How To Watch BBC iPlayer In Ireland In December 2023?

BBC-iPlayer-Ireland

Are you travelling and wondering is BBC showing in Ireland? No, while BBC iPlayer offers a vast array of high-quality content, including popular shows and live sports, it’s not directly accessible in Ireland due to geo-restrictions.

But there’s a workaround! Our guide shows you how to get BBC iPlayer in Ireland free by using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. By connecting to a UK server, you can enjoy everything from gripping dramas to hilarious comedies and live sports events.

Irish viewers can access various BBC channels through satellite providers like Sky or cable services. Additionally, some BBC content is available through the RTÉ and TG4 channels in Ireland.

We’ll help you easily navigate the steps to stream your favorite shows on BBC iPlayer in Ireland, opening a world of endless entertainment possibilities.


How To Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland Using a VPN?

Discover the simplest way to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland with our easy-to-follow guide.

Here’s a quick step-by-step process to learn how to get BBC in Ireland:

  1. Choose and subscribe to a VPN service. We highly recommend ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
  3. Connect to a UK server to obtain a UK IP address. (Recommended: Docklands server)
  4. Navigate to the official website of BBC iPlayer or app and sign in or register.
  5. Select your desired show or live broadcast and start streaming.

Note: Don’t miss out on ExpressVPN’s exclusive offer – 3 extra months FREE on 12-month plan, a saving of 49%!

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If you don’t have a BBC iPlayer subscription in Ireland, it’s very easy to register for a BBC iPlayer account. Read our guide further to know can you get BBC iPlayer in Ireland for free.


Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

Accessing BBC iPlayer in Ireland requires a VPN due to geo-restrictions imposed by the service. A VPN masks your IP address, making it appear as if you’re in the UK, thus bypassing geographical limitations.

Moreover, VPNs encrypt your internet connection, protecting your online activities from being monitored or tracked.

So, can I use VPN to watch BBC iPlayer? Yes, with a VPN, not only can you access BBC iPlayer, but also other UK-based services and channels, expanding your streaming options.

If you try to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland without VPN in Ireland, you will receive the following error message:

“BBC iPlayer only works in the UK. Sorry, it’s due to rights issues.”

watch-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland-without-vpn-geo-restriction-error

BBC iPlayer can not be accessed in Ireland.

Not all VPNs need to be able to unblock BBC iPlayer. Some VPNs can easily get detected by BBC iPlayer using its VPN-detecting technologies.

The servers that are used frequently, due to a limited number of servers available, are easily identified by iPlayer using their IP addresses and are blacklisted.

So, if you’re still wondering,  how does BBC iPlayer work in Ireland? It is simple: just subscribe to our premium VPN service ExpressVPN, and get smooth access to BBC iPlayer outside UK in seconds.

It has the best security features with blazing-fast servers all over the world.


How do I Create a BBC iPlayer Account in Ireland? [Easy Steps]

You can watch BBC in Ireland online, but first, you need an account on the platform. You can easily register and learn how to watch BBC in Ireland for free by following the steps below.

  1. First, go to the BBC iPlayer website and click on the “Sign in” option. This will redirect you to a new page.
    how-to-get-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland-homepage-click-sign-in

    By clicking ‘Sign in,’ you will be redirected to a new page!

  2. Next, click on the “Register Now” option and start the registration process.
    click-on-dont-have-a-account-when-accessing-BBC-iPlayer-Ireland

    Start the registration process!

  3. Enter your personal information, including your age, date of birth, name, email address, and postal code. For the postal code, you can use SW1A 1AA for London, E1 OAA for East London, and E16 2JE for Docklands.
    register-by-providing-your-personal-info-in-Ireland

    Provide your details, including your DOB and valid email address!

  4. After entering all these details, select the “Register” option, verify your email, and you’re done.
  5. Now you can watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland free.

Note: You don’t need a TV licence to watch BBC iPlayer if you use a VPN service in Ireland.


Which VPN is Best To Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland? [Complete Analysis]

To enhance your streaming experience of BBC iPlayer in Ireland, choosing the right VPN is crucial. We have selected the top 3 VPNs to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

Each of these VPNs has been tested for its ability to consistently unblock BBC iPlayer, providing you with uninterrupted access to your favorite shows and movies. We recommend these VPNs for their exceptional performance, speed, and reliability.

Let’s discuss the features of each of them in detail.


