Evaluating Amazon Prime: Benefits and Costs for Residents of Ireland

If you’re living in the Republic of Ireland, chances are you’ve heard about Amazon Prime, either from friends and family who are members or through various media channels. But beyond the streaming options available, what other benefits does Amazon Prime offer? In this article, we will explore the ins and outs of Amazon Prime, helping you decide whether it’s a worthwhile investment for you.

What is Amazon Prime?

Amazon Prime is a subscription service that provides a variety of benefits, including access to movies and TV shows through Prime Video, free delivery on eligible items, and other exclusive perks. For those in Ireland, the service functions similarly to its UK counterpart, albeit with some differences.

Pricing Structure

For Irish residents, Amazon Prime is priced at £8.99 per month or £95 per year, both amounts charged in Pounds Sterling. Opting for the annual subscription saves you approximately £1.07 per month, making it £7.92 per month if paid upfront.

Benefits of Amazon Prime

• Unlimited Priority Delivery: Enjoy unlimited priority delivery on eligible items, with deliveries typically taking two days instead of the one-day service available in the UK.
• Amazon Prime Video: While the complete Prime Video catalogue is exclusive to UK and Channel Island residents, Irish members can access a robust selection of movies and TV shows through PrimeVideo.com.
• Unlimited Photo Storage: Store your photos with 5GB of video and photo storage included. You have the option to upgrade for additional storage as needed.
• Amazon Music Prime: Access over two million tracks without ads, complete with genre-specific stations and curated playlists. This streaming service is not the same as Amazon Music Unlimited but offers a decent selection.
• Prime Reading: Access a collection of over 1,000 magazines, comics, and books without needing a Kindle. The Kindle app is available for both Apple and Android devices.
• Prime Gaming: Enjoy gaming perks such as free game downloads and in-game content when you link your Amazon Prime account with Twitch.
• Amazon Household: Share your Prime benefits with up to two adults and four children, making it a family-friendly option.
• Try Before You Buy: This feature allows you to try on clothes and shoes at home before making a purchase, giving you a week to decide which items to keep.

International Options

Another option for Irish residents is to subscribe to Amazon Prime Germany, which offers slightly lower pricing at EUR 89.90 per year or EUR 8.99 per month. However, keep in mind that shipping fees apply for deliveries to Ireland, costing €5.00 per item plus an additional €1.30 per kilogram, which may negate the savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much is Amazon Prime in Ireland? The subscription costs £8.99 per month or £95 per year.
• Can I get a free trial? Yes, if you haven’t been a Prime member in the last year, you can start a 30-day free trial to explore the benefits.
• Can I cancel my subscription? Yes, you can cancel at any time through your Amazon account settings.

In summary, while Amazon Prime offers a range of benefits such as fast delivery, a vast selection of streaming content, and other digital perks, its value ultimately depends on your individual needs and usage patterns. If you frequently shop on Amazon and enjoy streaming content, it could be a valuable addition to your lifestyle. And with a free trial available, you can easily test it out to see if it meets your expectations.