Video on Demand

How to Watch Channel 5 (My5) in Ireland Without Cable [2026]

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.

My5, also known as Channel 5, is a free streaming service available only in the UK. The channel offers a diverse range of programming, including original drama, crime documentaries, children’s programs, and reality TV.

You don’t even need to create a free account to access My5, but you do need to connect to the UK server of a VPN to watch Channel 5 in Ireland to bypass geo-restrictions.

If you attempt to access Channel 5 in Ireland or anywhere outside the UK without connecting to a VPN, an error message will appear saying:

“We’re sorry, you must be located in the UK to view this content.”

I was able to unblock Channel 5 in Ireland by using Surfshark. It is my no. 1 choice to bypass geo-blockages.

Your ISP, the Irish Government, and streaming platforms are Monitoring your Online Activity.

This means International Content staying Geo-blocked, Buffering, and even your entire Private Data can be Exposed to Third parties & Hackers.

Don’t take the risks…

Stay private, secure, & stream anything with Surfshark VPN for just $0.06/day!

With Surfshark You Can Get:
87% OFF + 3 EXTRA MONTHS FREE! (€1.99 /mo.)
Access geo-blocked content worldwide.
✅ Unlimited connections 
✅ 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee
Kill Switch to protect you if the VPN drops
✅ Verified No-logs policy
Everlink technology which helps you stay connected even when server drops

Try Surfshark VPN


How to Watch Channel 5 in Ireland

Since Channel 5 is restricted outside the UK and you must subscribe to a reliable VPN service to access it. Upon connecting to the UK server of a VPN, you can stream your favourite content on Channel 5. 

Creating a free account on Channel 5 is not compulsory. However, I have shown how to create an account on Channel 5.

Here are the steps to watch Channel 5 in Ireland:

Step 1: Subscribe to a safe VPN service (Surfshark is our #1 choice)

Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device

Step 3: Connect to the UK server.

Step 4: Open the my5.tv website and click on Sign-in

Step 5: Enter your credentials and Log in if you already have an account or Register if you are new.

Step 6: Choose a title for streaming (e.g. Wentworth Prison)

Step 7: Click ‘Watch Now’ and enjoy streaming!

Try Surfshark VPN


Why is a VPN Required to Unblock My5 in Ireland?

My5 or Channel 5 is a UK-based streaming service, which means its content is restricted to viewers within the United Kingdom due to licensing agreements and distribution rights.

When you try to access My5 in Ireland, the platform detects your location through your IP address and blocks access. This is where a VPN (Virtual Private Network) becomes essential, as it allows you to bypass these geo-restrictions effectively.

A VPN works by masking your real IP address and replacing it with one from a UK server. As a result, My5 assumes you are browsing from within the UK, granting you full access to its content library. Surfshark is our #1 choice.


Best VPNs to Unblock Channel 5 in Ireland

I have tested 35+ VPNs to see if they could unblock Channel 5 in Ireland. I found out that only the 3 best VPNs were able to bypass Channel 5 limitations in a single attempt.

Have a look at the 3 best VPNs to watch Channel 5:

  1. Surfshark
  2. NordVPN
  3. ExpressVPN

1. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Unblocking Channel 5

Feature Details
Global Servers 4500+ servers in 100 countries
UK Server locations 440+ UK VPN servers in London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh
Price €1.99 /mo. (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 and Edinburgh

Surfshark is the best VPN for accessing  Channel 5 in Ireland. Its affordability and top-notch technology make SurfShark VPN a contender on our list.

Upon testing, I was satisfied with its efficiency in unblocking geo-blocked services and channels and full forward secrecy to protect my privacy.

The VPN service also helps unblock other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland like 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.


2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access Channel 5

Feature Details
Global Servers 9000+ servers in 130 countries
UK Server locations 440+ Servers across UK
Price NordVPN price (30-day money-back guarantee)
Device Compatibility Up to 14 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, or Manchester

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 Channel 5, its vast network of servers provided a stable and fast connection for seamless streaming.

Besides Channel 5, it also helps in accessing other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland, like ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.


3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Streaming Channel 5

Features Details
Global Servers 3200 servers in 100+ countries
Channel 5 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 14 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

You can also opt for ExpressVPN to have a seamless streaming experience through the vast network of high-speed servers when watching your favourite shows and sports on geo-restricted services.

