Our 2026 review of the best VPNs for the Republic of Ireland looks at how each service performs on the connections people actually rely on, from rural fibre rolling out under the National Broadband Plan to city-centre 5G and everyday 4G. We’re not just interested in peak speed tests. What matters more is whether a VPN stays consistent when the network quality changes, and whether it keeps latency low enough that browsing, maps, and video calls still feel responsive.
Ireland VPN Assessment 2026: Privacy, Speed & Local Access
Ech the Tech Fox’s Editor Selections for Ireland 2026
Verified Performance: Optimised for Irish Fibre
Securing your connection in the Republic of Ireland requires more than basic encryption. Our 2026 selections prioritise providers with physical infrastructure in Dublin, ensuring minimal latency for National Broadband Plan users and seamless compatibility with local services like RTÉ Player and Virgin Media.
Ech notes: "The priority for 2026 is throughput. We selected VPNs that can handle Irish gigabit fibre speeds without triggering proxy errors on local streaming apps."
Why Ireland Residents Need a VPN in 2026
Core Benefits for Irish Broadband Users
Prevent ISP Metadata Retention
Despite strong EU privacy laws, Irish ISPs like Eir and Vodafone may still retain connection metadata for operational purposes. A VPN encrypts your traffic tunnel, ensuring your browsing history remains unreadable to your provider and opaque to advertisers.
Access RTÉ and UK TV Abroad
Irish streaming services like RTÉ Player and Virgin Media Player now employ strict anti-proxy technology. A top-tier VPN provides optimised residential IPs to bypass these blocks, while also unlocking BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 from within Ireland.
Bypass High Court Site Blocks
Ireland enforces some of Europe's strictest court-ordered blocks on file-sharing and torrent repositories. Using a VPN allows you to circumvent these ISP-level DNS filters, restoring access to the unrestricted internet without speed throttling.
BEST 3 VPNS FOR IRELAND SHORTLIST
Expert VPNs handpicked for the Republic of Ireland 2026
Whether you need to bypass ISP blocking in Dublin or secure a fibre connection in rural Kerry, you need a VPN for Ireland that balances raw speed with proven privacy. We tested these providers to ensure they deliver reliable access to local services like RTÉ Player while keeping your data safe from EU data retention directives.
NORDVPN - #1 FOR IRISH SERVER SPEEDS
NordVPN is our top recommendation for Ireland because it operates physical servers in Dublin (not virtual ones). This means you get a genuine Irish IP address capable of unlocking RTÉ Player and Virgin Media from abroad. Additionally, their NordLynx protocol is optimised to handle the 1Gbps+ speeds common on Ireland’s new National Broadband Plan fibre network.
READ NORDVPN REVIEW VISIT NORDVPN
SURFSHARK - BEST VALUE FOR HOUSEHOLDS
For shared accommodation in cities like Cork or Galway, Surfshark is the most practical choice. It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing an entire student flat or family home to secure mobiles and smart TVs on a single account. It is also highly effective at bypassing ISP blocks on file-sharing sites often enforced by Eir and Vodafone.
READ SURFSHARK REVIEW VISIT SURFSHARK
PUREVPN - BEST BUDGET OPTION FOR PRIVACY
PureVPN is the smart choice if you want to minimise your digital footprint without spending a fortune. Their "Always-On" audit mechanism provides continuous verification that they do not log your data, crucial in the EU. With reliable 20 Gbps servers in Dublin, it streams BBC iPlayer and Channel 4 buffer-free, making it a high-value option for Irish users.
READ PUREVPN REVIEW VISIT PUREVPNVPN PROVIDERS REVIEWED FOR IRELAND
Expert-tested providers evaluated for the Republic of Ireland
PUREVPN: BEST VALUE FOR IRISH PRIVACY
PureVPN stands out as the value champion for Irish users in 2026. Its upgraded 20 Gbps servers in Dublin allow it to handle high-speed fibre connections from Eir and SIRO without bottlenecks. Crucially, its "always-on" audit structure provides a verified shield against data retention ambiguity in the EU, making it a safe, budget-friendly choice for local privacy.
