Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland | BBC Shows for FREE | 2025

Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Ireland. If you subscribe or purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

BBC iPlayer is a free-to-air streaming service in the UK. It offers a wide variety of shows and movies produced originally by BBC.

Unfortunately, this service is exclusively accessible to UK residents. However, if you want to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland, you will need to use a VPN.

If you don’t connect to a VPN service, you will be allowed to access its website but not the content on it, and instead, you will get the following error message:

“Sorry, BBC iPlayer isn’t available in your region.”

Our Recommended VPN – ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is our recommended choice for streaming any geo-restricted services that are unavailable in Ireland OR it is used to stay anonymous over the internet for watching anything for free as it hides your streaming activity from the ISPs.

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland for Free

Since BBC iPlayer is not accessible outside the UK, you will need to connect to a VPN service if you want to unblock it in Ireland.

If you don’t know how to proceed, don’t worry, because you can follow these steps to go ahead:

Step 1: Subscribe to your VPN of choice (We recommend ExpressVPN)

Step 2: Download the VPN app and install it on your device

Step 3: Connect to a UK server, i.e Docklands

Step 4: Open BBC iPlayer and click on BBC account

Step 5: Click Register Now

Step 6: Enter your email

Step 7: Create a password

Step 8: Select your age

Step 9: Enter your details and postcode. e.g. SW1A 2AA

Step 10: Go to the home page

Step 11: Select a show to watch

Step 12: Choose an episode

Step 13: Click on the ‘Play’ button

Step 14: Enjoy streaming

Try ExpressVPN

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Why Can’t I Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland Without a VPN?

BBC iPlayer is a UK-based streaming platform which is only available in the authorized region (i.e. UK) because of licensing and copyright issues.

If you try to access it without a VPN, the service will block your access as mentioned above. Whereas, a VPN helps get these geo-restrictions.

The VPN assigns you a UK IP address and hides your original Irish IP address. This way, when you open the BBC iPlayer, it will assume that you’re from the UK and will grant you access.

Try ExpressVPN

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Best VPNs to Unblock BBC iPlayer Outside the UK

After testing 35+ different VPNs to see which ones perform efficiently in unblocking BBC iPlayer in Ireland, I found the following three.

1. ExpressVPN
2. Surfshark
3. NordVPN

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1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming BBC iPlayer

Features	Details
Global Servers	3200 servers in 100+ countries
BBC iPlayer Server locations	Multiple servers in London, East London, Wembley, and the Docklands
Exclusive deal	€4.87/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Multi-Device Compatibility	Connect up to 8 devices at once – Windows, Android, Mac, and more
Enhanced Streaming	Fast and throttle-free streaming with Smart DNS, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol.
Top-notch Privacy	Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy.

Recommended Servers: London, East London and Docklands

The VPN provides a seamless streaming experience through its high-speed servers when watching your favourite shows and sports on geo-restricted services.

Speed Test: When I connected to the Docklands Server and tested its speed, it came out to be 41 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.

Beyond BBC iPlayer: You can access other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.

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2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Unblocking BBC iPlayer

Feature	Details
Global Servers	3200+ servers in 100 countries
US Server locations	Multiple servers across London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
Price	€2.19/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Device Compatibility	Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, and more
Fast Streaming	Uninterrupted streaming with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers
Added Privacy	Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, and No-Logs Policy.

Recommended Servers: London, Manchester, Glasgow

Surfshark is a reliable VPN option for accessing BBC iPlayer in Ireland. Its combination of affordability and advanced technology secures its spot on our list.

During testing, I found it effective in bypassing geo-restrictions on services and channels while offering robust privacy features like full forward secrecy.

Additionally, this VPN excels at unblocking other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.

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3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access BBC iPlayer

Feature	Details
Global Servers	6000+ servers in 60 countries
US Server locations	440+ Servers across UK
Price	€3.39/month (30-day money-back guarantee)
Device Compatibility	Up to 6 devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, Mac, and more
Enhanced Streaming	Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol.
Added Privacy	Military-grade encryption, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy,

Recommended Servers: London, Edinburgh, Glasgow

NordVPN has a big pool of servers and offers smooth streaming. The VPN has a very user-friendly interface, so you can navigate through it conveniently.

When tested for unblocking BBC iPlayer, its vast network of servers provided a stable and fast connection for seamless streaming.

Besides BBC iPlayer, it also helps access other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland, like ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.

