transfers are often an option, although they tend to be reserved for larger deposits and withdrawals. Check with the online poker site if there is a minimum transfer amount or any fees associated with this method.
Best Irish Poker Apps
Online poker is no longer only available to play on your computer or laptop, thanks to sites developing mobile poker apps. Most online poker rooms have an Android and iOS version of their mobile poker app, which you can download from the relevant app stores or by visiting the poker room from your smartphone or tablet.
The world's largest poker site is an obvious choice for everyone who likes poker. The top-class mobile apps replicate the same experience you get on desktop.
Yes, online poker is legal in Ireland. The sites listed on PokerNews that allow Irish customers are fully licenses and regulated.
How can I find the best Irish poker sites?
You can find the best Irish poker sites by reading PokerNews' impartial poker site reviews, ensuring the poker room is licensed and regulated, and asking your fellow Irish grinders for advice.
What payment methods are available on Irish poker sites?
The most common payment methods on Irish poker sites include debit cards, e-wallets, bank transfers, and prepaid cards. Credit cards are not allowed to fund any gambling account in the Ireland, including online poker sites.
Can I play on Irish poker sites from my mobile device?
Yes, most Irish poker sites offer mobile apps or web-based versions of their software that can be accessed from a mobile device. Either visit the Google Play Store, Apple App Store, or visit the online poker room from the device you want to download to.
What types of poker games can I play on Irish poker sites?
Irish poker sites offer a variety of poker games, including Texas Hold'em, Omaha, Seven-Card Stud, and many more. The games offered varies by poker room, so check PokerNews' reviews to see what games you can play and where.
Do Irish poker sites offer bonuses and promotions?
Yes, Irish poker sites often offer welcome and reload bonuses, and promotions to attract new players and reward loyal ones. Most Irish online poker site have a loyalty program that awards cashback or other things to reward a player's loyalty.
What is the legal age to play on Irish poker sites?
The legal gambling age for Irish residents is 18 years old. Online poker falls under gambling, so you must be at least 18.
Can I play on multiple Irish poker sites at the same time?
Yes, many Irish poker players play on multiple sites at the same time. There is no limit to how many online poker sites you can have accounts with. However, it is a serious breach of any online poker room's terms and conditions to open more than one account at one particular site.
Can I withdraw my winnings from Irish poker sites?
Yes, you can withdraw your winnings from Irish poker sites using the banking methods the site provides. Again, this differs from site to site, but usually include debit cards, bank transfers, and e-wallets.
Are there any taxes on poker winnings in Ireland?
Irish poker players are not liable to pay tax on online poker winnings. The Irish government does not tax Irish gamblers on their winnings. However, you may be liable for taxation if you win money from a poker tournament outside of the United Kingdom or Ireland.
