They have been managing the .ie country code Top Level Domain (ccTLD) namespace since 1991. Their work includes protecting, supporting and promoting the online presence of all .ie domain names.
They originated in University College Dublin. They became a private company in July 2000. They have no shareholders. The company is owned by its members who are the directors. This structure, being limited by guarantee, is a very common one for domain registries around the world. Surpluses are not distributed, they are added to opening reserves. Directors, as per the company's constitution, do not have a "beneficial interest" in the reserves of the company.
Only IE Domain Registry can administer and manage the .ie namespace. These acts are undertaken as a public service. They liaise as required with government departments, governing bodies, trade associations and abide by Internet best practice principles while still operating as an independent private company.