ExpressVPN: The Best VPN To Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland

ExpressVPN is the recommended BBC iPlayer VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland; renowned for its exceptional ability to bypass geo-restrictions and fastest streaming servers in the UK, ExpressVPN ensures that you can access your favorite BBC iPlayer shows seamlessly.

ExpressVPN boasts a large network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries countries with an impressive array of UK servers, including those in Docklands, London, and Wembley.

These servers are not only reliable for accessing BBC iPlayer but also offer high streaming speeds, crucial for a buffer-free viewing experience.

To test ExpressVPN’s unblocking capability, we connected to the UK Docklands server and were able to unblock BBC iPlayer Ireland free with a single click.

expressvpn-unblocking-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland

Connect to the Docklands server of ExpressVPN for the best streaming experience.

Recommended Servers: Docklands, London, East London

We also tested ExpressVPN for Ireland, its speed on a 100 Mbps connection, and received a blazing-fast download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps, which is great for streaming.

We got remarkable speed results from ExpressVPN on a 100 Mbps base connection.

ExpressVPN-Speed-Test-for-bbc-iplayer-ireland

We got remarkable speed results from ExpressVPN on a 100 Mbps base connection.

Security is a paramount concern, and ExpressVPN addresses this with advanced features like 256-bit AES encryption, Private DNS Leak prevention, a no-logs policy, and a kill switch.

Also, SmartPlay technology and ISP throttling, ExpressVPN ensures that your online activities remain private and secure, protecting you from any potential online threats while streaming.

For the best streaming experience, ExpressVPN offers a MediaStreamer feature that conceals your original location and lets you access geo-restricted content with fast speeds on devices that do not offer native VPN support.

ExpressVPN can be used on 8 devices simultaneously, and it is compatible with multiple operating systems like iOS, macOS, Windows, and Android. Similarly, it is highly compatible with popular devices, including Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Comcast, and more.

ExpressVPN offers a range of pricing options to suit different needs. Its most popular plan is priced competitively with a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring you get the best value for your money.

Exclusive Deals: 

ScreenBinge readers can enjoy 3 extra months FREE with ExpressVPN’s 12-month plan (saving of 49%)! A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.

Pros
  • Unblocks Hulu, Netflix, and other streaming services
  • Ultra-fast speed, even streaming in HD or 4K quality
  • Reliable servers in 150+ countries
  • Allows 8 simultaneous connections
  • World-class privacy and security with no activity logs or connection logs
  • Built-in password manager, ExpressVPN Keys, to help secure your passwords
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons
  • Slightly more pricer than other VPNs, but you get what you paid for


Surfshark: Budget-Friendly VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer Ireland

Best Deal December 2023: Get Surfshark for US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee for a limited time only!

Surfshark is an affordable VPN that allows you to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland. Surfshark offers an unbeatable combination of affordability and quality, making it an ideal choice for budget-conscious users.

It stands out not just for its cost-effectiveness but also for its reliable performance in bypassing geo-restrictions.

Its ability to provide consistent access to BBC iPlayer without compromising on quality is a big advantage, so you can enjoy your favorite British shows and movies on BBC iPlayer without breaking the bank.

To test its unblocking performance, we tried accessing BBC iPlayer by connecting to Surfshark’s Manchester server, and we could access the streaming platform instantly in Ireland.

surfshark-unblock-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland

We connected to Surfshark’s Manchester server and watched our favorite series on BBC iPlayer.

Recommended Servers: Manchester, London, Glasgow

In terms of speed, Surfshark managed to offer a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Surfshark-Speed-Test-Result-for-bbc-iplayer-ireland

We received a fast streaming speed with Surfshark on a 100 Mbps connection.

This speed is crucial not only for accessing BBC iPlayer but also for other geo-restricted streaming platforms in Ireland, providing a versatile streaming solution.

Surfshark’s network has over 3200+ servers in more than 100+ countries, including strategically positioned UK servers, which are optimized for streaming.

These servers, located in cities like London, Glasgow, and Manchester, offer high-speed connections, ensuring a smooth and buffer-free streaming experience so you can unblock BBC iPlayer smoothly.

We do not recommend watching BBC iPlayer in Ireland without a VPN. Therefore, we highly recommend Surfshark’s Manchester server due to its low server load.

Security is a top priority for Surfshark. It offers features like AES-256-GCM encryption, a strict no-logs policy, and a kill switch.

These features ensure that your online activities remain secure and private, adding an extra layer of protection while you stream with various devices, including Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Comcast, etc.

Moreover, with features like GPS Spoofing and CleanWeb technology, Surfshark provides a hassle-free streaming experience.

