Best Stockbrokers in Ireland

Choosing the right brokerage firm is a critical first step for investors who want to participate in the Irish stock market. A capable broker provides access to trading, tools and support tailored to your investment goals and experience level. 

Whether you prioritize low-cost trading, a user-friendly interface or a platform tailored to beginners, this guide will offer insights to help you navigate your options.  

How We Chose the Best Stockbrokers in Ireland

We chose platforms based on their cost for trading asset classes available in Ireland, platform usability and account minimums. Key criteria were the quality and availability of customer service. We also considered the presence and quality of educational content and support for new and experienced investors in making decisions. 

5 Best Stockbrokers in Ireland

Interactive Brokers – Best for Global Market Access

Interactive Brokers (IBKR) is a top choice for Irish investors because of its low commissions and global market access. Offering zero-commission trading on U.S. stocks and ultra-low fees on other markets, it’s a compelling platform for both novice and experienced traders seeking international diversification.

Key Features: 

• Fees: IBKR offers zero-commission stock trading in the U.S. IBKR Pro fee to trade U.S. stocks is $0.005 per share and its rates are competitive in EU markets. Currency conversion is near interbank rates of about 0.002%.

• Investment Access: Provides multi-asset access to more than 150 markets, allowing Irish clients to trade Irish and international stocks, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), options, futures, forex, bonds and funds. Investors can trade on U.S., European and Asian markets from a single account.

• Platform Experience: Offers professional-grade tools through Trader Workstation as well as a more user-friendly Client Portal and mobile app. Beginners may face an initial learning curve, but the platform’s capabilities support advanced trading strategies. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Features a variety of educational content including webinars, trader courses and analysis tools. IBKR’s research, news feeds and Education Hub cater to investors of all levels. 

• Drawbacks: The professional Trader Workstation platform can be overwhelming for new users. Customer support is 24/5 but mainly through chat and phone via UK/EU support centers. 

Who It’s Best For: Cost-conscious Irish investors who want access to a range of global markets, low trading fees and are willing to navigate a complex platform. 

DEGIRO – Best for Low-Cost European Trading 

DEGIRO is a low-cost European brokerage popular among Irish investors for its competitive commission structure, particularly for exchange-traded fund (ETF) trading and its broad access to international markets. Its straightforward platform caters to cost-conscious, self-directed investors seeking value and reach.

Key Features: 

• Fees: Offers zero commission on one free trade per ETF per month and low fees of 2 euros + 0.05% on stock and option trades in the Irish, U.K. and U.S. markets. While there’s no inactivity fee, an annual connectivity fee of 2.50 euros applies in some markets. DEGIRO’s fees are among the lowest in Europe.

• Investment Access: Provides access to a range of investments including Irish and international stocks, ETFs, bonds, options and futures. Irish investors have access to exchanges in the U.S., Europe, Asia and Oceania. It does not offer forex trading or cryptocurrency.

• Platform Experience: DEGIRO’s simple, user-friendly web platform and mobile app make order placement and portfolio viewing easy. It offers advanced order types but lacks some sophisticated charting tools, making it more suited for buy-and-hold and light trading strategies. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Offers basic investing guides and a market news blog on its website. Educational content is somewhat limited and geared toward investors who already know what they intend to trade. No internal research is provided, requiring investors to conduct independent research.

• Drawbacks: Does not offer Irish tax-wrapper accounts like Individual Savings Accounts (ISAs) or pension accounts. Customer support is mainly through email and in-app messages with phone support limited to EU business hours. Educational resources are not as comprehensive as some competitors. 

Who It’s Best For: Cost-conscious and self-directed Irish investors seeking low trading fees and broad access to European and international stock and ETF markets. 

Trading 212 – Best for User-Friendly Interface 

Trading 212’s commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs and its user-friendly mobile app and web platform have made it a popular choice in Ireland and across Europe. Its modern design and features like fractional shares and a demo mode appeal to beginner investors. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Offers 0% commission on stock and ETF trades with no account fees. The primary cost is a 0.15% forex fee on trades of instruments not denominated in the account’s currency. There are no inactivity fees.

• Investment Access: Provides access to stocks and ETFs from various exchanges in the U.S., U.K. and Germany. It also offers contracts for difference (CFDs) for forex, commodities and crypto through a separate CFD account. Long-term investors typically use the Invest account for shares and ETFs. 

