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How to watch RTE in UK February 2025

How to watch RTE in the UK

RTE Player is a free and widely used service in Ireland that broadcasts sports events, news channels, and many entertaining shows. However, RTÉ Player is only available in Ireland due to geo-restrictions enforced by broadcasting rights. If you try to stream RTÉ Player from outside Ireland, you’ll encounter an error message blocking access.

This restriction occurs because RTÉ Player checks your IP address to verify your location. To watch RTÉ in the UK, you’ll need a VPN to obtain an Irish IP address. A VPN reroutes your internet connection through an Irish server, making it appear as though you’re in Ireland. Simply choose a reliable VPN, connect to an Irish server, and enjoy unrestricted access to RTÉ Player’s content.

After conducting thorough testing, NordVPN emerged as the best VPN to watch RTÉ in the UK. It offers over 50 servers in Ireland, fast speeds, and additional features to enhance your streaming experience and overall online security. Read on to learn more about how to watch RTÉ in the UK.

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How to watch RTE Player in UK with a VPN

  1. Choose and purchase a VPN with servers in Ireland. I recommend NordVPN, now 72%% off!
  2. Download and install the VPN on your preferred device.
  3. Connect to a VPN server in Ireland.
  4. Create or log in to RTE Player or the RTE website.
  5. Enjoy streaming RTE Player in the UK without restrictions!
Watch RTE in the UK with NordVPN

Why do you need a VPN for RTE Player outside Ireland?

RTE Player is only available in Ireland as it’s an Irish national public service broadcaster. More specifically, RTE Player is geo-restricted to viewers in Ireland only due to licensing agreements with content providers, which legally oblige RTE to impose restrictions when it comes to streaming the service outside of Ireland. RTE Player will not grant you access if you travel or live outside of Ireland, including the UK. In such cases, you will be prompted with an error message and denied access to your favorite content, even if you already have an account.

RTE Player playback error on browser
RTE Player's error message when streaming outside Ireland

However, there is a way to bypass RTE Player’s geo-restrictions by using a robust VPN provider. A strong streaming VPN with servers in Ireland can mask your real IP address and change it to one from Ireland. Once your IP address is changed, RTE will identify you as being in Ireland and grant you access to its service. You will be able to stream content on RTE Player in the UK and other countries using a VPN without any geo-restrictions.

Watch RTE in the UK using NordVPN servers in Ireland

Best VPNs for RTE Player abroad

Many VPN providers are available, but not all of them can unblock RTE in the UK. To watch RTE in the UK, a VPN should have a wide selection of servers, including several options in Ireland. Additionally, excellent unblocking capabilities and reliable speeds are a must to ensure a smooth experience. After extensive testing, I chose the top 3 RTE VPNs that met these requirements.

1. NordVPN - overall best VPN to watch RTE in UK

9.8
review-badge__icon Top VPN provider
Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
118
Number of servers
Number of servers:
7100
Support
Support:
24/7, email
  • 50+ servers in Ireland
  • User-friendly interface
  • Fas NordLynx protocol
  • Limited simultaneous connections

NordVPN is the best VPN for RTE Player in 2025, as it has over 50 servers in Ireland, allowing you to easily bypass geo-blocks and access RTÉ content from anywhere without any buffering.

With its extensive network of 7100+ servers in 118 countries, including 50+ servers in Dublin, NordVPN easily bypassed RTÉ's geo-blocks during my tests in the UK. Additionally, due to the fast NordLynx protocol, my speed stayed at 100+ Mbps at all times, which was more than enough for a fast streaming experience.

I was also impressed with NordVPN's security features, such as the Kill Switch, which ensures your data remains secure if the VPN connection is interrupted. Additionally, the Double VPN feature enhances privacy even further by routing your internet traffic through two VPN locations simultaneously. With these features, I felt confident that RTÉ Player wouldn’t detect my VPN or block access while streaming my favorite sports. What's more, NordVPN also offers Dark Web Monitoring, which scans the internet for any potential leaks of your email address, adding an extra layer of security to your online experience.