It is compatible with multiple operating systems like iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, etc. Surfshark welcomes new customers with a 30-day risk-free trial period.

Surfshark’s pricing is highly competitive, offering great service value, making it an affordable option for accessing high-quality VPN services. So, take advantage of the deal and make the most of it.

Exclusive Deals: 

ScreenBinge readers can get 86% off +4 months FREE with Surfshark 24-months plan! All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros
  • Affordable prices
  • Unlimited simultaneous connection
  • Chat support is available 24/7 for problem-solving
  • 256-bit AES channel encryption and no logging problems
  • Money back guarantee of 30 days is available

Cons
  • Weak social media presence


NordVPN: Largest Server Network to Watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland

Best deal December 2023: Get NordVPN for US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend for a limited time only!

NordVPN has the largest server network to access BBC iPlayer in Ireland, with a total of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries and 440+ servers in the UK, making it an exceptional choice for unblocking and streaming BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

Its extensive server coverage ensures reliable access to geo-restricted content, including the rich library of BBC iPlayer. To test NordVPN BBC iPlayer, we connected to UK Server #2267, and it instantly unblocked BBC iPlayer for us.

nordvpn-unblocks-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland

Get connected to the fastest UK server #2267 to watch your favorite shows and movies on BBC iPlayer.

Recommended Servers: UK#2267, UK#2254

NordVPN boasts a vast network of servers in the UK, including locations in London, Manchester, and Glasgow. This extensive coverage allows Irish users to easily find a high-performance server, ensuring a stable and fast connection to BBC iPlayer.

The variety of servers also means less congestion and more consistent streaming speeds, which are essential for a high-quality viewing experience.

NordVPN provided excellent speeds for streaming content in HD. On our 100 Mbps connection, we achieved a download speed of 86.49 Mbps and an upload speed of 79.42 Mbps.

nordvpn-speed-test-on-bbc-iplayer-in-ireland

NordVPN provided good speed for streaming content in HD.

NordVPN’s servers are also optimized for speed. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming BBC iPlayer content in high definition without buffering.

Moreover, these servers are adept at enabling access to other geo-restricted streaming platforms in Ireland, offering a versatile solution for all your streaming needs.

Security is a hallmark of NordVPN. It provides top-tier protection with AES-256 encryption, a strict no-logs policy, Double VPN feature.

It also has NordLynx protocol, which provides faster connection speeds and complete privacy, and a Dark Web Monitor that alerts you if it detects your credentials on underground sites.

These security measures ensure your online activities are secure and private, giving you peace of mind while streaming.

NordVPN is compatible with multiple operating systems such as iOS, macOS, Windows, Android, and more. You can also use NordVPN on Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV Stick, Comcast, and more.

NordVPN offers competitive pricing plans, balancing cost with quality. Its best subscription plan costs  US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, making it a cost-effective choice for a premium VPN experience

Not only this, NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for first-time users.

Exclusive Deals: 

ScreenBinge readers can get 69% on a 2-year plan + 3 months extra with NordVPN Christmas deal plan! Every subscription comes with a guarantee of a refund within 30 days.

Pros
  • It is one of the largest service networks, which has a huge range of UK servers.
  • AES-256 bit encryption is available, IKEv4 and IPsec
  • Chat support is available 24/7 for continuous problem-solving help for customers
  • 6 simultaneous connections on a single account

Cons
  • There might be some glitches that may occur while you are using the app from your mobile phone.
  • The IP address remains static


Do I Need a TV License to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

How does TV license know if you watch iPlayer? It is a requirement made mandatory by BBC to have a valid UK TV license if you want to watch BBC iPlayer. However, in Ireland, you don’t need a TV license to stream BBC iPlayer. Just connect to a VPN, and you are good to go.

Is BBC iPlayer free? Yes, BBC iPlayer is a free platform. The only cost associated with it is that of a UK TV license, but if you’re in a region other than the UK, then you don’t have to worry about paying that either because BBC iPlayer does not verify that information. You can simply mark the checkbox when the prompt appears.

If you are a British national with a TV license but living abroad, you will be restricted from accessing BBC iPlayer. However, you can unblock the BBC iPlayer in Ireland using a reliable VPN such as ExpressVPN and access it free of cost without a TV license.

If you wish to cancel your BBC iPlayer account and discontinue using the service, you can easily do so.


What Channels Do You Get on BBC iPlayer?

