How to Watch PBS in Ireland [Easy Steps | 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.

PBS is an American free-to-air streaming channel known for its educational and cultural programming.

Its programming is designed to provide viewers with a deeper understanding of the world and its complexities.

However, it is only available in the US. You can watch PBS in Ireland with the help of a VPN by connecting to a US server.

If you attempt to access PBS without a VPN in Ireland or anywhere outside the premises of the US, you will receive an error message, that says:

“We are sorry, but this video is not available”

I was able to unblock PBS in Ireland by connecting to the US server over Surfshark.

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

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How to Watch PBS in Ireland

Since PBS is unavailable in Ireland, you will need a VPN to watch your favourite shows on the platform.

Although it doesn’t necessarily need an account sign-up to stream the shows, only a few shows will be available without the membership. It is free but requires a signup for certain shows.

Here’s how you can freely watch PBS in Ireland:

Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN (Surfshark is the best VPN)

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

Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect it to a US server (e.g. New York)

Step 4: Go to the PBS website and click on sign up

Step 5: Log in with either of the options, for example, Gmail

Step 6: Now scroll down on the homepage and click on “Choose Station”

Step 7: Select any US State and then click on “search by state”

Step 8: Select a station

Step 9: Now go to “shows” at the top menu to stream its content

Step 10: Select any genre of shows you want to watch, for example, Drama

Step 11: Select a drama, for example, A slow-burning romance

Step 12: Choose an episode

Step 13: Click on the Play button

Step 14: Happy Streaming!

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Top VPNs to Unblock PBS in Ireland

I checked around 35+ VPNs to see which ones work best for unblocking PBS in Ireland and found out that these 3 VPNs were able to bypass PBS restrictions within the first attempt.

1. Surfshark
2. NordVPN
3. ExpressVPN

1. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Streaming PBS

Recommended Servers: San Francisco, Los Angeles, Dallas

Surfshark stands out as a top VPN option for accessing PBS in Ireland, offering a blend of affordability and cutting-edge technology that makes it a top recommendation.

During my evaluations, I was particularly pleased with its capability to bypass geo-restrictions effectively and its strong emphasis on full forward secrecy to protect my privacy.

Additionally, this VPN service facilitates access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.

2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access PBS

Recommended Servers: San Francisco, Dallas, San Jose

NordVPN features an extensive server network and offers smooth streaming experiences. Its interface is notably user-friendly, simplifying navigation.

In my testing for accessing PBS, NordVPN’s broad network provided a consistent and rapid connection, ensuring seamless streaming.

Moreover, NordVPN excels in accessing additional geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.

3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking PBS

Recommended Servers: New York, New Jersey, Washington

For seamless access to geo-restricted channels through its vast network of high-speed servers.

Speed Test Results: While testing the New York Server, I reached a speed of 41 Mbps out of a possible 50 Mbps.

Access Beyond PBS: This enables you to unlock additional geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, including USA Network, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.

Why a VPN is Required to Stream PBS in Ireland?

PBS is only available in the United States, licensing agreements and copyright ownership are the reasons why a VPN is required to stream PBS in Ireland. 

 because of this. If you live in Ireland, this means you won’t be able to watch PBS’s exclusive shows.

A VPN will change your virtual location from Ireland to the US by virtually altering your IP address.

This way, when you access PBS, your location will be shown as US and you’ll be allowed access to the platform. Surfshark is our #1 choice.

What to Watch on PBS?

You can watch a variety of shows on PBS in a variety of genres. Here’s a list of my favorite shows:

• Downtown Abbey
• Maryland
• Cranford
• Sanditon
• Guilt
• Roadkill
• Miss Scarlet & the Duke
• Victoria
• Grantchester
• Little Bird
• Professor T

How to Watch PBS Outside the US on Mobile

In order to watch PBS on mobile, make sure you are connected to a VPN. Now follow these steps:

Step 1: Connect to the US server on Surfshark VPN App
.

Step 2: Download the PBS APK

Step 3: Open the app and Click Dismiss

Step 4: Select the Live TV option or any show

Step 5: Click Play

Step 6: Start streaming!

Note: If it doesn’t start streaming, then change the station and stream!

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Which Devices Support PBS?

Here is the list of devices that are compatible with PBS:

• Apple iPhone and iPad
• Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K
• Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire Stick
• Android mobile and tablet
• Android TV
• Google TV streaming devices and TVs
• Google Chromecast
• Samsung Smart TV (2017 models and later)
• VIZIO SmartCast TV
• Roku

Troubleshooting Playback Issues

FAQs – PBS

Do I have to buy a PBS membership?

No, for PBS membership, all you need is to log in to the PBS and you will be able to access all of its shows and enjoy all the features. 

Is it necessary to sign up for PBS?

It is not necessary. But it is recommended to sign up for it because without it, you won’t be able to access all the shows and episodes. Your access will be limited to only some shows.

I’m looking to watch a PBS program that was aired but isn’t available online yet. What can I do?

There is often a delay between when a program is broadcast and when it becomes available for streaming.

Generally, shows are accessible for streaming one day after their television broadcast and remain available online for about two weeks.

Check the PBS.org website the day after the show’s broadcast to see if it is available for streaming.

Conclusion

PBS is a US streaming service that allows you to watch your favorite episodes and movies for free. 

The majority of the content, however, is only available in the US. You can watch PBS in Ireland using a VPN and connecting to a US server.

Surfshark is the best VPN. It easily bypasses geographical restrictions and helps watch PBS outside the USA.