The latest .ie Domain Profile Report reveals that Irish businesses continue to value owned websites as their digital home base, even as social media platforms expand their eCommerce capabilities. The report, released this week by .ie, shows that Ireland’s national domain registry maintains its dominant position with 54.2% market share of hosted domains in Ireland, followed by .com (29.43%) and .uk (7.33%).
What’s particularly interesting is the growth trajectory over the past five years – the .ie database has grown by 16% since 2019, though there was a slight dip of 0.5% compared to 2023. This overall positive trend suggests that Irish businesses recognise the importance of having their own digital real estate, separate from social media platforms.
The Digital Skills Gap
However, the report highlights some concerning trends about digital readiness in Ireland. According to .ie’s Digital Readiness Monitor from last August, one in three Irish websites (36%) demonstrate low or very low levels of sophistication. This points to a significant gap between digital ambitions and actual implementation among Irish businesses.
David Curtin, CEO of .ie, emphasises this point: “Since SMEs account for 99.8% of the number of companies in the Irish economy, supporting their growth and scaling efforts is crucial for a modern future-proofed Ireland. While there has been a lot of progress made in digital intent in Ireland, there is still a long way to go to convert this to real digital growth.”
The Rural-Urban Digital Divide
The report also sheds light on the persistent digital divide between rural and urban areas in Ireland. While commuter regions like Kildare, Meath, and Limerick are seeing increased domain registrations, Connacht and Ulster recorded declining numbers in 2024. This mirrors broader European trends – Eurostat data shows that while 46.5% of Irish city dwellers report having above-basic digital skills, this drops to 35% in rural areas.
Some regions are bucking this trend though – Leitrim recorded an impressive 51% growth in new .ie domain registrations compared to 2023, followed by Tyrone at 20% and Meath at 19%.
Cybersecurity and Internet Governance
The report places significant emphasis on cybercrime and online fraud, reflecting growing concerns about digital security in Ireland’s online ecosystem. This focus comes at a crucial time, with three in four (74.5%) content-rich .ie websites now secured with security certificates – a strong indicator of the Irish digital community’s commitment to cybersecurity.
In an exciting development for Ireland’s digital future, the report announces the inaugural Internet Governance Forum (IGF) Ireland, scheduled for May 22, 2025, in Dublin. This milestone event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss critical issues facing Ireland’s digital landscape, including cybersecurity, digital inclusion, and the future of internet governance in Ireland. The timing of this forum is particularly relevant given the ongoing discussions about digital transformation and the need to bridge the urban-rural digital divide.
The IGF will provide a valuable platform for businesses, policymakers, and digital experts to collaborate on addressing these challenges and shaping the future of Ireland’s internet ecosystem. This kind of multi-stakeholder dialogue is essential as Ireland continues to develop its digital infrastructure and capabilities.
Why Owned Websites Matter in the Social Media Age
In an era where platforms like TikTok Shop are making headlines (reaching $100 million in sales last Black Friday), why should businesses still invest in their own websites? The answer lies in control and stability. Recent events like the proposed US TikTok ban discussions have highlighted the risks of relying solely on social platforms for eCommerce.
“When it comes to building a credible, trustworthy digital presence, websites should be seen as ‘prime real estate’ for any business online,” explains Curtin. “While social media is an excellent tool for increasing visibility and capturing audience interest, these platforms are limited in their ability to build lasting relationships with customers and, more importantly, convert them to sales.”
The report also highlights the security advantages of .ie domains, which show significantly lower levels of spam and cyber threats compared to other top-level domains. This is particularly crucial given recent events like Storm Eowyn, which emphasised the importance of maintaining secure and reliable digital infrastructure.
For Irish businesses looking to establish or strengthen their online presence in 2024, the message is clear: while social media platforms offer valuable opportunities for engagement and sales, an owned website on a trusted domain remains fundamental to building a sustainable digital presence. The key lies in adopting an omni-channel approach where social media complements, rather than replaces, your own website.
The full report is always interesting reading – you can read it in full here.
About the Author: Jonathan Thomas