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iPlayer Not Working With a VPN in Ireland? Here’s How to Fix It

If you’re in Ireland and struggling to access BBC iPlayer even with a VPN, follow this troubleshooting guide to fix common issues.

1. VPN Not Connecting to the Internet

• Check your firewall settings and allow VPN access.
• Update the VPN app or try a different provider from the recommended ones above.
• Restart your router and the device
• If port settings are the issue, contact VPN support for assistance.

2. Slow Internet Speed When Using a VPN

Improve your connection by:

• Connecting to a server closer to your location for better speeds.
• Ensuring your VPN uses the UDP protocol for optimal performance.
• Disconnecting other devices that may be slowing your connection.

3. VPN Works on Other Sites But Not BBC iPlayer

Fix this by:

• Using a dedicated VPN optimized for British streaming services.
• Clearing your browser cookies and cache.
• Connecting to a different UK-based VPN server.

If issues persist, consider testing multiple VPNs to find one that consistently works with BBC iPlayer.

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Devices that Support BBC iPlayer

Some of the commonly used devices that support BBC iPlayer include:

• Chromecast
• Roku
• Now TV Set-Top-Box
• Apple TV: 12.0 or above
• Amazon Fire tablet: OS 6 or above
• Android phone/tablet: 7.0 or above
• iPhone/iPad: iOS 15.5 or above
• Android TV
• Laptop/PC (Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Safari)

To see the complete list of devices, click here.

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Smartphone in Ireland

Here is how you can stream shows on BBC iPlayer from your smartphone:

Step 1: Download and Install the ExpressVPN app

Step 2: Connect to the UK server i.e. Docklands

Step 3: Download BBC iPlayer APK from your browser

Step 4: Click Install

Step 5: Open the BBC iPlayer app once installed and click Sign In OR Register for FREE

Step 6: Click Got it

Step 7: This is the BBC iPlayer interface. Select any show to watch i.e. Peaky Blinders

Step 8: Click View Episode

Step 9: Click Play

Step 10: Select I have a TV License

Step 11: Click Play once again

Start 12: Start Streaming!

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How to Watch iPlayer on iPhone in Ireland

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN and download its iOS app.

Step 2: Connect to a UK server.

Step 3: Download the BBC iPlayer app from the App Store.

Step 4: Log in or sign up for a new account.

Step 5: Sign in or create an account if you don’t have one.

Step 6: Search for the show or movie you want to watch

Step 7: Start streaming BBC iPlayer!

Try ExpressVPN

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Fire TV Stick in Ireland

Step 1: From the FireStick home screen, navigate to Settings and select My Fire TV.

Step 2: Click on About to enable the Developer Options, then turn on Apps from Unknown Sources.

Step 3: Press the Home button on your remote to return to the FireStick home screen, then click Find.

Step 4: Go back to the home screen and select the Search icon.

Step 5: Enter Downloader in the search bar and press Search.

Step 6: Choose the Downloader app in the Amazon Store from the search results.

Step 7: Click Get or Download to install it.

Step 8: Open the Downloader app and select Allow to grant the necessary permissions.

Step 9: On the Downloader App, choose the Home tab and click the Search Bar.

Step 10: Now enter the BBC iPlayer URL bit.ly/fsh-downloads OR BBC iPlayer Downloader Code for firestick: 730116.

Step 11: Open ExpressVPN app and connect it to the US server

Step 12: Open the “BBC iPlayer” app and sign in.

Step 13: Select your favourite show or the channel’s live stream.

Step 14: Enjoy streaming!

Try ExpressVPN

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How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Roku in Ireland

Step 1: Subscribe to ExpressVPN and set up the VPN service on your router.

Step 2: Choose the UK server from the available list.

Step 3: Ensure your Roku device is connected to the same Wi-Fi network.

Step 4: Install the BBC iPlayer app from the Roku Channel Store

Step 5: Log in or create an account.

Step 6: Enjoy streaming your favourite BBC iPlayer shows on Roku!

Try ExpressVPN

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What to Watch on BBC iPlayer?

The massive library of videos available on BBC iPlayer can be intimidating. Don’t worry, I’ve listed some of the BBC series and popular movies. You can just relax, and start binge-watching right away.

