Rai Play is a free streaming platform that provides a vast library of content including TV series, movies, documentaries, and live broadcasts.
It provides users with an extensive selection of Italian and international programs, allowing users to catch up on missed episodes and offers exclusive content not available on TV.
However, the platform is permitted to stream its content in Italy only. You’ll need a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access RaiPlay in Ireland.
If you try to stream RaiPlay from outside of Italy without a VPN, an error message will appear on your screen:
“We are sorry, Rai holds the rights to stream the content exclusively for connections from Italy.”
I was able to unblock RaiPlay in Ireland with the help of ExpressVPN. It is fast to bypass geo-blocks.
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.
Subscribe to ExpressVPN today and enjoy 3 extra months for free. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Watch RaiPlay in Ireland
Even though RaiPlay is free to stream, it does require you to create a free account either with Gmail or an Apple account to view its content.
Follow these steps to watch RaiPlay in Ireland:
Step 1: Subscribe to a safe VPN service (ExpressVPN is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device
Step 3: Open the app and connect to the Italian server
Step 4: Open the Rai Play website
Step 5: Scroll down to select content to watch. I have selected Tour de France
Step 6: Click on Play
Step 7: To sign in, add your credentials. If you don’t have an account, click on ‘Registrati’
Step 8: Sign up with one of the options available
Step 8: Enjoy streaming!
Best VPNs to Unblock RaiPlay in Ireland
I tested about 35+ VPNs to see which ones were able to unblock RaiPlay in the first attempt. I was able to find three VPNs that worked the best.
The best three VPNs to watch RaiPlay outside of Italy are:
1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming RaiPlay
| Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200 servers in 100+ countries |
| Server locations | Servers in Napoli, Cosenza and Milan |
| Exclusive deal | €6.42/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: Napoli, Cosenza
ExpressVPN provides robust security features including 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.
With its extensive network of high-speed servers, you can enjoy uninterrupted streaming, and its TrustedServer technology ensures your anonymity is protected.
Speed Test: Testing the Cosenza server of ExpressVPN delivered remarkable speeds of 41 Mbps, close to the maximum of 50 Mbps.
Beyond RaiPlay: You can also access other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland such as USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, etc.
2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Unblocking RaiPlay
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| Server locations | 3 Servers in Italy |
| Price | Surfshark Price (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: All
Surfshark is a top VPN choice for accessing RaiPlay in Ireland, renowned for its cost-effectiveness and advanced technology.
In tests, Surfshark successfully bypassed geo-restrictions on various services and channels, using forward secrecy to ensure user privacy.
Additionally, this VPN service allows access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as 9 Now, Servus TV, 7Plus, Netflix, Prime Video etc.
3. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Access RaiPlay
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Global Servers | 6000+ servers in 60 countries |
| Server locations | 111+ Servers across Italy |
| Price | NordVPN price (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: All
NordVPN features an extensive server network for smooth streaming and offers a user-friendly interface that makes navigation easy.
In tests targeting RaiPlay access, its wide server network delivered a stable and fast connection, ensuring uninterrupted streaming.
Additionally, it allows access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Ireland, such as ORF, Hulu, FuboTV, Sling, BBC iPlayer etc.
Why Do I Need a VPN to Access RaiPlay in Ireland?
If you wish to stream RaiPlay in Ireland, you will need the help of a VPN that can unblock geo-restrictions.
A VPN or Virtual Privacy Network changes your Irish IP address to an Italian IP when you connect to the Italian server of a VPN and routes your data through it.
This way, you can trick RaiPlay into assuming that you are accessing it from Itlay and it will grant you access. We recommend ExpressVPN.
What Channels Does RaiPlay Offer?
The available channels to live stream on RaiPlay are:
- Rai1g
- Rai2
- Rai3
- Rai4
- Rai5
- Rai News 24
- Rai Sport
- Rai Sport + HD
- Rai Movie
- Rai Premium
- Rai Yoyo
- Rai Gulp
- Rai Storia
- Rai Scuola
- Rai Radio2
Check the broadcast schedule here.
What Can I Watch on RaiPlay?
If you want to watch RaiPlay in Ireland but are stuck on what to watch, then you can stream the following popular shows:
Shows
- Normal People
- Hudson & Rex
- Criminal Minds
- Private Eyes
- Heartland
- Il Santone
- The Reunion
Movies
- Hot Summer Nights
- Colette
- Robinhood
- Nour
- Il Primo Re
- 18 Regali
Sports
- Tour de France
- UEFA Under-19 Championship
- UEFA Euro Cup 2024
- Giro d’Italia Women
- Ginnastica Ritmica
Children Programming
- Winx Club
- Peppa Pig
- Masha e Orso
- Cuccioli
- Behind the Beats
How to Watch RaiPlay Outside Italy on Mobile
Follow the steps to download the RaiPlay app from the Google Play Store and stream it in Ireland.
Step 1: Connect to an Italian server over ExpressVPN
Step 2: Install RaiPlay app from the Play Store
Step 3: Open the app and click on the 3 horizontal lines from the bottom right corner
Step 4: Click on “Accedi”
Step 5: Enter your credentials
Step 6: From the homepage, click on “Catalogo”
Step 7: Choose a genre of shows, e.g. Fiction
Step 8: Select a show, e.g. Mina Settembre
Step 9: Choose an episode
Step 10: Enjoy Streaming.
What Devices can I Watch RaiPlay on?
You are free to stream RaiPlay in Ireland on the following compatible devices:
- Android tablets and phones
- Smart TVs
- Apple TV
- Fire TV Stick
- Google Chromecast
- SkyQ decoders
- Sony PlayStation 4 and 5
Other Free Streaming Services to Watch in Ireland
You can watch the following free streaming services in Ireland:
- Watch Xumo TV in Ireland
- Watch Servus TV in Ireland
- Watch 6Play in Ireland
- Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland
- Watch ITVX in Ireland
- Watch ORF TV in Ireland
- Watch Freevee in Ireland
FAQs – RaiPlay
Is RaiPlay free?
Yes, RaiPlay is free to use. However, users need to create an account to access on-demand content and personalize their viewing experience.
Is RaiPlay accessible from abroad?
RaiPlay’s availability outside of Italy is limited due to rights issues, meaning some content is not accessible when connecting from abroad.
Why do some episodes have an expiration date on RaiPlay?
The availability of content on RaiPlay is tied to the ownership of rights, which can differ for various titles, seasons, and episodes. Therefore, not all broadcast content is always fully available online on RaiPlay.
Can I download content to watch offline?
Yes, RaiPlay allows users to download selected content to watch offline on mobile devices. The availability of downloaded content depends on the digital rights and the duration for which they are available on the platform.
Why do some content items have the “i” symbol instead of “play” on RaiPlay?
The absence of the ► (play) button signifies that Rai does not hold digital distribution rights for these titles after the TV broadcast, making them unplayable. The “i” symbol indicates that only the program information sheet is available for viewing.
Why can’t I access certain content?
Content availability is dependent on ownership rights: some content is available within 24 hours of broadcast and can be reviewed for 7 days, whereas other content is available for a longer duration in the on-demand section.
Conclusion
RaiPlay is Rai’s free video streaming platform, which you may access from any internet-connected computer, tablet, smartphone, or smart TV by registering for free.
However, due to geo-restrictions, it is only available to stream in Italy. You an watch RaiPlay in Ireland, using a VPN.
ExpressVPN is our recommended choice. ExpressVPN and other suggested VPNs work best to bypass geo-blocks and mask your IP address, so you can stream freely.
