How to use Ionity Chargers in Ireland (2026 Guide)

If you drive an electric vehicle in Ireland, chances are you’ve come across Ionity chargers at Circle K service stations.

But how do they actually work? Are they worth using? And how fast (and expensive) are they?

This guide explains everything you need to know about using Ionity in Ireland, including locations, pricing, charging speeds and tips.

Ionity chargers in Ireland offer some of the fastest charging speeds

What Is Ionity?

Ionity is a European high-power EV charging network designed for rapid motorway charging your electric car. The network has over 800 locations across Europe in 24 different countries.

In Ireland, most Ionity chargers are located at Circle K service stations along major routes like the M7 and M11.

These chargers are built for long-distance travel, offering significantly faster charging speeds than standard public chargers. With up to 350kW charging possible, they are among the fastest EV chargers you can find in Ireland.

Where Are Ionity Chargers Located in Ireland?

Ionity chargers can be found at seven locations around Ireland, mostly at Circle K service stations:

Ionity Athlone (6 EV charging bays)
Ionity Citynorth (6 EV charging bays)
Ionity Cashel (6 EV charging bays)
Ionity Dublin North (12 EV charging bays)
Ionity Gorey (6 EV charging bays)
Ionity Kill North (6 EV charging bays)
Ionity Kill South (6 EV charging bays)

Since the network has expanded in recent years, it’s best to check a live map via your car’s navigation system or a charging app. Ionity’s own dedicated app shows the locations of the chargers and also how many chargers are available or in use at each location.

How fast are Ionity Chargers?

The short answer? Very fast. Though that does depend on the rate of charge your car can accept. Ionity chargers are capable of delivering up to 350kW charging speeds.

In practical terms, most drivers can expect 10% to 80% charge in around 20–35 minutes but speeds can vary depending on battery level, temperature and charger availability.

How much does Ionity cost in Ireland?

Ionity offers a great service but it is generally one of the more expensive EV charging options in Ireland if you pay directly.

Pricing typically depends on:

Pay-as-you-go rates: Currently 81 cent per kWh if you pay at the machine with your credit or debit card without signing up or subscribing. This is the most expensive way to pay for Ionity charging. However, if you pay through the app, the cost is reduced to 77 cent per kWh and there is no subscription or membership fees.
Membership plans: You can sign up for a special membership plan that gives rates as low as 46 cent per kWh, however there is a standard monthly fee. But these plans can offer good value if you are a frequent user of Ionity chargers.
Car manufacturer partnerships: Discounted rates may apply through the manufacturer’s public charging scheme you signed up to.

Because pricing can change, do check the latest rates in the Ionity app or at the charger before starting a session.

Ionity chargers are simple to use and there are different payment options available

How to use Ionity Chargers in Ireland

Using an Ionity charger is easy when you know how!

Pull up to an available charger
Plug in your car
Start the session using:
– Contactless payment
– Charging app
– RFID card
Charging begins automatically

When finished, unplug and continue your journey.

Is Ionity worth it?

As a car reviewer, I frequently test electric cars and that means I frequently use public EV chargers. In my own experience, Ionity is easy to use and reliable, though sometimes charge points can be offline.

For this reason, it’s always good to check in the app before arriving to make sure there are available, working charge points. The app is very useful and definitely worth downloading. It can give you an indication of how busy the location is too.

You can also start a charge and stop a charge from the app.

Ionity is not the cheapest EV charging option and the locations might not be of use to you. But in my experience the network offers some of the fastest charging speeds available, making it good for a motorway stop.

Ionity charging hubs also tend to be well-designed, with large enough parking spaces to get in and out safely. However, I haven’t come across one in Ireland that is covered and offers shelter from the weather.

There is also 24 hour customer service, which is very responsive if you are having difficulties. When you ring, you will be asked to give the number of the charger you are using.