Browse by county
Each county page lists the services we could verify against an official source, and when we last checked. More counties are listed further down.
No clinic listed for your county? That means we couldn't verify one, not that you can't get tested. Use the nearest listed clinic, or test at home — that covers the whole Republic of Ireland.
You can also test at home, free
If a clinic doesn't suit you, SH:24 posts you a free kit. You take the samples, post them back, and SH:24 sends your results. Free if you're 17 or over and live in the Republic of Ireland.
You order directly from SH:24, which runs this service with the HSE. In Northern Ireland?
Browse by county
Each county page lists the services we could verify against an official source, and when we last checked. More counties are listed further down.
No clinic listed for your county? That means we couldn't verify one, not that you can't get tested. Use the nearest listed clinic, or test at home — that covers the whole Republic of Ireland.
You can also test at home, free
If a clinic doesn't suit you, SH:24 posts you a free kit. You take the samples, post them back, and SH:24 sends your results. Free if you're 17 or over and live in the Republic of Ireland.
You order directly from SH:24, which runs this service with the HSE. In Northern Ireland?
Free vs. Private: Which Is Right for You?
Ireland has both free HSE sexual health services and private clinics. Here's a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | HSE / Free Clinics | Your GP | Private Clinic |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | ✓ Free | ~ €50–70 (waived with medical card) | € €50–150+ |
| Appointment needed | ~ Usually | ✓ Yes | ✓ Often same-day |
| Wait time | ~ Can be 1–4 weeks | ~ A few days | ✓ Usually same day |
| Full STI screen | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (may refer for some tests) | ✓ Yes |
| Confidential | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Treatment on-site | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes (most) | ✓ Yes |
| Partner notification support | ✓ Yes | ~ Sometimes | ~ Sometimes |
💡 Tip: What to Request at Your Appointment
Ask for a "full STI screen" — this typically covers chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis B/C. If you want to be tested for herpes, trichomoniasis, or mycoplasma genitalium, ask specifically — they're not always included in the standard panel.
Free HSE Sexual Health Clinics
These services are funded by the HSE and free to attend, regardless of income or medical card status. Services are confidential and non-judgmental.
GUIDE Clinic
📍 St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8
One of Ireland's leading specialist GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics. Offers full STI screening, HIV testing, PrEP, and treatment. Walk-in and appointment.
Mater Clinic
📍 Mater Hospital, Dublin 7
Free sexual health clinic offering STI testing and treatment. Includes HIV testing and hepatitis screening.
Contact via Mater Hospital main number
Dean Clinic
📍 Cork University Hospital, Cork
Free GUM clinic serving Cork and the South. Full STI screen, HIV testing, treatment, and specialist referral available.
Contact via CUH main number
Galway University Hospital GUM Clinic
📍 Galway University Hospital, Galway
Free sexual health services for the West of Ireland. Full STI screening and treatment.
Contact via GUH main number
HSE STI Clinic Limerick
📍 University Hospital Limerick
Free GUM and sexual health services for the Midwest region. Testing, treatment, and referrals.
Contact via UHL
Testing via Your GP
Your own GP can arrange an STI screen. This is often the most convenient option, especially outside major cities. Most GPs can test for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV, and hepatitis, and can prescribe treatment directly.
Your Family Doctor (GP)
📍 Nationwide
Ask for an "STI screen" at your next appointment or book specifically for it. Consultation cost typically €50–70. Free with a medical card or GP Visit Card.
All GP consultations are strictly confidential.
Free HSE Home Testing Kits
📍 Online — nationwide
The HSE offers free at-home STI testing for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and HIV in some regions. Order online, post your sample, and receive results confidentially.
Private Sexual Health Clinics
Private clinics typically offer same-day appointments and faster results. Providers set their own prices and what's included varies — check the provider's published price list before booking. Useful if you need results quickly or can't access a free clinic nearby.
Dublin Well Woman Centre
📍 Dublin (3 locations)
Women's health clinic offering sexual health services including STI testing, contraception, and reproductive health.
Online / Postal Testing Services
📍 Nationwide
Several private services (Fettle, SH:24, Let's Get Checked) offer postal STI testing with online results. Costs vary — typically €40–100. Useful for rural areas.
Search "postal STI test Ireland" for current providers.
Find a Clinic Using the HSE Tool
The HSE maintains an up-to-date clinic finder tool on their sexual wellbeing website. It lists all free and publicly funded sexual health services by county.
What to Expect at a Clinic
If you've never been to a sexual health clinic before, here's what typically happens:
- Registration: You give your name (or you can remain anonymous at some clinics) and a brief history of recent sexual activity.
- Consultation: A nurse or doctor will ask about your symptoms, last sexual contact, and risk factors. This is completely confidential.
- Testing: Depending on your situation, this might involve a urine sample, blood draw, genital or throat/anal swab, or a combination.
- Results: Some results come back in minutes (rapid HIV tests); others take a few days. The clinic will tell you how and when to expect results.
- Treatment: If anything is found, treatment is usually available on the same day or shortly after.
Clinics are designed to be non-judgmental spaces. You don't need to feel embarrassed about why you're there or how many partners you've had.
See also: PEP within 72 hours.
Sources
- HSE — Sexual health services and clinics
- HSE — Sexual health (free home STI testing eligibility)
- SH:24 — sh24.ie
Checked 10 September 2026. Opening hours and contact details change — ring ahead before you travel.
Sources
- HSE — Sexual health services and clinics
- HSE — Sexual health (free home STI testing eligibility)
- SH:24 — sh24.ie
Checked 10 September 2026. Opening hours and contact details change — ring ahead before you travel.