Mickel Clark
BBC iPlayer is the largest free streaming service. It offers live streaming of all the BBC’s channels. The channel includes BBC One, Two, Three, Four, BBC News, and Radio 1.
BBC iPlayer is available in the United Kingdom through cable and satellite providers. Unfortunately, if you are living near or outside the UK, especially in Ireland, you do not get to enjoy the BBC iPlayer streaming. It is because of the geo-restrictions of BBC iPlayer.
Don’t worry; we got you covered. If you live in Ireland and want access to BBC iPlayer, we have you covered. In this article, we highlight the 3 best VPNs that allow you to pass through BBC iPlayer’s restrictions in Ireland.
Quick Steps to Access BBC iPlayer in Ireland
BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK. If you are in Ireland and wish to stream BBC iPlayer from there, get an ExpressVPN account subscription to change your IP address and watch BBC IPlayer from Ireland with ease.
1- Get ExpressVPN for BBC. (We recommend ExpressVPN due to its high-speed servers and strong security.)
2- Download and Install the subscribed VPN to your device
3- Launch the VPN app and sign in to your account
4- To access BBC iPlayer in Ireland, connect to a VPN UK-based server. This will allow you to stream BBC iPlayer and other UK-only content as if you were in the UK.
5- Once connected to the server, open the BBC iPlayer app or website (bbc.com/iplayer)
6- Enjoy
How to watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland in 2023| Detailed Guide
1- Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer
To watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland, you will need an ExpressVPN subscription. ExpressVPN offers an amazing three-month free special deal on the purchase of its annual subscription.
Not only that, you can get your money back if you don’t like the product with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
2- Download it on your devices
After signing up, download the ExpressVPN app on your preferred device. ExpressVPN supports Mac OS, Windows, Android, Linux, and more.
You can also download and use the ExpressVPN app on your gaming consoles like PS4 and Xbox. Here is a complete guide to using ExpressVPN on Nintendo Switch.
3- Connect to a British Server
After downloading the app, connect to a British IP address. Since BBC is only accessible in the United Kingdom, you will need a British IP address to watch movies and tv shows on BBC iPlayer from Ireland or anywhere else.
4- Enjoy
After connecting to a British server, open bbc.com/iplayer and search for your favorite movie or tv series. You can now watch British programs from Ireland, so enjoy.
Can I get a BBC iPlayer account in Ireland | How to have a BBC iPlayer account outside the UK?
Getting a BBC account in Ireland becomes easy with a VPN. Just follow the steps to subscribe to BBC iPlayer.
- Get ExpressVPN for BBC iPlayer (30-day money-back guarantee)
- Connect to a British IP address (UK – Dockland)
- Open BBC.co.uk in your browser or click here
- Click on Sign in, which is located on the top left corner
- It will redirect you to another page, now click on register now
- Select your age (Below 16 or Above 16)
- Add your date of birth, email ID, and password
- Select the United Kingdom as your country and add “E16 1AD or E16 2AF” as the postal code for Dockland.
- Verify your email address.
- Done! now you have access to BBC iPlayer in the Republic of Ireland
Note: When you select Peaky Blinders on BBC iPlayer, it will ask you, “Do you have a TV license?” click on “Yes, I have” and play the show. (BBC iPlayer does not verify)
What is BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer is a free streaming service offered by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in the United Kingdom. It allows users to watch live BBC TV channels, as well as access a large library of on-demand content, including TV shows, movies, and documentaries, produced by the BBC.
BBC iPlayer has everything for everyone in the UK. It has news, sports, dramas, reality shows, and more. You won’t need another subscription if you have BBC.
Why is BBC iPlayer not available in Ireland?
There are various reasons why BBC iPlayer is not available in Ireland. The first reason is due to content licensing agreements and restrictions. The BBC iPlayer is a public service broadcaster funded by UK taxpayers – which is why it has limited rights to stream content outside the UK.
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Content Licensing Issues
Broadcasting rights for live streaming are often discussed between the networks. These rights are exclusive to a specific network or country. To distribute its content in other countries, the BBC must negotiate licensing agreements with local broadcasters or streaming services.
In the case of Ireland, the BBC has not reached an agreement with any local broadcaster or streaming service to distribute BBC iPlayer content.
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Regulatory and Legal Requirements
The second reason for the geo-restriction of BBC iPlayer is the regulatory and legal requirements that differ between the UK and Ireland.
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Market Size
Another reason for BBC iPlayer not being available in Ireland is the market competition. Ireland has a strong presence of other streaming services such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, which is why Ireland networks may not want to risk losing market share to a new entrant like BBC iPlayer.
Why Use a VPN to Stream BBC iPlayer in Ireland?
BBC iPlayer is only available in the UK due to content licensing agreements and restrictions. The BBC is a public service broadcaster funded by UK taxpayers, meaning it is only available in UK regions. If you try to access BBC iPlayer without VPN outside the UK, you will receive a geo-restriction error. Hence, the only way to access BBC iPlayer in Ireland is through a reliable VPN.