You can use NordVPN on all major operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS). Additionally, it’s possible to set up NordVPN on different Smart TVs, routers, and consoles or install NordVPN’s browser extension. You can get NordVPN for $3.39/month, and all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is even a 7-day free trial that you can get from the Google Play Store.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – cheapest VPN for RTE Player outside Ireland

9.5
review-badge__icon Top VPN provider
Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
100
Number of servers
Number of servers:
3200
Support
Support:
24/7, FAQ
  • 64 servers in Ireland
  • Unblocks RTE in the UK
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Based in the Netherlands, part of the Nine Eye alliance

Surfshark is a top-notch VPN for watching RTE in the UK due to its many additional security features and budget-friendly prices. Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including 64 in Ireland, making it easy to unblock RTÉ from anywhere in the world. Simply connect to an Irish server, and you'll be able to access RTÉ content without any issues.

I tested streaming RTÉ from the UK using Surfshark’s Irish server and experienced no error messages, allowing me to watch my favorite sports events without any buffering. Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs available, and with its stable WireGuard protocol, I maintained speeds of over 100 Mbps while streaming RTÉ. To guarantee security while streaming RTÉ Player in the UK, I used Surfshark’s split-tunneling feature. This allowed me to choose which apps and websites to route through the VPN tunnel, ensuring both privacy and optimal performance while accessing RTÉ’s content. You can also enable a robust, soft, or strong Kill Switch to protect your data in case of a VPN drop. Additionally, Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature will block any malicious ads and trackers, enhancing your online streaming experience.

You can download Surfshark on all major computer and mobile devices, including smart TVs, consoles, and routers. It’s also possible to install Surfshark’s Firefox and Chrome browser extensions. Surfshark’s prices start at $2.19/month, and all subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is even a 7-day free trial that you can use to test Surfshark to watch RTE in the UK.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. ProtonVPN - RTE VPN with the fast servers in Ireland

Number of countries covered
Number of countries covered:
117
Number of servers
Number of servers:
9900
Support
Support:
Email
  • 49 servers in Ireland
  • 10 Gbps VPN servers
  • Successfully unblocks RTE Player
  • Expensive paid version

ProtonVPN is another great VPN to watch RTE in the UK with fast speeds and a free version. ProtonVPN provides 49 Irish servers, which guarantees access to RTE Player. However, it's important to note that the free version of ProtonVPN won't work for watching RTÉ in the UK, as it doesn't offer servers in Ireland and won't be able to unblock the site abroad. ProtonVPN has 9900+ servers in 117 countries, so you’ll definitely find a server to fit your needs. I connected to a server in Ireland and could stream RTE outside of Ireland without any lags or slowdowns. I tested ProtonVPN’s speed while connected to Ireland and using the WireGuard protocol, and I was surprised to see that it stayed at 100+ Mbps.

ProtonVPN also focuses on security and provides features like split-tunneling if you only need a VPN for specific apps or websites. You can also use a NetShield Adblocker, which will protect you from intrusive ads and trackers online and is extra handy when browsing and streaming online. Additionally, a Kill Switch feature protects your data by disconnecting the internet in case of any VPN interruptions.

You can install ProtonVPN on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chromebook, Android TV, and Apple TV. It is also possible to set up ProtonVPN on a router. ProtonVPN’s prices start at $3.59/month and there is a free version available that you can use on one device. ProtonVPN also offers a 30-day money-back gauranatee, so you can test it risk free.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

How can I watch RTÉ outside Ireland: detailed guide

RTÉ Player is officially available only in Ireland, but if you're traveling abroad, you can still access it with the help of a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server in Ireland, you can virtually return to Ireland and enjoy the platform without any issues. However, before selecting the best VPN and attempting to access RTÉ from the UK, there are a few important things to consider. Here’s how to watch RTÉ outside Ireland, with the main tips you need to know:

Step 1: Get a robust streaming VPN with servers in Ireland

Since RTE Player is geo-restricted to Ireland only, you must appear to be in Ireland to access it. One way to do this is using a VPN for Ireland, which will change your IP address. It’s important to compare different VPNs before deciding, but I recommend trying NordVPN, as it has over 50 servers in Ireland, successfully unblocks RTE, provides fast speed, and ensures privacy.