READ PUREVPN REVIEWNORDVPN: PERFORMANCE LEADER
NordVPN is the top performer for Ireland because it manages its own physical hardware in Dublin. This ensures you get a genuine Irish IP address for accessing RTÉ Player and Virgin Media while abroad. The NordLynx protocol delivers exceptional speeds, ensuring 4K streaming on foreign services like BBC iPlayer buffers instantly from Cork or Galway.
READ NORDVPN REVIEWSURFSHARK: BEST FOR HOUSEHOLDS
For student accommodation or large family homes in Ireland, Surfshark offers unbeatable utility. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so one subscription covers every mobile and smart TV in the house. It is also highly effective at bypassing High Court blocking orders on file-sharing sites, restoring access to the open web.
READ SURFSHARK REVIEW
EXPRESSVPN: PREMIUM RELIABILITY
ExpressVPN is the "set and forget" option for Irish professionals. Its Lightway protocol offers exceptional stability on mobile networks, making it ideal for commuting on the Luas or Irish Rail. While it commands a premium price, it is one of the few VPNs that consistently works with banking apps like AIB or Bank of Ireland without triggering fraud alerts.
READ EXPRESSVPN REVIEW
CYBERGHOST: STREAMING SPECIALIST
CyberGhost removes the technical guesswork with dedicated streaming servers explicitly labelled for "BBC iPlayer" and "Channel 4". If your main goal is to unlock UK content libraries from your home in Ireland, its user-friendly interface makes it the easiest recommendation for non-technical users.
READ CYBERGHOST REVIEW
IPVANISH: LOW LATENCY FOR GAMING
IPVanish owns much of its physical infrastructure rather than renting it, which provides consistent throughput during Irish peak evening hours (20:00–23:00). It is a solid, no-nonsense option for gamers in Dublin and Limerick who prioritise low ping on their fibre connections over flashy interface features.
READ IPVANISH REVIEW
PRIVADOVPN: TOP FREEMIUM PICK
PrivadoVPN offers the best free tier for 2026, giving you 10GB of data per month. This is an excellent way to test connectivity on your specific Irish broadband setup (like Virgin Media or Vodafone) without paying upfront. The paid upgrade is affordable and unlocks full streaming capabilities for US and UK content.
READ PRIVADOVPN REVIEW
HIDE.ME: ADVANCED PRIVACY
Hide.me is built for the privacy purist. Its "Stealth Guard" feature allows you to bind specific apps to the VPN tunnel, ensuring zero data leaks, critical given the EU's evolving data retention landscape. It offers granular control over protocols, making it perfect for technical users who want to customise their security setup in Ireland.
READ HIDE.ME REVIEW
ZOOGVPN: ENTRY LEVEL BUDGET
ZoogVPN provides a basic, no-frills service at a rock-bottom price. While it lacks the advanced obfuscation of premium rivals, it covers the essentials for securing public Wi-Fi in Dublin cafes and hotels. It is a suitable "starter VPN" for users who need occasional protection without a heavy subscription commitment.
READ ZOOGVPN REVIEWWhy Use a VPN When Visiting Ireland
Practical reasons travellers use a VPN in Ireland
Reduce routine tracking on unfamiliar networks
When you’re moving between accommodation Wi-Fi, café hotspots, and mobile data, it’s easy to leave a trail that links browsing to your location and device. A VPN swaps your public IP address for the VPN server’s and encrypts traffic in transit. That does not make you anonymous, but it does make passive tracking and profiling harder, especially on networks you do not control.
Add protection on public Wi-Fi you cannot verify
Public Wi-Fi in airports, hotels, and train stations is convenient, but you rarely know who else is on the network or whether the hotspot is configured well. In practice, I use a VPN whenever I need to sign in to email or open a travel booking while on a shared connection. The encryption helps reduce the risk of interception on misconfigured networks, and it also limits what the Wi-Fi operator can see in plain text.
Keep access to services that expect your home connection
Some services treat logins from a new country as suspicious, or they show different content depending on where you are. A VPN can help when you need to access home banking portals, work tools, or subscriptions that behave differently abroad by letting you connect via a server back home. Results vary by provider and service, and streaming platforms in particular may block known VPN IPs, so it’s best viewed as a convenience rather than something that always works.
ESSENTIAL VPN FEATURES FOR IRELAND
🛡️ “Critical capabilities to bypass censorship, prevent data retention, and secure fibre connections across the Republic of Ireland.”
