The luck of the Irish is legendary, but it unfortunately doesn’t extend to streaming. Much like leprechauns, the merrow, and pots of gold at the ends of rainbows, BBC iPlayer is the stuff of myth and legend in Ireland.
Fortunately, CyberGhost VPN can sprinkle some digital fairy dust over your devices so that you can still watch the best of the BBC when you travel to the Emerald Isle. Our ultra-fast, super secure servers in the UK allow you to virtually relocate yourself to make it look like you’re at home – even if you’re enjoying good craic with a pint of Guinness at The Temple Bar!
Not all VPNs work with BBC iPlayer, but CyberGhost does. Our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer provides reliable, fast access so you can stream your favorite shows without error messages or buffering! Read on to learn how you can watch BBC iPlayer from Ireland.
Quick Guide: How to Watch BBC iPlayer In Ireland
- Get CyberGhost VPN and install the app on your device. It’s quick and easy, even if you’ve never used a VPN before.
- Connect to our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer in the UK.
- Start watching your favorite shows.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer
Action-packed days abound when you’re abroad, so it’s always great to carve out time in your itinerary for taking it easy. Streaming an episode of one of the BBC’s award-winning series on iPlayer is a great way to unwind, but you might run into a bit of a problem when you try to access the platform.
The BBC’s rights agreements require you to be in the UK to stream shows or watch BBC TV channels on iPlayer. If you try to watch this content while you’re in Ireland, you’ll see an error message telling you that you can’t stream from outside of the UK.
Fortunately, getting around this is pretty simple. You can use a VPN to mask your IP address and make it look like you’re watching from within the UK. All you need to do is connect to a UK server, log in to your iPlayer account, and start streaming as usual.
CyberGhost VPN has three VPN server locations in the UK: London, Berkshire, and Manchester. We also have a streaming-optimized server just for BBC iPlayer, so you can watch Doctor Who or Happy Valley in Ireland without any error messages or glitching.
CyberGhost VPN: The Best VPN to Watch BBC iPlayer
Watch on Any Device
CyberGhost VPN has native apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV Stick, and Android TV. You can also use CyberGhost VPN with Apple TV, Roku, Kodi, and other popular streaming devices and set it up on smart TVs that don’t natively support VPNs.
One CyberGhost VPN subscription lets you connect up to 7 devices simultaneously. This means you can easily switch between watching BBC iPlayer shows on your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone while you’re on the go – without having to log in and out of your VPN on different devices.
Streaming-Optimized Servers for BBC iPlayer
CyberGhost VPN has a streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer that allows you to easily access your account when traveling. We test this server regularly to ensure you won’t be blocked when trying to access the platform. This means that you can binge-watch Peaky Blinders without running into any pesky error messages.
All of our servers are optimized for speed, so you get reliable, fast connections no matter where you’re watching. You can even stream smoothly in UHD.
Bye-Bye Bandwidth Limits
Some VPNs impose bandwidth limits. When you reach your daily or monthly data cap, the VPN either stops working or slows down.
CyberGhost VPN never limits your data use, so you can stay up watching Sherlock as late as you like. Try it risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
Rocket Speed
A buffering wheel is the last thing you want when you’re watching an action-packed episode of Line of Duty. CyberGhost VPN gives you access to ultra-fast VPN servers that help you avoid interruptions and immerse yourself in the story.
We also have 10-Gbps servers in our most popular locations. This means that you can stream BBC iPlayer in high or ultra-high definition without worrying about overcrowded servers slowing you down.
Bypass ISP Throttling
There’s nothing worse than settling down with your snacks, ready to binge the latest season of your favorite show only to find that it’s taking forever to load. This can happen when your ISP or network provider detects that you’re streaming and deliberately slows your connection.
CyberGhost VPN hides your online activity from your ISP – and anyone else who might be watching – so they can’t micromanage your internet usage. Our super–strong encryption allows you to stream BBC iPlayer privately and securely, helping you avoid activity-based throttling.
How to Sign Up for BBC iPlayer
Signing up for BBC iPlayer is quick and easy, but how you do it will depend on where you’re accessing the service from. Either way, you’ll need to create a BBC account.
Sign Up for BBC iPlayer from the UK
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website.
- Click on Sign In.