Step 2: Download and install the VPN app on your preferred device.

You must install the VPN app on your device to start using a VPN. Be sure to download the app from the provider’s official website. If you need any help with the installation process, visit your provider’s website for guides or contact customer service for additional help.

Download NordVPN website page

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server in Ireland.

To access RTE in the UK, you must appear as being in Ireland using a VPN service. Connecting to a VPN server is easy and can be done directly through the VPN app. Once connected, check for IP and DNS leaks to ensure your connection is not leaking.

NordVPN connected to Ireland

Step 4: Log in or create an RTE account to watch content in the UK.

Once successfully connected to the VPN, you can log in to your RTE account and enjoy your favorite content outside of Ireland. If you don’t yet have an account, create it while still connected to the VPN server in Ireland.

RTE Player's login page

Stream RTE Player with NordVPN

Watch RTÉ Player in UK on phone

You must use an up-to-date operating system to stream RTE Player on your mobile device. The RTE Player app is available on mobile devices running iOS 9.0 or later and Android 5.0 or later. Using a mobile RTE app allows you to stream live programs on RTE One, RTE 2, and RTE News Now. It’s also extremely handy if you like to watch content on the go. However, it’s important to remember that RTE is geo-restricted to Ireland viewers only.

To enjoy RTE’s content in the UK on your mobile device, you can use a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, to bypass geo-restrictions. Installing a VPN and connecting to a server in Ireland on your phone will change your IP address, and RTE will grant you access to it. NordVPN is known to work excellently on mobile devices, so you should have no issues watching RTE in the UK on your phone.

To test NordVPN you can take advantage of the 7-day free trial. However, it's only available for Android devices and you can get it on the Google Play Store. If you're an iOS user, try using Surfshark as it has a 7-day free trial available on the Apple App Store.

Try NordVPN on your mobile phone

Watch RTÉ Player in UK on Smart TV

If you’re interested in streaming RTE Player in the UK on a Smart TV, it’s important to check if RTE supports your device. RTE is generally available on various Smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Apple TVs, and Roku. Currently, RTE does not support Chromebooks or Amazon Fire devices. The easiest way to get RTE Player on your Smart TV is by downloading the RTE Player’s app from an app store on your TV. However, even if you have the RTE Player on your Smart TV, not all content will be available due to rights restrictions and your location.

A robust streaming VPN compatible with Smart TVs could help you bypass the content restrictions imposed by your location. To access RTE on your Smart TV, download and install the VPN on your device and connect to a server in Ireland before streaming RTE. I recommend trying NordVPN, as it’s known to bypass geo-restrictions successfully, has over 50 servers in Ireland, and supports various Smart TVs.

If you want to stream RTE on Chromecast, I recommend installing the VPN directly on the device rather than managing it through your phone for a more stable and faster connection.

Get NordVPN and stream RTE on a Smart TV

Can you get RTÉ on Freeview UK?

Freeview UK is a terrestrial television service that provides 95% of the UK’s popular shows for free. Freeview allows access to content from various services like BBC, Channel 4, ITV2, E7 and more. RTE One, RTE2, and TG4 are also available to watch on Freeview via DTT-only, and you can watch them for free. However, even though Freeview is a free service, geo-restrictions are still applied in some cases. RTE services are only available for users in Northern Ireland, meaning that you most likely won’t be able to access it if you’re located outside Northern Ireland.

Saorview is another free Irish digital television service that allows you to watch RTE channels. You can get Saorview via an aerial connection and receive various channels for free. However, RTE channels are also available for streaming only in Northern Ireland. Lastly, Irish Sky also has RTE channels available. You must subscribe to Sky Ireland to access them, meaning they are geo-restricted to Ireland only. While Sky is a paid service, RTE channels are free to stream in Ireland.