The only way to pass through the BBC iPlayer geo-restrictions is to change your device’s IP address. And this is only possible through VPN. The VPN connects you to a UK-based server that gives you a temporary IP address, hiding away your actual location.
The server location by VPN means the geographic location of the VPN service. When you use a VPN, the internet traffic of your device is routed through the VPN servers, which behaves as a virtual getaway between your device and the internet connection.
By connecting to a server located in a UK-based location, you can effectively change your virtual location and stream BBC iPlayer in Ireland, which is restricted to that region.
→ If you are into reality shows, watch Love Island UK 2023 on ITV with this guide.
Features to Consider When Choosing VPN for BBC iPlayer
When you are selecting a VPN app for bypassing the geo-restrictions of BBC iPlayer, it is important to keep in mind a few things. Some important factors to consider include the following;
1- Speed
Speed is an important factor in choosing a good VPN because it affects the quality of your internet connection and the ability to stream or download BBC player content. When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a remote server, which can slow down your connection speed.
A good VPN for streaming BBC iPlayer in Ireland should have speeds of at least 35 Mbps. This will provide a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience without any buffering.
2- Security
A good VPN app should have robust security features to ensure that your online activities are kept private and secure. Look for VPN apps that have military-grade encryption, a kill switch button, DNS leak protection, IP address obfuscation, and a no-log policy.
3- Device Compatibility
Compatibility also determines the ease of use and setup of the VPN. A VPN with compatibility features should have an easy-to-use interface, a simple setup process, and clear instructions for connecting and using the VPN on multiple devices.
If you are looking to access BBC iPlayer in Ireland, go for a VPN that provides protection to your iOS or Android phone, tablet, and laptop. A VPN server that provides compatibility and coverage to multiple devices. Choose a VPN that protects up to five devices.
4- Server Location
Look for a VPN provider that has wide servers located in the UK, as this will allow you to connect to a UK-based server and access BBC iPlayer content.
5- User reviews
User reviews are an important factor to consider when choosing a VPN because they provide insights into the experiences of other users.
User reviews can be a valuable source of information when choosing a VPN app. Look for VPN apps with high ratings and positive reviews from users.
3 Best VPNs to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland
With endless VPN servers available out there, we have narrowed down the best 3 VPN servers based on speed, security, server count, performance, and other capabilities. Read on to explore the best 3 VPNs you can use to stream BBC iPlayer in Ireland.
1- ExpressVPN – Best Overall
ExpressVPN has 3000+ servers in over 90+ countries. It is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, a country that has strong privacy and security laws. This means that user data is protected by strong privacy laws and cannot be disclosed to third parties.
ExpressVPN is the best and safest VPN for online freedom, with exceptional geo-blocking features and the fastest streaming servers in the UK.
ExpressVPN is considered a top choice for accessing BBC iPlayer in Ireland due to its numerous features, including:
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Large Server Network
With over 3000+ servers in more than 160+ locations globally, ExpressVPN offers endless wide coverage. This expansive server network allows ExpressVPN to offer fast and smooth connection, allowing users to access geo-restricted content, like BBC iPlayer, from anywhere in the world.
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Strong Encryption
ExpressVPN uses military-grade encryption to protect users’ online privacy and secure their online streaming activity. This makes it difficult for hackers and intruders to intercept or monitor users’ online activity.
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No Logs Policy
ExpressVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not save any logs of user activity. This protects users’ online privacy and ensures that their online activity remains confidential.
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Fast Speed
The speed of ExpressVPN depends on various factors, such as your internet connection, the distance between you and the server you are connecting to, and the server load. However, ExpressVPN is generally known for providing fast and stable connections.
In independent tests and user reviews, ExpressVPN has consistently ranked among the fastest VPN providers, delivering high-speed and reliable connections for activities like streaming, gaming, and browsing.
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Great Unblocking Capabilities
ExpressVPN is known for its ability to bypass geo-restrictions and unblocks popular streaming services, like BBC iPlayer in the USA, Ireland, and other countries.
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24/7 Support
ExpressVPN offers excellent customer support, with 24/7 live chat available to assist users with any issues they may encounter.
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Device Compatibility
ExpressVPN can be used on 5 devices at once. It offers smooth compatibility with various devices with different operating systems like Windows, iOS, Android, etc.
You can use ExpressVPN to stream Channel 4 player, TV Hub, unblock HBO Max Ireland, and VH1 from Ireland or anywhere.
2- Surf Shark – Affordable Choice
Surf Shark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service that provides users with anonymous and secure internet access.
By routing internet traffic through its network servers, Surf Shark allows users to hide their IP addresses, encrypt their online data, and bypass geo-restrictions globally.
Surf Shark has a huge network of over 3,200 servers in 65 countries. Surf Shark is an affordable and feature-rich VPN service that offers a number of benefits to users who are looking to access geo-restricted content, especially BBC iPlayer from Ireland.