- Scroll down on the sign-in page and click Register now.
- Follow the prompts and enter your details.
- Confirm and start streaming.
Sign Up for BBC iPlayer When Traveling Outside the UK
- Get CyberGhost VPN.
- Open the CyberGhost VPN app, click For streaming, and select the BBC iPlayer server.
- Go to the BBC iPlayer website.
- Click on Sign In.
- Scroll down on the sign-in page and click Register now.
- Follow the prompts and enter your details.
- Confirm and start watching BBC iPlayer.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Your Computer
It couldn’t be easier to stream BBC iPlayer on your Windows, macOS, or Linux computer. Simply:
- Visit the BBC iPlayer website.
- Sign in or register a new account.
- Find a show you want to watch, press play, and be entertained!
If you’re traveling abroad and want to watch iPlayer in Ireland or another country, connect to CyberGhost VPN’s streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer to stream shows and live TV as normal. You can also download programs on your mobile device to watch offline or when you’re outside the UK.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Mobile
BBC iPlayer’s mobile app lets you watch your favorite shows on the go. Connect to CyberGhost VPN’s streaming-optimized server in the UK to stream securely without restrictions. We have easy-to-use apps for Android and iOS devices.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on iOS in Ireland
- Download CyberGhost VPN and connect to a server in the UK.
- Make sure your Apple ID location is set to the UK.
- Go to the App Store, find the BBC iPlayer app, and download it.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Tap Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Choose a program and start streaming!
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Android in Ireland
- Download the CyberGhost VPN app to your device and connect to a UK server.
- Go to the Google Play Store.
- Make sure the “Country and Profile” setting in the Play Store is set to the UK.
- Find, download, and open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Tap Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Find something good to watch and click play!
How to Watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland on a Smart TV
You can start streaming BBC iPlayer directly on your smart TV in a few simple steps. First, you’ll need to connect to one of CyberGhost VPN’s UK servers. How you do this will depend on your smart TV’s operating system.
If your smart TV runs on Android TV or you have an Amazon Fire TV device, you can download the CyberGhost VPN app from the Appstore or Google Play Store, connect to one of our servers in the UK, and follow the steps below to start watching. For other smart TVs, you can install CyberGhost on your mobile device and cast to your TV, install the app on an Amazon Firestick or other similar external device, or set up CyberGhost VPN on your router.
Once the VPN is set up, the process is fairly simple. Each smart TV is different, but you’ll generally need to:
- Go to the app store on your smart TV.
- Download and open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your BBC account details.
- Choose a show and press play.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on a Game Console
Most game consoles don’t support VPNs natively, but you can configure CyberGhost on your router to protect any device connected to the network, including your game console.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on Xbox
BBC iPlayer is compatible with Xbox One, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X. It’s quick and easy to start watching on your Xbox.
- Sign in to the Xbox network.
- Go to the Microsoft Store and search for BBC iPlayer.
- Click Get it Free to install the app.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Find a show, press Play, and start watching.
How to Watch BBC iPlayer on PlayStation
You can watch BBC iPlayer on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The process is slightly different on each console, but they’re both easy to set up.
Set Up BBC iPlayer on PlayStation 4:
- Sign in to the PlayStation Network.
- Go to TV/Video Services and select My channels.
- Select BBC iPlayer to download the service.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Choose a show and press Play.
Set Up BBC iPlayer on PlayStation 5:
- Sign in to the PlayStation Network.
- Go to Media, select All Apps, and find BBC iPlayer.
- Add BBC iPlayer to your apps library.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your BBC account details.
- Pick a show and start watching.
Other Ways to Watch BBC iPlayer
There are plenty of other ways that you can watch BBC iPlayer, including Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, Kodi, and Apple TV. The first thing you’ll want to do is download CyberGhost VPN on your streaming device or router and connect to a UK server to ensure that you can access the platform. Then, follow the steps for your device below.
Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Open the Amazon Fire TV Stick home page.
- Search for the BBC iPlayer app and install it.
- Launch BBC iPlayer.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Choose a show and start streaming.
Roku
- Navigate to the Roku Channel Store.
- Search for BBC iPlayer.
- Select the app from the results and click Add Channel to install it.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your BBC account details.
- Discover your new favorite show.
Kodi
- Navigate to the Add-ons section.
