How to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland
Chris
Chris, a UK-born media connoisseur, is an expert in watching international TV. Known as "The Global Screen Wanderer", he has travelled extensively across the globe with long stints away from home. With over 10 years of experience he has become the go-to guru for streaming content from home and abroad.
The UK has some of the best channels available, and their catch up services are outstanding. Whether it’s the BBC, Channel 4, ITV, or even Channel 5, there’s something for everyone.
BBC iPlayer is without question one of the best streaming services in the world. However, gaining access to it in Ireland is anything but “best”.
Unfortunately, even though BBC iPlayer is just from the neighbouring UK it’s blocked in Ireland. Now the UK has left the EU, it means it’s not even part of EU portability regulations that let you access other member state’s TV services.
That means, sadly, BBC iPlayer officially is inaccessible along with all of its content.
So if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland, what can you do?
Well, the good news is you can use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) that will allow you to connect to server locations around the world (including UK server options).
You’ll be changing your virtual location (IP address), by connecting to a UK server and using a host of UK IP addresses to make it appear as if you’re in the UK.
One of the many benefits of using a VPN is you can watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland. So what are you waiting for? Let’s find out how.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?
When you try to access British TV content such as the BBC iPlayer website in the Republic of Ireland (or any other countries outside the UK) you’re blocked from watching. Instead of being able to access BBC TV content, you’re hit with an annoying block message that looks something a little like this:
That means you’re missing out on some of BBC’s best programmes such as Doctor Who, Fawlty Towers, Blue Planet, and many other great shows.
To avoid this block and access BBC iPlayer from Ireland you’ll need to get yourself a VPN from a provider like ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN has a very large server base that you’ll be able to connect to from Ireland. Selecting a UK server has never been easier and in general, the user experience is great. You’ll have a UK IP address in no time and will be streaming BBC from their global iPlayer from Ireland in double quick time.
VPN apps are available for all types of devices from regular computers running Windows or Mac OS all the way through to phones and tablet such as Android and Apple (iPad & iPhone).
It’s even possible to watch on a Smart TV and you can read further down in this guide for details on how to do that.
A VPN is going to set you back a couple of Euro per month and nearly every VPN service charges in US Dollars.
However, if you’re a little sceptical you can just sign up for 1-month to try and most services offer a money-back guarantee if you can’t get it working.
ExpressVPN is one of the best VPN services you can use to access BBC iPlayer which has all of the BBC’s programmes from each of their live channels.
30-day money back guarantee
How to unblock BBC iPlayer in Ireland Step-by-Step
Just follow the 4 steps below and you can be watching one of the best streaming services, BBC iPlayer from Ireland in just a few minutes.
- Visit our recommended VPN provider ExpressVPN by clicking here and sign up for their service (the most cost-effective service plan is their 12-month option). They offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if you’re not happy or you can’t get it working.
- Go to the Products area of the website and download and install ExpressVPN to your device. If you’re using a tablet or mobile device, you’ll find ExpressVPN in your app store.
- Open the app and from the server list select a United Kingdom (UK) server.
- Click the Connect button if it doesn’t automatically connect.
It will take less than 10 seconds for the ExpressVPN application to make a connection to the United Kingdom (UK). Once you’re connected all that’s left to do is visit the BBC iPlayer website on your computer or open the application on your mobile device.
If you want to check out a few other VPN providers that are suitable for watching BBC iPlayer from Ireland then also take a look at NordVPN and CyberGhost.
How do I get BBC iPlayer in Ireland on Firestick?
To get BBC iPlayer on your Firestick while you’re in Ireland, you’ll need to use a Virtual Private Network app like ExpressVPN as explained above.
ExpressVPN is one of the few VPN apps that work on Firestick, as not many do and a lot of them can be hit and miss.
Follow the step by step guide above and then download the VPN app to your Fire TV or Firestick.
It’s worth noting that you might need to watch BBC iPlayer through the Firestick web browser or via another browser such as Firefox as BBC iPlayer doesn’t always work directly through the BBC iPlayer app.
Best of all, it’s very easy to set up, you don’t need to be a whizz with technology to use a VPN to virtually change your location by giving yourself a new IP address.
What if I don’t have the app installed?
You don’t need any additional apps to watch on a computer or laptop but if you want to watch on a tablet or phone you’ll need the BBC iPlayer app.
You may be blocked from installing from the app store because you’re not in the UK. If this is the case then for Android you can download the app directly here.
For an Apple device, you’ll need to read a guide on how to install apps outside their intended country.
How to watch iPlayer on a Smart TV in Ireland
If you’ve got a Smart Television and you’ve wondered how to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland on it then there are a few requirements. To do this you’ll need:
- A Smart Television with the BBC iPlayer app already installed on it.
- An internet connection (obviously).
- The ability to change your ‘DNS Settings’.
To check if you can change the ‘DNS Settings’ on your TV you should search Google for the make and model of your TV plus the word ‘DNS Settings’ to see if you can find instructions on how to change them. Usually, these settings are under the Network Settings of your TV.
Most TVs such as Sony Smart TVs, Panasonic TVs and Samsung TVs allow you to change the DNS Settings.
Once you’ve confirmed you can change the DNS Settings on your TV just follow the steps below.
- Visit the website of ExpressVPN and sign up for their service.
- Once you’ve signed up use your account details to sign in the DNS Settings section of your account..
- Register your IP Address with their service and follow any further instructions.
- From the MediaStreamer section write down MediaStreamer IP #1 and MediaStreamer IP #2.
- On your, Smart Television go to edit the DNS settings and change the current settings to the numbers you wrote down and save them. You may want to copy down the current numbers already entered on your Smart Television in case you want to revert back to the originals.
- If required, restart your TV.
You will now be able to open the BBC iPlayer app on your Smart Television and watch any show you want.
In Summary
If you’ve been wondering how to watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland or any other UK channels, then look no further.
It’s really easy to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland, all you’ll need is an app called a VPN and a few minutes of your time. You can get our recommended VPN by pressing the button below.
If you’ve got a Smart TV and want to watch BBC iPlayer on that in Ireland then just read the steps in the section above in this guide.
You’ll be watching the best that British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) has to offer. Whether it’s the BBC catch up service (BBC iPlayer) or live TV (BBC 1, BBC 2, etc) you’ll be able to access it all on your streaming device, no matter your location.
So if you’re Irish and British TV is your thing, use ExpressVPN to gain access to all of the good stuff the BBC has to offer.
So now that you can watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland until your heart is content, what will you be watching first and what will you be watching most? We would love to hear in the comments section below.
