How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland [Easy Guide]

Are you thinking about Is BBC iplayer is available in Ireland? Sadly, no, BBC iPlayer is unavailable in Ireland due to licensing issues and broadcasting rights, but with the help of a VPN like ExpressVPN, you can easily watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

Want to watch the top shows like Peaky Blinders, His Dark Materials, Killing Eve, and Braveheart on BBC iPlayer, but can’t find a way out to watch them while residing in Ireland? We have a solution for you. Keep reading!

A VPN helps you replace your Irish IP address with a UK IP address, allowing you to access all the content on BBC iPlayer. So nothing can stop you from watching your favorite hero on the big screen.

We tested 20 plus VPNs and have shortlisted the top 3 VPNs that work perfectly to unblock the restrictions on BBC iPlayer.

Let’s begin our quick guide without any further wait!

How To Watch BBC iPlayer Ireland with a VPN? [Quick Guide]

Why do you need a VPN to access BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

You need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to watch BBC iPlayer in a country like Ireland because it is a geo-restricted platform only accessible to subscribers in the United Kingdom. Due to content licensing policies and copyright agreements, you cannot watch the content on this platform outside the UK.

You will receive an error message when you try accessing any show or movie on the BBC iPlayer in Sweden or in Ireland without a VPN.

This content is not available in your location.

Therefore, the solution is to use a VPN. It will hide your current IP address. For example, when you access the BBC iPlayer website after connecting to the United Kingdom server on a VPN, it will assume that you are located in the United Kingdom and will allow you to access all the content.

We recommend using a reliable BBC iPlayer VPN outside the UK in Ireland. Our best choice VPN is ExpressVPN. It is fast, secure, and reliable in unblocking all the major streaming platforms. Connect to the UK Dockland server on ExpressVPN to instantly unblock BBC iPlayer and binge-watch your favorite movies. With ExpressVPN, you can also unblock BBC iPlayer in Spain.

How do we sign up for the BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

It is easy to sign up for BBC iPlayer in Ireland, follow these steps on how to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland for free.

Best VPNs to Unblock BBC iPlayer from Ireland – Detailed Overview (2023)

We tested 20 plus VPN services in the market to find the best VPNs for unblocking BBC iPlayer from Ireland.

BBC iPlayer is intelligent in detecting VPN users and blocking them. So the VPN you are using must be capable of unblocking the geo-restrictions on BBC iPlayer. We only recommend paid VPNs because they are fast and reliable.

Here is our recommendation on the three best VPNs to unblock BBC iPlayer from Ireland:

 1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Watching BBC iPlayer in Ireland

ExpressVPN is among the best VPN for BBC iPlayer in Ireland because of its fast-speed UK servers and unique unblocking capabilities. When we connected to the UK, Dockland server on ExpressVPN, we could watch BBC iPlayer easily.

ExpressVPN quickly unblocked BBC iPlayer in Ireland

ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in 94+ countries, including 4 server locations in the United Kingdom (Dockland, London, and East London). All the servers of ExpressVPN are highly optimized and offer super-fast speed for streaming in Ultra HD.

When we connected to ExpressVPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland, the upload speed was 89.45, and the download speed was 92.26 on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

ExpressVPN successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer with this speed.

It unblocks all the major streaming services like American Netflix anywhere, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, Hulu, etc. With this VPN, you can enjoy streaming your favorite content on any platform while residing in Ireland.

It offers unlimited bandwidth for streaming and robust security features to ensure your digital privacy. We enjoyed watching Not Okay on Hulu with ExpressVPN.

The VPN is supported on Windows, Chromecast, Firefox, Edge, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. You can easily connect up to five devices on one ExpressVPN account. For the devices like Smart TVs or gaming consoles that do not support using a VPN, ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer feature.

The customer service of ExpressVPN is excellent. They have 24/7 live chat support. If you are unhappy with the service, you can claim a refund within 30-days. The price of ExpressVPN is US$ 6.67/mo - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan.

2. Surfshark – Affordable VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Ireland

Surfshark is the pocket-friendly VPN to watch BBC iPlayer Ireland. The cost of the two-year plan is US$ 2.30/mo - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan.

It is the only VPN service provider that offers unlimited device connections simultaneously on one Surfshark account. It means you can share your account with friends and family.

Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 65+ countries. It has servers in 3 UK locations (Manchester, London, and Glasgow. We enjoyed seamless BBC iPlayer streaming when connected to the Manchester server on Surfshark.

Surfshark seamlessly unblocked BBC iPlayer in Ireland

It gave us a downloading speed of 88.48 and an uploading speed of 79.42 on a 100 Mbps connection.

Surfshark successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer with this speed.

Surfshark app is compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, FireTV, Apple TV, and routers. In addition, it offers a 7-day free trial on Android and iOS devices.

Surfshark uses Private DNS to protect all your online activities. The RAM-only servers of Surfshark are designed to ensure a zero-log policy. In addition, clean Web technology and GFS spoofing help Surfshark provide buffer-free streaming.

The VPN service can unblock other streaming services in Ireland like ESPN Plus, Crave, Sling TV, Starz Play, etc. We loved watching The Only on Paramount Plus with Surfshark.Additionally, you can use this server to access USTV and Disney Plus in Europe.

3. NordVPN– Largest Server Network to Watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland

NordVPN is among our list of best VPNs for BBC iPlayer because of its largest server network. All the servers of NordVPN are super fast and reliable. It offers 5543+ servers in 94+ countries.

In the UK, NordVPN has 440 plus servers. We connected to server #2267, which instantly unblocked our desired platform – BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

NordVPN easily unblocked BBC iPlayer in the UK

When we conducted a speed test on it, the upload speed was 79.42, and the download speed was 86.49 on a 100 Mbps connection.