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Security and Privacy
Surf Shark provides advanced privacy features to protect online user activity. It uses AES-256 encryption, which is the most secure encryption available. This makes it difficult for anyone to intercept or access user data, including government agencies and hackers.
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No Log Policy
Surf Shark has a strict no-logs policy, which means that it does not collect, store, or share any information about user activities or connections. This ensures that users’ privacy is protected and their online activities remain confidential.
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Camouflage Mode
Camouflage Mode of Surf Shark is a unique and exciting feature designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it harder for websites and services to detect that you’re using a VPN. This can help users bypass geo-restrictions and access content that may be blocked in their country.
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Cross-Platform Compatibility
Surf Shark is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and routers.
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MultiHop
Another unique feature only found in Surf Shark VPN is the MultiHop feature. It allows users to connect to multiple servers at once, providing an extra layer of security and privacy. This can help keep your online activity hidden and protect your identity online.
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CleanWeb
It is common for VPNs to annoy you with endless boring ads and malware. But that’s not the case with Surf Shark.
Surf Shark VPN provides a helpful feature called CleanWeb that blocks ads, malware, or any other harmful trackers. This helps improve your internet speeds and protect your privacy online.
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Kill Switch
A kill switch is a useful feature if your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. The kill switch disconnects you from the internet and servers instantly without collecting your privacy.
3- NordVPN – Largest Server Count
NordVPN has the widest server networks for BBC iPlayer in Ireland. It has more than 440 UK services. Other than that, it offers 5000+ services in more than 50+ countries.
After ExpressVPN, NordVPN is a great choice for streaming BBC iPlayer in Ireland. One promising feature of NordVPN is its NordLynx protocol. This feature offers a faster and smooth connection speed with reliable privacy.
NordVPN offers personalized servers for specific use cases, such as double VPN for extra security, P2P file sharing, and anti-DDoS for gaming. This VPN also has strong encryption protocols like AES-256 that protect your internet traffic and activity.
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Strong Encryption
NordVPN uses strong encryption protocols like NordLynx OpenVPN and IKEv2 to protect your online internet activity and keep your data secure.
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Wide Server Coverage
NordVPN has a wide network of servers with over 5000 servers in 50+ countries, including the most in the UK, which allows you to unblock geo-restricted content like BBC iPlayer.
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No Logging Policy
NordVPN also has a strict no-logging policy that guarantees your online activities and data remain secure.
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SmartPlay Technology
SmartPlay Technology is a feature that makes it easier for NordVPN users to access geo-restricted content by routing their connection through a NordVPN server that is optimized for the desired service. This feature allows NordVPN to unblock thousands of streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, with ease.
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User-Friendly Interface
NordVPN has a simple, user-friendly interface that makes it easy to connect to the right server and stream geo-restricted content like BBC iPlayer.
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Multi-Device Support
NordVPN supports a variety of devices, including Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more. This multi-device support makes it easy for users to access BBC iPlayer from any device.
Can I watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland with a free VPN?
The short answer is no.
We have tested dozens of free VPNs, and none of them were able to provide us with the streaming experience we were expecting. We often faced frequent disconnections along with slow speed and the VPN detection error.
Therefore we highly advise investing in a premium VPN like ExpressVPN to watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland or anywhere outside the UK.
Which devices are compatible with BBC iPlayer
If you want to access BBC iPlayer, your device should be running on Android 5.0 (or above), Fire OS 5 (or above), and iOS 12 (or above). You can also update the BBC iPlayer app if you have an early operating system.
The BBC iPlayer is available on the following devices and gaming consoles;
- Windows
- Mac
- iOS
- Android
- Apple TV
- Fire Stick
- Roku
- PS3, PS4, and PS5
- Xbox 360 and Xbox One
- Smart TV
FAQs
1- How do I get BBC iPlayer for free in Ireland?
BBC iPlayer is a public streaming service. It is free in the UK. But for users in Ireland, you must follow these steps;
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN
- Connect to the UK server
- Log in to BBC iPlayer app
- Enjoy watching BBC iPlayer!
2- Is there a BBC iPlayer app for mobile devices?
Yes, BBC iPlayer has an app for all mobile devices. BBC iPlayer is available on compatible Android, Amazon Fire, and iOS mobile.
3- Can I watch BBC iPlayer outside the UK?
You can, but only if you have a VPN service. A VPN service helps you get a UK IP address to access UK-restricted content, including BBC iPlayers, from anywhere outside the UK.
4- Is it Illegal to use VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland?
Using a VPN to access BBC iPlayer from Ireland may be technically against the service’s terms of use and condition, but it is not illegal. However, it is always important to use a reputable VPN (mentioned above) that follows strict privacy and security protocols to protect users’ online activity and data.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, streaming BBC iPlayer from Ireland requires a VPN service that can bypass the geo-restrictions put in place by the service. While not all VPNs are effective at doing this, VPNs listed here have servers located in the UK, allowing users to connect to a UK server and access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK.
