IrelandCan I get a refund for an unwanted online subscription through small claims in Ireland?
Yes, you can sue for a refund of an unwanted online subscription in Ireland’s Small Claims Court if the amount claimed is €2,000 or less and you’ve tried to resolve it directly with the provider first.
What the Law Says
The Small Claims Court in Ireland provides a fast, low-cost way for consumers to recover modest sums without needing a solicitor. It operates under the Courts (Supplemental Provisions) Act 1961 and the European Union (Consumer Information, Cancellation and Additional Charges) Regulations 2013.
Under Regulation 10 of the 2013 Regulations, consumers have a 14-day cooling-off period for distance contracts — including online subscriptions — during which they may cancel and receive a full refund. The trader must reimburse all payments within 14 days of cancellation.
If the subscription was mis-sold, lacked clear pricing, or failed to provide required pre-contract information, it may breach the Consumer Protection Act 2007, which prohibits misleading or aggressive commercial practices.
The Small Claims Court is part of the District Court and handles claims up to €2,000. It is governed by the District Court (Small Claims) Rules 1997 (S.I. No. 54 of 1997), which set out simplified procedures for consumers.
Statutory TextThe trader shall reimburse all payments received from the consumer within 14 days of the consumer’s notification of cancellation.
— S.I. No. 105 of 2013, Regulation 10(2)
What to Do
Contact the subscription provider in writing (email or letter) requesting cancellation and a full refund — keep a copy and note the date.
If they refuse or ignore you, gather evidence: screenshots of terms, payment receipts, cancellation attempts, and any misleading marketing.
Download and complete Form SC1 (Small Claim Application Form) from the Courts Service website.
Submit the form and €25 fee to your local District Court office; the court will notify the provider and schedule a hearing.
Attend the hearing prepared with your evidence — no legal representation is required, and decisions are usually issued within 2 weeks.
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Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-10-11.