NordVPN successfully unblocked BBC iPlayer with this speed.

To enhance its users’ browsing experience, NordVPN also offers an extension. In addition, NordLynx, the built-in protocol of NordVPN, provides fast connection speeds and complete online privacy.

The NordVPN app can be used with OS like Android, Mac, iOS, Windows, and Linux. You can also use the Roku, Comcast, and Fire TV Stick VPN services.

When connected on NordVPN, we could watch shows and movies on ABC TV, YouTube TV, and Sky Go. With this VPN, you can watch BBC in various countries, like BBC iPlayer in India, BBC iPlayer in Sweden and BBC iplayer in Germany.

The subscription price of NordVPN is US$ 2.30/mo - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan. It offers 24/7 live chat and a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you are unsatisfied with the service, you can claim a refund.

Is a TV license needed to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

Yes, you need a TV licence to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland. However, the streaming platform is funded by the citizens of the UK. Therefore, it is a policy that only those people who contribute can watch the shows and movies on BBC iPlayer.

It is frustrating for those Brits who live abroad because even if they pay for the licence, they still cannot get away from being blocked.

But, there is nothing to worry about. We have VPNs as the best solution to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland without having a TV licence. We recommend using ExpressVPN to get BBC iPlayer in Ireland without any hassle.

Compatible devices with BBC iPlayer

Almost all the major devices are compatible with BBC iPlayer, the British streaming platform. Here is the list of devices for a glance:

How to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland on Android?

It is easy to watch BBC iPlayer on the Android app. Your Android device must be operating on the Android 5 OS or advance.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS in Ireland?

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer shows and movies on iOS devices in Ireland. The application is not available on App Store in Ireland. You need to create a different iCloud account with the UK as your location. To watch BBC iPlayer on iPhone or iPad, it must be operating on iOS 12 and more.

How To Get BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in Ireland?

Yes, you can get BBC iPlayer on Apple TV in Ireland.

Configure your router with a reliable VPN service such as ExpressVPN to get the BBC iPlayer Ireland app on Apple TV.

How to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland on Fire Stick?

You can easily watch BBC IPlayer in Ireland on Firestick if it operates on Fire 5 or above.

How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland on Kodi?

By downloading the iPlayer WWW addon from the official Kodi repository, you may also watch BBC iPlayer on Kodi.

What channels do you get on BBC iPlayer?

The channels available on BBC iPlayer are BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, BBC News, BBC Parliament, Cbeebies, CBBC, and BBC Alba.

Channels on BBC iPlayer

What can I watch on BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

There is a vast variety of shows and movies on BBC iPlayer in Ireland. From original shows to blockbuster movies, news, and documentaries, there is a lot to enjoy on this fantastic streaming platform.

New shows on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer has great new shows released or about to release in 2023. Here is the list of best shows on BBC iPlayer in 2023:

Films on BBC iPlayer

Here is the list of  best films on BBC iPlayer in 2023:

Documentaries on BBC iPlayer

Here are the best Documentaries:

• Russia’s torture prison
• Lion the rise and fall of the marsh pride
• Frozen Planet
• Your Queen
• Panorama
• The Queen and Us

Sports on BBC iPlayer

The sports on BBC iPlayer are:

• Premier League
• Formula 1
• Cricket
• Hockey
• Football
• Golf

How to watch BBC shows in Ireland without iPlayer

When it relates to watching BBC television programs, Irish citizens are not completely shut out. Live TV has obviously never been a problem — Irish residents have had access to it for years — but catch-up requires a subscription.

Sky TV is the greatest option for Irish citizens to use to view BBC programs on demand.

With 18 channels, including Sky Sports, which broadcasts the NFL, Rugby, Golf, Premier League, Formula 1, cricket, and many more sports, it’s a great package and starts at €30 a month.

The best part is the Sky Go streaming platform, which offers apps for various gadgets like iPads, PlayStations, Android, Xboxes, and Fire TV Sticks and has BBC and other British programs.

What are the alternatives to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

We have compared BBC iPlayer with a few OTTs to make it easier for you to choose which OTT to purchase.

Why does the BBC block people from Ireland from accessing BBC iPlayer service?

Why does the BBC prevent Irish citizens from using the BBC iPlayer service?
It is safe to say that the BBC is in top form heading into 2023, whether it was taking in the incredible performances on RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, watching the most recent Premier League drama on Match of the Day, or watching the boys from Top Gear take on the craziest challenges imaginable. However, due to rights issues, international viewers are sadly unable to stream this type of BBC content.

People living in Ireland miss out on things like the catch-up service, access to news programs, the “watch from start” feature, and some excellent drama because they can’t access the BBC iPlayer.

True, numerous individuals can access the

BBC iPlayer Ireland: FAQs

Wrapping Up

It is easy to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland with the help of a VPN. However, due to content distribution laws, watching the shows and movies on BBC iPlayer with an Irish IP address is impossible.

The best VPN for streaming is ExpressVPN – fast and reliable. We hope our quick guide will help you use a VPN to watch the top shows and movies like Magic Mike, Line of Duty, Torch Wood, and many others on BBC iPlayer.

Without any doubt, BBC iPlayer is one of the best streaming services. The cherry on top is that you can watch BBC iPlayer Ireland free. 

If you want to ask any questions, feel free to ask in the comments section.

Chris Mack

Chris is a technology and entertainment writer whose main interests revolve around the art of writing and expression. He loves writing research-based articles in different niches and translating his thoughts into words that inspire others.