VERIFIED NO-LOGS POLICY
With ambiguous data retention laws in the EU, top VPNs ensure zero record of your IP or timestamps—rendering you invisible to Irish ISPs like Eir or Vodafone.
MULTI-DEVICE PROTECTION
Secure your smartphone while commuting on the Luas and your Android TV at home simultaneously. Premium providers offer 7+ simultaneous connections.
RAM-ONLY INFRASTRUCTURE
Servers run on volatile memory, meaning all data is instantly wiped upon reboot. This physical safeguard prevents data seizure at the datacentre level.
AUTOMATIC KILL SWITCH
Vital for spotting rural 5G connections or unstable public Wi-Fi. If the VPN drops, internet access is cut instantly to prevent IP leaks.
CLEANWEB & AD BLOCKING
Stop intrusive trackers on Irish news sites and block malicious domains at the DNS level before they load on your device.
OPTIMISED STREAMING ACCESS
Bypass "vpn detected" errors on RTÉ Player and securely access UK content libraries (BBC iPlayer, Channel 4) from Dublin or Cork.
WIREGUARD PROTOCOL
Essential for Irish gigabit fibre users. WireGuard offers state-of-the-art encryption with minimal speed loss compared to older OpenVPN standards.
PUBLIC WI-FI DEFENCE
Automatically encrypt traffic when joining unsecured networks at Dublin Airport, Irish Rail stations, or local coffee shops.
OBFUSCATED SERVERS
Masks VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS browsing. Crucial for bypassing strict firewalls in university accommodation or corporate offices.
How Server Location Affects VPN Speed in Ireland
Why your server choice matters for speed in Ireland
Using a VPN in Ireland adds an extra stop between you and the internet. Where that server is located, and the route your traffic takes to reach it, can change latency and stability. That’s what determines whether browsing feels instant or slightly delayed, and whether calls stay smooth or start to stutter.
Start local, then try nearby EU or the UK
An Ireland server is usually the best default because it tends to keep response times low, which is what makes the internet feel “snappy”. If your VPN doesn’t offer Ireland, nearby EU locations often perform well, and the UK can be a sensible backup. In practice, I’ve found the difference shows up most in small actions like loading maps, switching tabs, or starting a call. Example: A Dublin user on a video meeting will usually see fewer dropouts on an Ireland or nearby EU server than on a US or Asia location.
Long-distance servers add lag, even if speeds look fine
Connecting to far-away regions increases latency because data has to cross more networks. You might still see decent download speeds in a speed test, but day-to-day use can feel slower, especially for gaming, live calls, and anything that relies on quick back-and-forth communication. Example: Someone in Cork connected to a US West Coast server may notice slower page starts and more game latency than on an EU server.
Pick the server based on your task, not habit
For speed-sensitive work like meetings, cloud apps, and large transfers, staying close to Ireland is usually the right call. If you’re connecting to a service that expects you to be in a particular country, you may need a server there, but it’s normal for performance to dip. This trade-off is worth keeping in mind so you don’t mistake “distance” for “bad VPN quality”. Example: A traveller in Galway might use an Ireland server for work calls, then switch countries only when a specific site or app requires it.
If it slows down, switch servers before changing settings
Even a nearby server can bog down at peak times, or your ISP may route you less efficiently on a given day. When a connection feels sluggish, I normally try another server in Ireland first, then a nearby UK or EU option. That simple change often fixes buffering or lag faster than digging through advanced features. Example: If an Ireland server buffers in the evening, swapping to a different Irish server or a nearby UK server can bring back smoother playback within seconds.
CAN I STREAM ... IN IRELAND?
🌐 “Bypass digital borders: Access UK TV from the Republic and watch home favourites like RTÉ when abroad in 2026.” —ECH
✅ NETFLIX
Switch your virtual location to unlock the massive US catalogue or the distinct UK library while sitting in Cork, Galway, or Dublin.
✅ BBC IPLAYER
The #1 reason Irish users need a VPN. Bypass geo-blocks to stream live BBC News, Match of the Day, and box sets directly from the Republic.
✅ RTÉ PLAYER
Essential for expats. Get a verified Irish IP address to watch the Late Late Show, GAA matches, and local news from anywhere in the world.
✅ HULU
Normally unavailable in Ireland. A VPN routes you through a US server to unlock FX originals and next-day US TV episodes.
