.IE Domain Profile Report 2021

Timeline of new .ie registrations in 2021 In the 2020 and H1 2021 .IE Domain Profile Reports, we showed that trends in new .ie domain registrations largely correlated with the national response to the pandemic, such as Government-ordered lockdowns and re-openings. Looking at 2021 in full, this again appears to be broadly the case. New .ie domain registrations surged throughout the winter as the country endured strict business and travel restrictions; SMEs adapted by building new websites and selling online. Registrations tapered off in the summer as the country reopened and the Government encouraged outdoor activities. However, domain registrations and the pandemic appear to ‘decouple’ in August. Even as the Government continued to ease restrictions throughout the summer and autumn, .ie domain registrations increased again, reaching their highest level since March in September. This may suggest that most businesses have priced in the effects of the pandemic and are no longer simply ‘reacting’ to it. Rather, they are now operating ‘as normal’, in a way that is now conscious of growing consumer demand for digital convenience and experiences. 7,000 6,500 6,000 5,500 5,000 4,500 4,000 3,500 3,000 2,500 2,000 1,500 1,000 500 0 2021 New .ie registrations WINTER OF DISCONTENT Ireland begins 2021 in strict lockdown. A 5km travel restriction is in place. All non-essential retail is closed until 17 May. In response, SMEs move quickly to keep their business operational and stay connected with customers. New. ie registrations in January increased by 25.9% compared to January 2020 and 21.5% compared to January 2019, peaking in March (+43.8% vs 2020, +52.7% vs 2019). SEASONAL CHANGES Despite continuous easing of restrictions throughout the summer and autumn, new .ie domain registrations increase throughout August and September, bucking the initial downward trend after the May reopening. This suggests some ‘decoupling’ of registrations from pandemic restrictions, as well as an increased SME awareness of new, year-round consumer behaviours, including more demand for e-commerce and digital experiences. JAN FEB MAR APR MAY JUN JUL AUG SEPT OCT NOV DEC 6,014 6,198 6,789 5,220 5,318 4,276 4,028 4,928 5,747 5,112 4,986 3,582 .IE Domain Profile Report 2021 | 1 THE OUTDOOR SUMMER As personal services, hospitality and non-essential retail reopen in May, new .ie domain registrations decrease from the March high. This downward trend continues throughout the summer months as Government and health officials encourage people and businesses to focus on outdoor activities. Registrations decreased 24% in May 2021 compared to May 2020 (when Ireland was at peak lockdown for the first time) and reached their lowest point in July.