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

Beyond  Channel 5: You can access other geo-restricted channels/services in Ireland such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.


Devices that Support Channel 5 (My 5)

The My5 streaming platform is accessible on a variety of devices and platforms, including:

CategoryDevices / Platforms
Smart TVsAndroid TVs
LG TVs
Roku TVs
Samsung Smart TVs (2016 models or newer)
Sony Android Smart TVs (2016–2018 models)
Set-Top BoxesApple TV
Freesat
Freeview
NowTV & Roku
Virgin Media TiVo
YouView
Streaming DevicesAmazon Fire TV
NowTV & Roku
Mobile DevicesAndroid smartphones & tablets (Android 5.0+)
iOS devices (iPhone & iPad, iOS 10+)
Game ConsolesPlayStation 4

How to Watch Channel 5 on Smartphone in Ireland

Follow the steps below to stream your favourite Channel 5 shows on your phone:

Step 1: Install Surfshark VPN App and connect to the UK Server.

Step 2: Download Channel 5 APK from your browser.

Step 3: Install it on your phone

Step 4: Open the app and click on “Start watching”

Step 5: Click on “sign-in” to sign in to your account

Step 6: Enter your credentials

Step 7: Select a show to watch

Step 8: Select an episode

Step 9: Enjoy streaming

Try Surfshark VPN


Popular Shows on Channel 5 (My5)

If you don’t know what to watch, here’s a list of all the best shows everyone loves.

1. Drama Series

  • All Creatures Great and Small
  • Dalgliesh
  • The Madame Blanc Mysteries

2. Reality Shows

  • Bargain Loving Brits in the Sun
  • The Yorkshire Vet
  • Our Yorkshire Farm

3. Crime Dramas

  • The Good Ship Murder
  • The Inheritance
  • The Teacher

4. Documentary Series

  • Secrets of the Royal Palaces
  • Into the Grand Canyon with Nick Knowles
  • Britpop: The Music That Changed Britain

Popular Movies on Channel 5 (My5)

1. Drama

  • City Rats
  • A Christmas Blessing

2. Christmas Movies

  • Mrs. Miracle
  • Christmas Movie Magic

3. Family Films

  • Hook
  • Thomas & Friends: The Christmas Letter Express

4. Action

  • Escape to Victory
  • Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan

Monday Night Football on Channel 5

Channel 5 continues to air NFL Monday Night Football in the 2024/25 season. Fans can enjoy live coverage weekly, with games broadcast early Tuesday mornings in the UK.

This partnership brings exciting NFL action to UK audiences. Channel 5 enhances the fan experience with pre-game insights, analysis, and top commentary, making it a must-watch for NFL lovers.


How to 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:


FAQs – Channel 5

Can I watch Channel 5 live on the My5 website?

Yes, live streaming of Channel 5 is available on the My5 website.

What should I do if I experience video playback issues on My5?

Try basic troubleshooting steps such as restarting your device, updating the My5 app, clearing your browser cache, or reinstalling the app.

Why are some programs on My5 without subtitles?

Not all programs may have subtitles available. Channel 5 is working to increase the availability of subtitles across its content.

How fast does my internet connection need to be for streaming on My5?

A stable internet connection is essential for streaming. While specific speed requirements aren’t provided, faster connections generally provide better video quality.

Why is there a delay in making programs available on My5?

Delays can occur due to rights agreements or technical issues. Channel 5 strives to make programs available as soon as possible after broadcast.


Conclusion

Channel 5 is free to watch, but it is only available in the United Kingdom. You’ll get a geo-restriction error if you try to watch its content outside the UK.

The only method to watch Channel 5 in Ireland is to connect your VPN to a UK server. You will have easy accessibility without having to create a free account.

My5 is accessible via a web browser and is available on all devices. You can watch your favorite British TV channels by connecting to a reliable VPN, i.e. Surfshark.

Paul Adair

Passionate writer and avid streamer, I try and test streaming services and cord cutting options. By combining my love for writing with the thrill of discovering new media platforms, I like to guide and enlighten Irish audiences on the best ways to enjoy content without the cords.

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