- Click on Install from repository.
- Find the iPlayer add-on and install it.
- Go to the Add-ons section and navigate to Video add-ons.
- Find and launch BBC iPlayer.
- Click Sign in.
- Enter your credentials.
- Find a show and start watching.
Apple TV
- Open the App Store on your Apple TV.
- Search for BBC iPlayer and download the app.
- Open the BBC iPlayer app.
- Click Sign in.
- Log in with your BBC account credentials.
- Watch British TV.
How to Watch BBC Shows in Ireland Without iPlayer
The BBC often sells the rights to its programs, which allows other broadcasters and streaming platforms to show them.
Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Netflix all have a selection of BBC shows in their libraries. You can also download shows from Apple’s UK iTunes Store and the Google Play Store for a fee. The offerings on these platforms change all the time, so you’ll need to check if your preferred provider is streaming the show you want to watch.
Another alternative is buying or renting DVDs or Blu-ray discs. Loads of older BBC series are available as box sets on DVD or Blu-ray, which you can watch anywhere – just as long as you have a device to play the discs!
What Channels Do You Get on BBC iPlayer?
BBC iPlayer features all of the national BBC channels. You can use the platform to tune into BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four, CBBC, CBeebies, BBC News, and BBC Parliament. There’s also BBC Alba, a Scottish Gaelic-language channel, and S4C, which is a Welsh-language channel.
You can also listen to shows, segments, and snippets from BBC Radio One broadcasts, including its famous Live Lounge performances.
Keep in mind that the selection of shows and movies you see in the TV Guide may depend on the region you’ve chosen in iPlayer’s location setting.
What Are the Best Shows on BBC iPlayer?
The BBC has been around for more than a century and has produced loads of award-winning shows during that time. Whether you prefer gripping dramas, awe-inspiring documentaries, or side-splitting comedies, there’s plenty to stream on BBC iPlayer. Here are some of the most popular shows:
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- Doctor Who: This long-running science fiction series follows the Doctor, a Time Lord who travels through time and space saving lives and liberating oppressed peoples by battling extraterrestrial enemies.
- Line of Duty: One of the best police procedural series broadcast in the past 10 years, Line of Duty follows the work of AC-12, an anti-corruption unit, as they investigate and expose crooked cops.
- Killing Eve: Eve Polastri is a talented but troubled MI6 agent who becomes obsessed with the elusive and stylish assassin Villanelle. A gripping cat-and-mouse game unfolds as this spy thriller series progresses.
- Death in Paradise: Part crime drama, part comedy, Death in Paradise follows British Detective Inspector Richard Poole, who’s transferred from bustling London to an idyllic (but murder-plagued) Caribbean Island.
- Sherlock: A contemporary adaptation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective tales, this series follows the brilliant yet eccentric Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. John Watson as they solve seemingly unsolvable mysteries in London.
- Battlestar Galactica: The last surviving group of humans defeated in an intergalactic war against a race of robot Cyclons heads to Earth in an attempt to re-establish civilization.
What Sports Can You Watch on BBC iPlayer?
You can use BBC iPlayer to stream sports both on BBC One and BBC Two. These channels broadcast multi-disciplinary events and major fixtures like the Six Nations and Wimbledon, as well as niche sports such as rowing and gymnastics. Available sports include:
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- Football (including FIFA World Cup matches and Premier League highlights)
- Rugby (including the Six Nations)
- Tennis (Wimbledon and other major events)
- Cricket
- Athletics
- Snooker
- Equestrian events (including Badminton and Burghley Horse Trials)
- Rowing
- Swimming
- Triathlon
- Gymnastics
On top of live sporting events, you can also stream sports documentaries and analysis shows as well as highlights from recent sports matches.
CyberGhost VPN – It’s Good Craic!
You don’t need to get locked out of your BBC iPlayer account just because you’re keen on doing a little jig on the Emerald Isle. CyberGhost VPN has plenty of high-speed servers in the UK that you can use to enjoy your usual shows when traveling abroad.
We regularly check our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer to ensure you can always access the platform. Our fast network includes 10-Gbps servers in busy locations, so you never have to worry about other streaming traffic slowing your connection.
CyberGhost has native VPN apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and major streaming devices. You can connect up to 7 devices simultaneously with a single subscription, so you can easily switch between devices without having to log in and out each time.