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service that offers live and catch-up TV from all BBC channels. Check out the BBC TV Guide below to find out:

  • BBC News
  • cBBC
  • BBC One
  • BBC Two
  • BBC Three
  • BBC Four
  • Radio 1

What You Can Watch on BBC iPlayer in Ireland in 2023?

BBC iPlayer is an all-rounder streaming service that offers unique and different content.

Users may access BBC iPlayer’s vast library and stream what to watch on BBC, along with cartoons, popular movies, amazing BBC Ireland dramas, and live sports Broadcasts.

What are the Best Shows to Watch on BBC iPlayer?

Here are some of the best shows on BBC iPlayer you can watch:

Murder on The Blackpool Express Colin from Accounts Red Dwarfs
Nighty Night Dragon’s Den We Hunt Together
In The Dark The Snail and the Whale Awkwafina is Nora from Queens
Rillington Place Body on the Beach: What Happened to Annie Inside No. 9
Pretty Little Liars Kirkmoore The Fresh Prince of Bel Air

What are the Best Movies on BBC iPlayer?

You can watch the following amazing movies on BBC iPlayer:

Halloween Wilde
The Ones Below A Star is Born
Make Me Famous Christmas Break
Imitation Game Wallace and Gromit in The Curse of the Were-Rabbit
In the Heart of the Sea Divergent Allegiant

What Sports Can I Watch on BBC iPlayer Ireland?

Here are some of the sports you can enjoy with your BBC iPlayer subscription in Ireland:

FA Cup Women Final 2023 FA Women Super League
Bellator MMA Scottish Championship
Northern Irish Premiership Six Nations
FA Cup Netball World Cup 2023
England vs New Zealand T20 International

What’s New to Watch on BBC iPlayer in December 2023?

BBC iPlayer is all set to release a variety of TV shows, series, and sports events in December 2023. Here are some of the popular titles that have been recently released or are set to be released on BBC iPlayer:

Charlton v Cray Valley PM FA Cup First Round The Whoniverse
Bromley v Blackpool FA Cup First Round Tales of the Tardis
England v Wales Women’s International MOTD live FA Cup First Round
Hamlet from Bristol Old Vic Bromley v Blackpool
BBC Children in Need Rugby League Women’s International
Watch Doctor Who: The Star Beast Charlton v Cray Valley PM

On What Devices Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

To use the BBC iPlayer website or app, your device must be running Fire OS 5 and above, Android 5.0 and above, or iOS 12 and above. However, you may be able to update your device’s operating system if you have an earlier version.

The free British online streaming service, which includes LG Smart TV, radio, and catch-up programs, is available on all major devices and gaming consoles, such as PS3 and PS4. You can also access BBC iPlayer app on PS5. BBC iPlayer multiple devices are listed below:


How To Download BBC iPlayer in Ireland on Android?

There is a BBC iPlayer app Ireland for Android. If your device runs on Android 5.0 or above, you can watch all the latest and popular content on BBC iPlayer through its app on your Android device.

Follow the steps below to download the BBC iPlayer app for Android:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to the UK server. We recommend the Docklands server.
  3. Go to the Google Play Store and select ‘Account.
  4. Choose ‘Add another account’ and create a new Google account by selecting the UK as your region.
  5. Return to the Play Store and search for the BBC app for Android in Ireland.
  6. Download the app, enter your credentials, and start watching BBC iPlayer from Ireland!

With the help of these steps, you can easily access BBC iPlayer Ireland Android from anywhere without any hassle.


How can I Watch BBC iPlayer on my iPhone in Ireland?

The BBC app Ireland isn’t available in the Apple App Store. To fix this, you must first log out of your iCloud account and create a new one with a UK location. Then, if your device is running on iOS 12 or above, you can use your iPhone or iPad to watch BBC live content.

how to watch iPlayer in Ireland? Follow the steps below to watch BBC iPlayer on iOS in Ireland:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to the UK server. We recommend the Docklands server.
  3. Go to “Settings” on your iOS device and click on your Apple ID profile.
  4. Tap on the “Media and Purchases” option, select “Country/Region,” tap “Change Country or Region,” select “United Kingdom,” and then tap “Agree” on the Terms and Conditions page.
  5. Enter all the required details, and for UK locations, you can provide any address and number.
  6. After your region changes to the United Kingdom, go to the App Store and search for the BBC iPlayer app.
  7. Download the app and start watching BBC iPlayer from Ireland!

Can I get BBC iPlayer in Ireland through Apple TV?

