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.
Freeview is a popular free-to-air streaming and broadcast platform in the UK, offering access to dozens of live TV channels and on-demand shows without any subscription fees.
It brings together major broadcasters and catch-up services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, My5, and UKTV Play, making it easy to watch your favourite shows and movies in one place.
With Freeview Play, the platform expands to over 100 channels, HD broadcasts, and fully integrated catch-up apps, creating a seamless mix of live television and streaming.
Since Freeview is limited to the UK, the service is inaccessible in Ireland and other regions. However, connecting to a UK server through a reliable VPN lets you mask your location and access Freeview’s full content library from abroad.
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Freeview Play is a completely free service to watch your favourite shows in Ireland. Some of the services would require you to create a free account, such as ITVX or BBC iPlayer.
All you will need is a VPN service to connect. You can easily watch Freeview in Ireland by following these steps:
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN service
Step 2: Download the Surfshark VPN App and install it on your device
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the UK server (e.g., Docklands)
Step 4: Go to the Freeview website and select What’s On.
Step 5: Search for Peaky Blinders and click Watch Now.
Step 6: Click on the Play Button
Step 7: Click Sign In if you already have a free account, OR click Register.
Step 8: Select Under 16 or Over 16.
Step 9: Enter your Date of Birth.
Step 10: Enter your Email/Password.
Step 12: Select the “I have a TV License, Watch Now” option.
Step 13: Select either Turn On PG Lock OR Play Without PG.
Step 14: Start streaming!
You’ll need a VPN to access Freeview in Ireland because the platform is geo-restricted to the UK due to broadcasting and licensing agreements. When you try streaming from Ireland, Freeview detects your location and blocks access.
A VPN bypasses this restriction by giving you a UK IP address, making Freeview think you’re watching from within the country. This allows you to stream all live channels and catch-up content without errors. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
I tested about 35+ VPN services to see which ones can bypass Freeview geo-restrictions in a single attempt.
Take a look at the 3 best VPNs to unblock Freeview in Ireland:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Server locations | Multiple servers across London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh |
| Price | €3.06/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 another top-notch VPN option for accessing Freeview in Ireland. Renowned for its affordability and advanced technology, it ranks highly on our list.
In our evaluations, Surfshark effectively bypassed geo-restrictions on various services and channels, using forward secrecy to ensure user privacy.
Moreover, this VPN service provides access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video, etc.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 8300+ servers in 60 countries |
| Server locations | 440+ Servers across the UK |
| Price | €1.99 /mo. (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Device Compatibility | Up to 10 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 offers an extensive network of servers, ensuring smooth streaming experiences. Its user-friendly interface makes navigation simple.
During tests for accessing Freeview, NordVPN’s robust server network maintained a stable and fast connection, ensuring seamless streaming.
Additionally, this VPN allows access to various other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer, etc.
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200 servers in 100+ countries |
| 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 10 to 12 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
Speed Test Results: A speed test on ExpressVPN’s Docklands Server demonstrated excellent performance, achieving speeds of 41 Mbps out of a possible 50 Mbps.
Access More Content: This VPN allows you to unlock more than just Freeview; it also provides access to other geo-restricted channels and services available in Ireland, such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.
From hit dramas to classic British comedies, Freeview features plenty of fan-favourite shows and movies. Below are some of the most popular picks.
| Shows | Movies | Sports |
|---|---|---|
| Big Brother | The Grinch | Premier League |
| Love Island USA | Home Alone | NFL Big Game Night |
| Big Bang Theory | The Holiday | Snooker |
| Modern Family | The Decoy Bride | FIFA |
| New Amsterdam | Lost At Christmas | Bundesliga |
| Blue Bloods | Sicario | The Ashes |
| Outrageous | Hotel Transylvania | Boxing |
| NCIS: New Orleans | Outlander | - |
| Midsomer Murders | Gladiator | - |
To check the schedule of the Freeview live TV channel stream, click here.
Freeview Play offers broad device compatibility across major UK TV brands, Freeview-certified recorders, and mobile platforms. Check the full list of supported devices below.
| Smart TVs (UK Models Only) | Set-Top Boxes & Recorders | Mobile & Tablet Apps |
|---|---|---|
| LG Smart TVs (webOS) | Humax Freeview Play Recorders | Android smartphones |
| Panasonic Smart TVs | Manhattan Freeview Play Boxes (T3-R, T3) | Android tablets |
| Hisense Smart TVs | Panasonic Freeview Play Recorders | iPhone |
| Toshiba Smart TVs | — | iPad |
| Sony Smart TVs (select Android TV / Google TV models) | — | — |
| Sharp Smart TVs | — | — |
| JVC Smart TVs | — | — |
| Hitachi Smart TVs | — | — |
| Techwood Smart TVs | — | — |
| Bush Smart TVs | — | — |
| Polaroid Smart TVs | — | — |
Freeview Play app isn’t available outside the UK, so you won’t be able to install it on your device through the Play Store. Therefore, it is recommended to sideload Freeview Play APK on your mobile phone.
Here’s how you can watch Freeview in Ireland on the go:
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark and connect to the UK server.
Step 2: Download the Freeview Play APK and install the app
Step 3: Open the Freeview app.
Step 4: Accept all cookies.
Step 5: Select “use the UK Postcode.”
Step 6: Enter UK postal code (e.g., BF12AT or SW1A1AA).
Step 7: Tap on Start Browsing
Step 8: Select any live broadcast you want to watch.
Step 9: Or go to the “What’s On” tab for more options
Step 10: Select the show (e.g., Modern Family) and start streaming!
There are numerous other streaming channels and services you can enjoy watching in Ireland. Some of the free ones are:
1. What channels does Freeview offer?
Freeview includes BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, UKTV networks, and many niche channels, plus catch-up apps through Freeview Play.
2. Do I have to pay for Freeview?
No. Freeview is completely free to use in the UK. You only need an internet connection for streaming via Freeview Play.
3. Why do I see an error message outside the UK?
Freeview checks your IP address. If you’re outside the UK, it blocks access and may show a location-error message.
4. Does Freeview support HD channels?
Yes. Freeview includes several HD channels such as BBC One HD, BBC Two HD, ITV HD, and Channel 4 HD.
5. Do I need a VPN to watch Freeview abroad?
Yes. A VPN with a UK server is required to stream Freeview or Freeview Play outside the UK, including in Ireland.
Freeview connects you to the UK’s top streaming platforms and channels, including BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Channel 5, UKTV networks, and many niche channels, through Freeview Play.
However, Freeview is only available in the UK. The only way to watch Freeview in Ireland is to use a reliable VPN service and bypass geo-restrictions by connecting to a UK server.
Surfshark is my recommended choice to stream Freeview outside of the UK because of its multiple UK servers and great speed.
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