✅ PRIME VIDEO
Unstick your account from the Irish store to access the wider selection of movies and 4K rentals available in the US or UK Prime libraries.
✅ MAX
Bypass local licensing restrictions (often held by Sky) to access the standalone US Max platform for day-one movie releases.
✅ YOUTUBE
Eliminate "This video is not available in your country" errors often seen on official music videos and sports clips in Ireland.
✅ CHANNEL 4
Stream Gogglebox, British comedy, and Walter Presents drama box sets from Ireland without triggering cross-border blocks.
✅ DISNEY+
Access the US Star catalogue to view content that may be delayed or missing from the European version of the app.
How Irish ISPs Track You Without a VPN
What Internet Users in Ireland Should Know About ISP Data Collection
Your ISP Can See Connection Metadata
Without a VPN, your broadband provider can typically see connection-level details like the IP addresses (and often domains) your device connects to, timestamps, data volumes, and DNS lookups (unless you use encrypted DNS). HTTPS protects the content of most pages, but it doesn’t hide the “who/when/how much” metadata that can paint a detailed picture of your online habits. A VPN encrypts your traffic and masks your IP, which reduces what your ISP can link back to you. Proof: Irish ISP privacy notice on traffic/location metadata (Three Ireland)
How a VPN Protects You While Browsing in Ireland
The Core VPN Tools That Keep Irish Browsing Safer in 2025
ENCRYPTED VPN TUNNEL
A VPN wraps your internet traffic in an encrypted tunnel, so your browsing data can’t be easily inspected on the network. It’s especially valuable on Irish public Wi-Fi in cafés, hotels, airports, and university campuses.
PRIVATE DNS RESOLUTION
Good VPNs route DNS requests through protected resolvers, helping prevent “DNS snooping” by hotspots or providers. That means fewer clues about what sites you’re visiting while browsing in Ireland.
SHARED IP ADDRESSES
Most VPN servers use shared IPs, where many users appear as the same address. This makes it harder for advertisers and trackers to single you out and build a consistent profile from Irish browsing sessions.
AUTO-CONNECT & ALWAYS-ON
Auto-connect ensures your VPN turns on when you join new networks (like hotel Wi-Fi). Always-on modes reduce accidental “naked browsing” moments when your device reconnects in the background.
DROP & LEAK FAILSAFE
A strong VPN combines a kill switch with leak safeguards to stop traffic if the tunnel fails. If the connection drops for even a second, your real Irish IP is less likely to spill out to websites or apps.
TRACKER & MALWARE BLOCKING
Many VPNs include a “shield” feature that blocks known tracking domains and suspicious links before they load. It’s a simple way to cut down on profiling, popups, and risky click-throughs while browsing in Ireland.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN in Ireland IN 2026?
Yes — VPNs are legal in Ireland, and they’re a mainstream privacy tool
VPNs Are Legal to Use in Ireland
Using a VPN is lawful in Ireland for everyday privacy and security — it’s widely used by people and organisations to protect logins, reduce tracking, and secure connections on public Wi-Fi. A VPN doesn’t make illegal activity “legal”, but simply having and using one is not banned. Proof: Irish National Cyber Security Centre guidance (PDF)
Why People in Ireland Use VPNs
Irish users rely on VPNs to lock down café, airport, and hotel networks, keep browsing more private from ISPs and ad trackers, and safely access personal accounts while travelling. Many also use VPN features like a kill switch, tracker blocking, and split tunnelling to balance privacy with speed on everyday connections.
Legal Jurisdiction: Why Location Matters for Irish Privacy
Navigating Intelligence Alliances and Data Retention Laws
The "Home Base" Determines the Rules
A VPN is legally bound by the laws of the country where it is incorporated. For Irish users, choosing a provider based in a privacy-haven like Panama or the British Virgin Islands offers a legal buffer that prevents foreign courts from easily demanding user data.
Ireland, the EU & The "14 Eyes"
While Ireland is not a member of the "Five Eyes" intelligence alliance, it cooperates closely with EU and UK agencies. A VPN headquartered within the EU is subject to data retention directives that do not apply to offshore providers, making jurisdiction a critical privacy factor.