After configuring your router with a VPN, follow the steps below to watch BBC iPlayer live on your Apple TV:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to the UK server. We recommend the Docklands server.
  3. Go to Settings > iTunes Store > Apple ID > Sign Out.
  4. Select the UK as your preferred country.
  5. Find a free app and select Get.
  6. Create your new Apple ID with a new email address.
  7. Choose None on the payment page.
  8. Enter a valid billing address in the UK.
  9. Sign in to your new Apple ID.
  10. Download the BBC iPlayer app from the App Store and enjoy BBC streaming from Ireland!

Note: To watch BBC iPlayer on your Apple TV, you must first configure your router with a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.


How Do I Get BBC iPlayer on my Firestick in Ireland?

Firesticks are compatible with the VPN app, so you can easily watch all the amazing content of BBC iPlayer on Firestick in Ireland if your device is running Fire OS 5 or above.

How do I watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland? To watch BBC iPlayer on Firestick in Ireland, follow the steps below:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app on your Firestick device.
  3. Connect to any UK server. We recommend using the Docklands server.
  4. Search for and download the BBC iPlayer Ireland app on your Firestick device.
  5. Once the app is downloaded, you can enjoy watching BBC iPlayer content from Ireland!

How to Troubleshoot if you are unable to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?

If you are unable to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland due to BBC proxy error, then we recommend that you implement the following troubleshooting tips:

  • Reconnect the VPN to a different server.
  • Clear your browser’s cache, cookies, and history before streaming iPlayer again.
  • Reach out to your VPN provider’s customer support team.
  • Turn off your phone’s GPS service.

You can also check our detailed guide if BBC iPlayer does not work with a VPN.


BBC iPlayer in Ireland: FAQs

BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service, but it can only be accessed in UK. To watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland for free, follow these steps:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to a UK server (London).
  3. Open the BBC iPlayer app and enter your login details.
  4. Sign up for a free account, providing a UK postal code.
  5. Enjoy watching BBC iPlayer in Ireland.

Yes, you can stream BBC iPlayer on your phone from Ireland by using a VPN. Connect the VPN like ExpressVPN to a UK server, then download and use the BBC iPlayer app on your phone.

If you can’t access BBC iPlayer from Ireland with your VPN, it might be because:

  1. VPN Detection: BBC iPlayer has strong measures to detect and block VPNs.
  2. Outdated VPN: The VPN might not have the latest technology to bypass such detections.
  3. Server Issues: The UK server you’re connected to might be known to iPlayer and blocked.

Try updating the VPN, switching to a different UK server, or using a more reliable VPN service.

Yes, it is completely legal to stream BBC iPlayer following the steps listed above. Then you can start watching BBC iPlayer from anywhere within the Republic of Ireland.

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer Ireland free VPN, but it’s not guaranteed to work. Free VPNs often have limited capabilities and may not effectively bypass BBC iPlayer’s geo-restrictions. Additionally, they are more likely to be detected and blocked by the service. For a more reliable experience, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is usually recommended. 

Yes, BBC iPlayer has an app for all Android devices. However, it is geo-restricted to the UK, meaning it’s not directly accessible in Ireland. You can download it from the Google Play Store, but to use it in Ireland, you must use a VPN service to connect to a UK server. BBC iPlayer is available on compatible mobile and tablet devices such as Amazon Fire, Android, and iOS.

To get BBC iPlayer on your smart TV in Ireland:

  1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN.
  2. Connect to any of the UK servers.
  3. Launch the BBC iPlayer app on your smart TV and log in.
  4. You’ll encounter a URL along with six digits on the screen.
  5. On your mobile/computer/tablet, open a web browser and go to www.bbc.com/account/tv.
  6. Enter the six-digit code on your device and click on Sign in on your TV.
  7. Confirm your account details by logging in once again.
  8. Enjoy BBC iPlayer in Ireland on your smart TV!


Wrapping Up!

BBC iPlayer is the most popular and biggest online streaming service in the UK. However, like other streaming sites, it is also a geo-restricted platform that can only be accessed in the UK.

To summarize, if you can get BBC iPlayer in Ireland query, you must use a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN to bypass geo-restrictions. Simply change your virtual location to the UK and start watching BBC iPlayer’s popular content in Ireland.

If you have any further questions, please let us know in the comment section below. Happy streaming!

Joshua Garner

Joshua calls himself nerd+geek who is also passionate about rugby. He enjoys comics, animes, and science fiction. He finds his comfort in writing about suspense, thrillers and science fiction shows and movies.

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