Top Crypto Trading Platforms in Ireland

For cryptocurrency beginners, selecting platforms regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) is recommended. We tried and ranked the exchanges available in Ireland based on Euro deposit methods, supported digital assets, features, security, and fees. Here is a detailed comparison table of the 5 best exchanges in Ireland.

1. Kraken

Kraken is one of the most reputable digital asset exchanges globally, trusted by over 10 million users, including a growing base in Ireland. There are over 320 cryptocurrencies for spot and margin trading, plus 100+ futures contracts to trade with up to 5x leverage. 

Kraken Pro is great for institutional clients, offering an OTC desk, staking services, and a futures trading service. The platform is known for its robust security measures, including cold storage for digital assets, two-factor authentication (2FA), and regular proof-of-reserve audits.

It also supports staking across 25+ assets, enabling users to earn passive income from their crypto holdings. Users can also access DeFi apps through the Kraken Wallet, which supports multiple blockchains. The exchange also supports EUR funding through local methods like SEPA.

• Fees: Maker fees are 0.16%, and taker fees are 0.26%.
• Supported Assets: Over 320 cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered as a Virtual Asset Service Provider (VASP) with the CBI (Registration No. C468360).‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: SEPA transfers, bank transfers, PayPal, credit cards, and debit cards.

2. Uphold

Uphold is popular for its transparent reserve holdings, which provide real-time proof of 1:1 asset backing. This commitment to transparency and a user-friendly interface has attracted over 10 million users across Ireland. It supports 250+ cryptocurrencies, plus 4 metals and 27 traditional currencies.

The platform provides a one-step trading experience that allows users to trade between any asset without converting to fiat first. It also provides an automatic recurring buy option, enabling users to dollar-cost average their investments without checking manually.

It also has the Uphold debit card, which allows users to spend their crypto holdings in real time and earn up to 8% in cashback rewards. The exchange offers additional features, such as staking with up to 25% APY and an OTC desk with dedicated account managers. 

• Fees: Variable spreads between 0.6% - 1.6%.
• Supported Assets: 250+ digital assets, 4 precious metals, and 27 fiat currencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Registered with the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) under Uphold Europe Limited (reference number 938277).
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, SEPA, Google Pay, Apple Pay, and credit or debit cards.

3. Binance

‍Binance is the world’s biggest crypto exchange, and for good reason. It has a massive selection of 350 digital assets for spot trading and 400+ futures contracts with 50x leverage. Plus, its sleek interface, powerful charting tools, and deep liquidity make trading fast and seamless.

What sets Binance apart is its unique features. You can automate investments with Auto-Invest, use trading bots like Spot Grid, or try out Copy Trading to replicate the moves of top traders. And if you’re curious about DeFi, the Web3 Wallet connects you to the growing blockchain world.

Security is taken seriously here. Binance uses top-tier measures like two-factor authentication, cold storage for funds, and encryption to keep your assets safe. It’s also super flexible when it comes to funding your account, supporting SEPA transfers, credit/debit cards, and more.

• Fees: Maker and taker fees start at just 0.1%.
• Supported Assets: 350+ cryptocurrencies.
• Regulation & Licensing: Licensed across Europe and available in Ireland.
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, credit/debit cards, SEPA and SWIFT.

4. Gate.io

Gate.io is a top choice for Irish traders, offering a vast selection of over 3,300 cryptocurrencies. This extensive range allows users to diversify their portfolios with both popular and emerging digital assets. The platform provides advanced trading tools, including spot and futures trading.

Beyond trading, Gate.io presents various earning opportunities through its 'Simple Earn' and staking programs, as well as features auto-investment plans and crypto loans. For those interested in automated trading, Gate.io offers strategy bots and copy trading services.

The exchange serves over 16 million registered users in 180 countries and a significant daily trading volume of over $8 billion. Additionally, Gate.io supports Web3 features, such as decentralised wallets, NFT trading and cross-chain swaps.

• Fees: Maker orders start at 0.1% and taker orders at 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,300 digital assets.
• Regulation & Licensing: Not directly licensed in Ireland but remains accessible to Irish users.‍
• EUR Deposit Methods: Bank transfers, debit cards, credit cards, PayPal, and SEPA.