Independent Audits are the Only Proof
In 2026, a "strict no-logs policy" is just marketing until proven. We prioritise VPNs that have undergone third-party audits by firms like PwC or Deloitte. This verifies that even if the Gardaí or international courts serve a warrant, there is simply no data to hand over.
Seizure-Proof Infrastructure (RAM-Only)
Legal jurisdiction handles the "paperwork," but technology handles the physical threat. Leading VPNs now use RAM-only servers in their Dublin datacentres. If a server is physically seized by authorities, all data is instantly wiped the moment power is cut.
The Ideal Privacy Profile for Ireland
For maximum protection, look for the "Privacy Trifecta": 1) Headquarters outside the EU/14 Eyes, 2) A verified, court-tested no-logs policy, and 3) RAM-only server architecture. This ensures your data remains inaccessible to both hackers and overzealous government agencies.
Can the Government Monitor My Online Activity in Ireland?
What Irish Residents Should Understand About Government Surveillance and Digital Privacy
Agencies Can Seek Access Through Legal Authorisation
In Ireland, law enforcement and state agencies can seek access to certain online data through legal routes such as warrants, court orders, or statutory authorisations. This type of monitoring is generally intended to be targeted and regulated, but it still raises important privacy questions — especially when sensitive communications are involved. For a plain-English overview of how surveillance works in Ireland, see Citizens Information’s guide to questioning and surveillance .
A VPN can improve day-to-day privacy by encrypting your traffic (helpful on public Wi-Fi) and masking your IP address from local networks and ISPs — but it won’t make you “invisible” if you’re subject to a targeted investigation, or if an online service you use is compelled to provide account records. Example: If you’re working from a café in Dublin, a VPN helps protect logins from Wi-Fi snooping, but your app accounts may still be traceable via lawful requests served on the provider.
Who Should Use a VPN in Ireland?
Everyday VPN Scenarios in Ireland: 5 Practical Examples
Families on Shared Home Wi-Fi
Homes in Ireland often have a mix of phones, tablets, laptops, consoles, and smart TVs on one connection. A VPN can add an extra privacy layer across the household, especially when kids are browsing and streaming. Example: A parent in Cork enables a VPN on the home router so everyone’s traffic is encrypted, then switches on tracker-blocking to cut down pop-ups on the kids’ tablets.
Students Using Campus and Café Networks
Shared Wi-Fi is convenient, but it can expose logins and browsing habits to the network owner or other users. A VPN encrypts your connection and helps protect your sessions while studying on the move. Example: A student at Trinity College Dublin turns on a VPN before signing into Moodle, email, and cloud storage from a busy coffee shop to reduce snooping risks.
Journalists, Researchers & Source-Sensitive Work
If you handle drafts, notes, or confidential conversations, a VPN adds protection on networks you don’t control. It’s not a complete anonymity tool, but it can reduce exposure during day-to-day research and communication. Example: A freelance writer in Galway uses a VPN on hotel Wi-Fi to upload documents, access editorial tools, and message sources with the connection encrypted.
Remote Workers & Small Businesses
Admin dashboards, client portals, and payment tools are attractive targets for attackers. A VPN can help protect business logins and reduce the risk of interception when working from coworking spaces or shared offices. Example: A small agency in Dublin uses a VPN when logging into client CRMs and invoice systems from a coworking space, helping keep credentials and sessions protected.
Travellers Using Airports, Hotels, and Trains
Travel Wi-Fi can be poorly secured, and it’s common to sign into email, banking, and travel apps while on the go. A VPN encrypts your traffic so it’s harder for others on the network to spy on your activity. Example: Someone travelling through Dublin Airport enables a VPN before opening boarding passes, checking bank balances, or joining a work call on public Wi-Fi.
How VPNs Protect Your Privacy in Ireland
See how VPNs defend against tracking, surveillance, and profiling in Ireland
Hide Your IP Address & Location
A VPN conceals your real IP and assigns you a virtual one, making it harder for websites, advertisers, and apps to track your location. This helps bypass region blocks, targeted ads, and profiling whether you’re browsing in or outside Ireland.
Stop ISP & Workplace Monitoring
VPN encryption ensures your internet activity can’t be intercepted or logged by ISPs, employers, or university networks. This is crucial for maintaining privacy and preventing bandwidth throttling on Irish connections.