Can you watch RTE in the UK for free?

RTE Player is a free service, but it’s geo-restricted and only available in Ireland. To stream RTE in the UK, you must use a VPN service to change your IP address. Even though there are free VPN providers, I do not recommend using free VPNs to stream RTE in the UK. Many free VPN providers cannot successfully unblock geo-restricted content and cannot encrypt your data as advertised. Additionally, using a free VPN comes with some security risks, as some unreliable free VPNs might even collect and expose your data.

While free VPNs might be tempting, I recommend using a premium VPN service with a free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee. Reputable VPNs like NordVPN provide excellent geo-restriction unblocking capabilities and extra security features for total privacy. NordVPN is a well-known VPN provider, but it still has a 7-day free trial available on the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store. If you want to test it for longer, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee without any risk. By doing so, you will be able to watch RTE in the UK completely free while still using a reliable VPN that will secure your digital footprint.

Try NordVPN’s security features

What to watch on RTE Player?

RTE Player has a diverse range of content, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Sports fans can find various basketball, rugby, football, and other sports matches. You can also catch up with the latest news with RTE Player. Besides regular programs, RTE Player also streams important annual events like the Olympic games, the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Presidential Election. If you want to relax and indulge, RTE offers many movies, TV shows, and reality TV shows of various genres.

Category Popular channels Shows or events
News RTÉ News, Oireachtas TV Euronews, Morning Ireland, The Week in Politics, Ardfheis, Election 2024, European Parliament Report
Sports RTE2 The Sunday Game Live, Monday Night Soccer, FIFA World Cup, Olympic Games
Entertainment TG4, ITV2, Channel 4, RTE 2XM The Late Late Show, The Late Late Toy Show, Blackshore, The Big Bang Theory, Kin
Movies BBC One, BBC Two Stolen, The Wind that Shakes the Barley, Intermission
Reality TV Virgin Media One, UTV Selling Ireland’s Dream Homes, At Your Service, Charleen and Ellie Go All In, Capsule Style Challenge

Final thoughts

RTE Player is a popular service for watching diverse content, including entertaining shows, important sports matches, and the latest news for free. However, it’s geo-restricted to users in Ireland only, so you won’t be able to stream it if you’re in the UK. Fortunately, there is a way to solve this, and that’s by using a robust VPN provider.

A streaming VPN will change your IP address to one from Ireland, allowing you access to RTE Player while in the UK. I tested multiple VPN providers to find the best RTE Player VPN by looking at their unblocking capabilities, server list, price, and security features. After extensive testing, NordVPN proved to be the best RTE Player VPN due to its comprehensive list of servers in Ireland and fast streaming speeds. Additionally, NordVPN is one of the best VPNs in terms of privacy and security, so you’ll be protected while streaming your favorite content.


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FAQ

Can I watch RTE in the UK?

No, you cannot watch RTE in the UK, as it’s only available in Ireland due to geo-restrictions and licensing agreements. Fortunately, even if you’re not in Ireland, a reliable VPN provider can give you access to RTE. Connect to a VPN server in Ireland to access RTE in the UK. This will trick RTE into thinking that you’re located in Ireland, and you will bypass geo-restrictions.

How do I unblock RTÉ Player in the UK?

To unblock RTE Player in the UK, you have to use a VPN service. A VPN can mask and change your IP address to a completely different one, making you look like you are in a different location. To access RTE in the UK, connect to a VPN server in Ireland, and RTE will grant you access to its service.

How to watch The Late Late Show Ireland in UK?

To watch The Late Late Show Ireland in the UK, you can use RTE Player. Since RTE Player is only available in Ireland, connect to an Irish VPN server before accessing RTE. A VPN server in Ireland will make you appear as if you are in Ireland, and RTE will grant you access to your favorite content.

Which VPN works with RTÉ Player?

NordVPN works with RTÉ Player without any issues. NordVPN has over 50 servers in Ireland, which guarantees successful geo-restrictions bypassing. In addition, NordVPN provides fast speeds and ensures security with its additional privacy features.

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