FAQ
BBC iPlayer is free to TV Licence holders in the UK, but if you’re traveling to Ireland, there’s a simple workaround. All you need to do is get CyberGhost VPN, connect to a server in the UK, sign in to your BBC iPlayer account, and keep watching. You can try CyberGhost VPN risk-free with our 45-day money-back guarantee.
Your annual UK TV Licence payment entitles you to watch as many hours of BBC programming on BBC iPlayer as you like. When you’re traveling outside of the UK, you can use CyberGhost VPN to change your IP address to make it look like you’re home so you can stream content without needing to pay anything more.
CyberGhost is the best VPN to watch BBC iPlayer in Ireland. Connect to a streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer and get reliable access to the platform, so you can stream your usual shows without any errors. CyberGhost VPN gives you fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth so you can enjoy high-quality streaming without worrying about VPN data caps. Try it risk-free with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Yes, although some VPNs don’t work with the platform. The BBC tracks IP addresses and detects which ones are linked to a VPN, then blocks them. CyberGhost VPN helps you avoid this issue by regularly refreshing the IP addresses on our streaming-optimized server for BBC iPlayer. We check our IP addresses actually work with the platform so you can get reliable access to iPlayer without interruptions.
You’ll need two apps to watch BBC programs when you’re traveling abroad in Ireland: CyberGhost VPN and BBC iPlayer. CyberGhost VPN masks your IP address and allows you to access the internet as if you were back in the UK. You can then log into your account on the BBC iPlayer app and watch your usual shows and live TV.
BBC iPlayer has mobile apps for Android and iOS, so you can stream BBC iPlayer on your mobile phone or tablet. If you’re connecting to unfamiliar Wi-Fi networks to stream on the go, you may unwittingly expose your private data to cybercrooks. Download CyberGhost VPN to encrypt your traffic and secure your personal information.
BBC iPlayer may have blocked your VPN server’s IP address. Try reconnecting or choosing a different server in the UK. If that doesn’t work, disconnect from your VPN and clear your browser cookies and cache before reconnecting. If you’re still having problems, switch to CyberGhost VPN. We have a streaming-optimized server just for BBC iPlayer, and our 24/7 customer support team is always available to answer questions.
If you’re on the website, find the location setting in the bottom left-hand corner of the website. On the mobile app, tap the cog icon in the top right-hand corner of the home page and navigate to the Location category. You can also connect to a CyberGhost VPN server in the UK to change your virtual location. This way, the platform will detect and change your location automatically.
You can watch BBC iPlayer without a VPN while you’re in the UK, but you won’t be able to access the platform if you’re traveling abroad. Connecting to a CyberGhost VPN UK server makes it look like you’re in the UK, so you can still access your favorite BBC shows.
The best way to bypass the BBC iPlayer location error message is to use CyberGhost VPN. Connect to one of our UK servers to change your virtual location back to the UK, so you can watch all of your favorite shows without any interruptions.
While BBC iPlayer isn’t available in Ireland, you can still access it if you’re visiting from the UK. Just download CyberGhost VPN and connect to a server in the UK to change your virtual location back to the UK so you can stream as normal.
Can I use a VPN to unblock a streaming service from a different country?
Some streaming fans may connect to a VPN server in the country where a certain streaming service is available in order to watch from a different country. While we don’t snoop on our users’ online activity, this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
Rest assured that CyberGhost VPN never logs your browsing data and your activity is always private, but you should always comply with all relevant terms and applicable law, including copyright.
Leave a comment
David
Posted on 27/11/2022 at 16:32
Hi,
I’m staying with my partner who lives in the
R of I I have a UK address.
We are 1/2 mile inside the R of I you have
no instructions on how to get it on smart TV
nor do you mention the cost.
Ghostie
Posted on 01/12/2022 at 10:41
Hi David, You have two ways to set up a VPN for your Smart TV. You can use our Smart DNS service. Change your DNS and your original location isn’t exposed to the websites you’re trying to reach. That way you can stream any content, but you won’t secure or encrypt your streaming activity. To enjoy unlimited streaming and protection, set up CyberGhost VPN on your router. To your second question, yes, CyberGhost is a premium VPN with a subscription fee.