5. Bitpanda

Bitpanda is a versatile investment platform that enables users to trade over 250 crypto assets, plus 3000+ stocks, ETFs, precious metals, and commodities. It provides features like savings plans, staking options, and the Bitpanda Card, allowing users to spend their investments like cash. 

For businesses, it offers tailored solutions through Bitpanda Business, allowing companies to invest idle cash into over 3,000 digital assets. It also provides advanced order types, such as limit orders, enabling users to automate their investments by setting target prices for trades.

The exchange offers the Bitpanda Ecosystem Token (BEST), which provides holders with various rewards and benefits, including reduced fees and access to exclusive features. With a focus on user education, Bitpanda Academy offers resources to learn about personal finance.

• Fees: Trading fee of 0.2%.
• Supported Assets: Over 3,000 cryptocurrencies, stocks, ETFs, fiat currencies, and precious metals.
• Regulation & Licensing: Complies with European regulations and available in Ireland.
• EUR Deposit Options: Bank transfer, iDEAL, debit cards, credit cards, Sofort, and PayPal.

Is Crypto Regulated in Ireland?

In Ireland, cryptocurrency is regulated under the oversight of the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI). The CBI requires Crypto Asset Service Providers (CASPs) to register and adhere to stringent anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations.

Ireland has also implemented the European Union's Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCAR). On June 30, 2024, MiCAR introduced comprehensive rules for issuers of Asset-Referenced Tokens (ARTs) and E-Money Tokens (EMTs). 

As of 2025, the MiCAR framework extended to CASPs, requiring them to meet new standards covering activities such as custody, trading platforms, and token issuance. MiCAR aims to harmonise crypto regulation across EU member states.

How is Crypto Taxed in Ireland?

The Revenue Commissioners oversee cryptocurrency taxation in Ireland, with tax obligations varying based on the nature of the activity. For individuals engaging in occasional crypto transactions, profits are considered capital gains and taxed at a rate of 33%.

However, for individuals who trade cryptocurrencies frequently as part of a business, these profits are classified as trading income and subject to income tax at progressive rates. The rates range from 20% for income up to €40,000 to 40% for higher earnings.

Profits from companies involved in crypto trading are taxed at Ireland’s corporate tax rate of 12.5%, which remains among the most competitive in the European Union. All entities must maintain detailed records of their crypto transactions for accurate reporting and assessment.

Cryptocurrency Adoption in Ireland

Ireland is seeing a significant rise in cryptocurrency adoption, with an estimated 3.17 million users projected by the end of 2025, representing 61.84% of the population. 

The crypto market is expected to generate revenue of approximately $216.6 million in 2025. This growth is driven by the increasing adoption of blockchain technologies and the expanding acceptance of crypto assets for payments across various industries. 

Major exchanges such as Coinbase have established operations in Ireland, contributing to the country's expanding crypto ecosystem.

How to Buy Bitcoin in Ireland

Irish investors can invest in Bitcoin by using crypto exchanges that adhere to the Central Bank of Ireland (CBI) regulations. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose a Reputable Exchange: Select a reliable platform that complies with Irish and EU regulations.
2. Create an Account: Register on your chosen platform using your email address. Complete the Know Your Customer (KYC) process by providing a government-issued ID.
3. Deposit Euros (EUR): Head to the deposit section and choose a preferred payment method. Enter the amount of EUR you’d like to invest and confirm the transaction.
4. Locate Bitcoin (BTC): Use the search function on the exchange’s trading interface to find Bitcoin. Select the BTC/EUR trading pair to initiate your purchase.
5. Execute the Trade: Enter the amount of Bitcoin you want to buy, review the transaction details (including current prices and applicable fees), and confirm the trade.

Once the transaction is complete, your Bitcoin will appear in your exchange wallet. For added security, consider transferring your Bitcoin to a private wallet where you control the keys.

Bottom Line

Ireland is rapidly becoming a prime destination for cryptocurrency investors in Europe, thanks to the implementation of the Markets in Crypto-Assets Regulation (MiCA) by the Central Bank of Ireland.

Leading cryptocurrency exchanges such as Kraken, Uphold, Binance, Gate.io, and Bitpanda have established a strong presence in Ireland, offering users a safe way to invest in digital assets with confidence.