• Platform Experience: The mobile app and web platform’s simple, modern design make them accessible to beginners. Features include instant order execution, fractional shares and a practice/demo mode for new users to learn. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Offers tutorial videos and an FAQ for platform guidance as well as a YouTube channel providing market updates. The Pie investing feature allows users to create and manage diversified portfolios.   

• Drawbacks: Customer support is primarily through in-app chat and a community forum. Users may experience wait times for live support. While CFDs are offered, they carry a higher level of risk and may not be suitable for all investors. 

Who It’s Best For: Beginning investors in Ireland who want commission-free trading on stocks and ETFs through a user-friendly mobile-first platform with educational resources and the option for fractional shares.

eToro – Best for Social Trading

eToro’s social trading platform offers Irish users zero-commission trading of stocks and ETFs through a visually engaging, social network-like interface. Its CopyTrader feature and focus on community learning appeal to new investors who are interested in learning from others.

Key Features: 

• Fees: Offers zero-commission trading on stocks and ETFs with no ticket fees for Irish users. Costs include a 0.5% currency conversion fee because accounts are in USD by default and a $5 withdrawal fee. There is no inactivity fee with at least one annual login.

• Investment Access: Provides a multi-asset offering, including stocks, ETFs, cryptocurrencies, commodities and forex. Many of the offerings are available through CFDs, though eToro allows direct ownership of stocks and ETFs when purchased without leverage. 

• Platform Experience: The user-friendly web-based platform is user-friendly and designed like a social network for investors. Features include news feeds of other traders’ activities and the ability to copy experienced investors. The mobile app mirrors the web-based platform’s clean and intuitive functionality.

• Tools/Education Highlights: Emphasizes community learning through the CopyTrader feature and news feeds. eToro’s Trading School offers webinars and guides for beginners. The platform is designed to help new users understand trading terminology and strategies through social engagement.   

• Drawbacks: Accounts are denominated in USD, incurring a 0.5% currency conversion fee on EUR deposits. Live chat support is only available after depositing funds and customer support response times can be slow during peak periods.  

Who It’s Best For: Beginner investors in Ireland who are interested in learning through social interaction and copying successful traders.  

Davy Select – Best for Local Expertise

Davy Select offers a full-service model with local market expertise and integrated investment and retirement solutions. While its cost structure is higher than many discount brokers, it provides a robust platform, strong customer support and access to a range of Irish and international markets. 

Key Features: 

• Fees: Online trading with Davy Select costs 0.4% of the trade value, with a minimum of 14.99 euros per trade. A quarterly 50 euro account fee can be waived if sufficient commissions are generated. Davy charges a 200 euro minimum annual fee. 

• Investment Access: Provides access to Irish and global stocks, funds and bonds including the Irish Stock Exchange, U.K., European and U.S. markets as well as Irish government bonds. 

• Platform Experience: Offers a robust online platform for self-directed investing with integrated research. The interface is functional and reliable for trading on various markets but may not be as modern as newer trading apps. 

• Tools/Education Highlights: Provides market research, newsletters and investing insights, including strategy reports and company analysis from Davy’s team. Educational resources are more focused on research and less on beginner tutorials

• Drawbacks: The higher commission rates and account fees make Davy Select more expensive for smaller or less frequent traders. The platform interface may feel dated compared to newer brokers.  

Who It’s Best For: Irish investors who value a local institution, require integrated pension and retirement account options and are comfortable with higher fees for comprehensive service and market expertise.

Choosing the Right Stockbroker in Ireland

Choosing the right broker is a decision that can significantly impact your investment success. 

Interactive Brokers stands out for its global market access and low fees. DEGIRO offers a low-cost trading option for European trading, particularly for ETFs. Trading 212 excels with its user-friendly interface and commission-free trading. eToro provides a unique social trading experience and Davy Select offers local expertise and integrated retirement solutions. 

The best broker choice depends on your investment objectives. Consider whether your priority is international diversification, speculating on global markets or investing in Irish equities. By aligning your investing goals with the strengths of each broker, you can choose the partner best suited to help you achieve your financial goals.

Frequently Asked Questions