Limit Government Access to Your Data
VPN services operating in privacy-focused jurisdictions outside intelligence-sharing groups can reduce the risk of Irish authorities accessing your browsing data through international agreements.
Reduce Data Profiling from Tech Giants
VPNs help shield your behaviour from major tech firms by blocking third-party cookies, invisible trackers, and browser fingerprinting. This protects your personal data and prevents cross-platform monitoring across Irish and global sites.
Cost Analysis: VPN Pricing in Ireland 2026
What You Should Expect to Pay for Privacy
Market Rates & Subscription Tiers (Jan 2026)
Market Snapshot: Our editorial team audited pricing across top providers on 4 January 2026.
While premium brands (like NordVPN) often cap plans at 2 years, budget providers (like PureVPN or Ivacy) frequently offer exclusive 5-Year Plans. These provide the lowest monthly rate but require a higher upfront payment.
Typical 2026 Price Ranges:
★ 5-Year Plan (Best Value)
Cost: Approx. £1.20 per month
(Equiv. €1.40 – €1.50 | $1.60 – $1.70)
• 2-Year Plan (Standard)
Cost: Approx. £1.75 – £3.90 per month
(Equiv. €2.00 – €4.50 | $2.70 – $6.10)
• 1-Year Plan
Cost: Approx. £3.90 – £6.10 per month
(Equiv. €4.50 – €7.00 | $6.10 – $9.45)
• Monthly Rolling
Cost: Approx. £8.70 – £11.75 per month
(Equiv. €10.00 – €13.50 | $13.50 – $18.25)
Important Note on VAT: Under EU digital goods regulations, Irish residents are subject to 23% VAT. The prices above are typically "headline" rates; expect the final checkout price to include this tax unless you are purchasing via a non-EU billing address.
*Exchange rates calculated on 04/01/2026.
Free vs Paid VPNs: The 2026 Reality for Irish Users
The Hidden Costs of "Free" Services in the EU
The "You Are the Product" Problem
In 2026, running a global server network is expensive. Free providers often cover these costs by logging your browsing data despite "zero cost" claims and selling anonymised metadata to third-party advertisers. Furthermore, free tiers frequently cap bandwidth, rendering your high-speed Irish fibre connection useless for streaming or gaming, and they rarely possess the technology to bypass modern blocks on RTÉ Player or BBC iPlayer.
Paid VPNs: Accountability & Speed
A paid subscription buys you accountability. Premium providers operate on a business model dependent on trust, backed by independent legal audits that prove they do not log your activity. Technically, they offer "unthrottled" 10Gbps servers optimised for the National Broadband Plan, ensuring that encryption doesn't slow you down. You also gain essential tools absent in free versions, such as an automatic Kill Switch and dedicated IP options for banking securely in Ireland.
USING A VPN IN THE REPUBLIC OF IRELAND: FAQS (2026)
Quick answers about legality, privacy, public Wi-Fi safety, Irish IP addresses, and speed in 2026
Is using a VPN legal in the Republic of Ireland?
Yes—VPNs are generally legal in the Republic of Ireland and are widely used for privacy, security, and remote work. A VPN doesn’t make illegal activity legal, so you should still follow Irish law and the terms of the services you use.
Does a VPN hide my browsing from my ISP in Ireland?
A VPN encrypts your traffic, which helps reduce what your ISP can see about the websites you visit. Your ISP may still see that you’re using a VPN and basic connection metadata. For best privacy, use a reputable provider with leak protection.
Should I use a VPN on public Wi-Fi in Ireland (cafes, hotels, airports)?
Yes, it’s a smart security habit. Public Wi-Fi can expose you to snooping or rogue hotspots. A VPN encrypts your connection, helping protect logins and sensitive activity like email, banking, and work accounts—especially while traveling.
Can a VPN give me an Irish IP address when I’m abroad?
Yes—if your VPN provider offers servers in Ireland, connecting to one typically gives you an Irish IP address. This can help with Ireland-only websites or apps while traveling, although some platforms may block VPN IPs, so switching servers can help.
Will a VPN slow down my internet in Ireland, and how do I keep it fast?
A small slowdown is possible because encryption and routing add overhead, but a fast VPN on a nearby server can still feel quick for streaming and browsing. For best speeds, choose a close server, use modern protocols (like WireGuard where available), and test a couple of locations to find the best route.