Best Movies on BBC iPlayer

Thrillers	Romance	Comedy	Family
Pirates of the Caribbean	A Star is Born	Man Up	Adams’s Family
Lara Croft Tomb Raider	The Proposal	Easy A	Wallace & Gromit
Divergent Movies		Mrs. Brown’s Boys

Best Shows on BBC iPlayer

Mystery	Horror/Dark Theme	Comedy	Food
A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder	Great Expectations	Two Doors Down	Young Masterchef
Apples Never Fall	The Woman in the Wall	Colin From Accounts	Great British Menu
	The Gallow Pole	The Office UK	Masterchef UK

Sports to Watch on BBC iPlayer

• Six Nations Rugby Tournament
• FA Cup
• Wimbledon
• UEFA Nations League

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Channels on BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer streams a variety of BBC TV live channels, ensuring viewers can access BC dramas, news, and events as they are released. Channels available for live viewing include:

BBC One	BBC Two	BBC Three	BBC Four
BBC News	BBC Radio 1	CBBC	CBeebies
BBC Scotland	BBC Parliament	BBC Alba	S4C

Check the TV Guide here.

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Watch More UK Channels/Services in Ireland

With the help of a VPN and connecting to the UK server, you can watch tons of UK channels and streaming services for free. Some of them are listed below:

• Watch ITVX in Ireland
• Watch UKTV Play in Ireland
• Watch My5 in Ireland
• Watch Channel 4 in Ireland
• Watch All4 in Ireland
• Watch STV Player in Ireland

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Resolving Playback Issues

Buffering typically occurs when the connection between your router and device is unstable. A reliable internet connection is essential to enjoy seamless streaming.

If your internet speed is slow, you might face buffering or receive an “insufficient bandwidth” alert, indicating limited data transfer capacity.

How to Improve Playback Quality

1. Disconnect Other Devices: Reduce network congestion by disconnecting or turning off other devices sharing the same Wi-Fi network.
2. Switch to Standard Definition: Streaming in HD requires more bandwidth. If your internet can’t handle it, switch to SD to minimize buffering.
3. Use a Wired Connection: If you’re on Wi-Fi, consider connecting directly via Ethernet to avoid interference or move closer to the router.
4. Try a Different Browser: If you’re streaming on a web browser, switch to an alternative browser and close unnecessary tabs to improve performance.
5. Check Your Internet Speed: Run a speed test to confirm your connection is sufficient for streaming.
6. Download for Offline Viewing: If playback issues persist, download your desired programs through the BBC iPlayer app for offline viewing. Check the ‘How can I watch programmes when I’m offline?’ guide for more details.

For persistent internet issues, especially if they affect other channels or broadcasters, reach out to your internet service provider for assistance.

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FAQs – BBC iPlayer

Do I need to subscribe to watch BBC iPlayer?

No, you don’t need to subscribe to the BBC iPlayer service since it’s completely free to watch. However, you will need to create a free account to watch BBC iPlayer content.

How can I download programs on BBC iPlayer?

Programs can be downloaded by clicking the download icon next to the program. These downloads are available for 30 days but expire 48 hours after you start watching them.

Can you watch BBC iPlayer with a free VPN?

No, you cannot watch BBC iPlayer with a free VPN because free VPNs are easily detectable as they don’t fully disguise your original IP address. Not to mention they are a threat to your online privacy in the first place as they leak your data to third parties.

Can I Watch BBC iPlayer in Northern Ireland?

Yes, you can watch BBC iPlayer in Northern Ireland without having to use a VPN. However, people residing in Ireland can access Northern Ireland content on BBC iPlayer with a VPN.

Is it necessary to use a premium VPN service to unblock BBC iPlayer?

Yes, it is advised to use a premium VPN service because free VPNs are never reliable. You may lose your private data, and there is no guarantee that you would be able to access every site.

What do I do if I am connected to a UK server of my VPN and BBC iPlayer still doesn’t work?

Not all VPN servers are compatible with every streaming service. Try switching to a different UK server. For example, if you are using a London server, switch to Manchester or another available UK server and then try accessing BBC iPlayer again.

What if I can’t continue watching the shows I have been watching for a while?

If the app has been experiencing glitches, it may be a temporary issue. Try closing and restarting the app—this usually resolves the problem. If the issue persists, consider clearing the app cache or reinstalling the app.

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Closing Words

BBC iPlayer is free to watch, but it’s only available in the UK. The only way to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland is by using a VPN.

To get started, simply register on the platform by providing basic details and a valid UK postal code, which you can easily find online.

Using a VPN not only unlocks access to new entertainment but also enhances your security and ensures greater privacy.