How to watch RTE in the UK: June 2026 guide

You can watch RTÉ in the UK by using a VPN and connecting to a server in Ireland before opening RTÉ Player. This gives you an Irish IP address, letting you access free RTÉ live streams and on-demand shows from the UK. Based on hands-on testing, I found NordVPN to be the best option for RTÉ Player thanks to its fast Irish servers, reliable unblocking, and smooth, high-quality streaming performance.

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RTÉ Player is a free streaming platform with live channels, sports, Irish shows, and major events, including the UEFA Champions League final for free. However, its full library is only available in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

To watch RTE Player in the UK, use a VPN and connect to an Irish server before opening the platform. Once connected, you can bypass RTÉ Player’s location checks and stream live TV and catch-up content from the UK.

⚠️Since RTÉ Player has active VPN detection, it can block specific IP addresses linked to VPN servers. However, it doesn’t block VPN technology itself, so premium VPNs with fresh Irish IPs can still bypass these restrictions. After testing 28 VPNs, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the best VPNs for RTE Player due to their fast Irish servers, stable unblocking, and consistent streaming access.

Best VPN for RTÉ Player in 2026

1. NordVPN

   Overall best VPN to watch RTE in the UK
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Best affordable RTE Player VPN
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Best secure VPN that works with RTE Player
   8.6

In my tests, NordVPN’s cheapest Basic plan worked best for RTE Player unblocking in the UK. I connected to a Dublin server, opened RTÉ Player, and streamed live content without location errors or any noticeable buffering. The connection stayed stable for HD streams, which makes NordVPN a strong pick if you want a VPN that works reliably with RTE Player.

If you want to watch the Champions League final on RTÉ for free, use NordVPN’s 3-day trial or 30-day money-back guarantee and stream risk-free.

How to watch RTE Player in UK with a VPN

RTÉ Player is officially available only in Ireland, but if you're in the UK, you can still access it with a VPN. By connecting to a VPN server in Ireland, you can virtually return to Ireland and enjoy the platform without any issues.

Here’s how to watch RTÉ outside Ireland:

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 by using a VPN for Ireland, which will change your IP address.

I recommend NordVPN as the best VPN for RTE Player because it has 50+ Irish servers, strong unblocking results, and fast speeds for watching RTÉ live streams and catch-up content without buffering.

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.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server in Ireland.

Since RTÉ Player is only available in Ireland, connecting to an Irish VPN server is essential if you want to access it from the UK. This is the only way to watch RTE live streams, on-demand content, and free broadcasts like the Champions League final from abroad.

In case RTE Player still blocks access, check for IP and DNS leaks, clear your browser cache, use incognito mode, or switch to another Irish server.

Step 4: Visit RTÉ Player and start streaming 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.

If RTÉ Player doesn’t work with a VPN, try switching to another Irish server first. RTE blocks known VPN IP addresses, so a different server can often restore access. You should also clear your browser cache and cookies, check for IP or DNS leaks on sites like www.dnsleaktest.com, disable GPS/location permissions, or open RTÉ Player in a private browser window.

Stream RTE Player with NordVPN

How to get RTE Player on TV in the UK

You can get RTE Player on your TV in the UK by connecting your VPN to an Irish server and then installing the app on a compatible Smart TV or streaming device. Since RTÉ Player is geo-restricted, the VPN part is essential.

You can install the RTÉ Player app on supported Smart TVs, including Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips, and Panasonic models. It’s also available on popular streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, and NOW TV. Some TV services, like Sky Q, Virgin TV 360, and Saorview Connect, also support RTÉ Player.

If the app isn’t available on your TV, you can cast from your phone or tablet instead. Connect your VPN to Ireland first, open RTÉ Player on your mobile device, and use AirPlay or Chromecast to stream it on your TV.

Is it legal to access RTÉ Player from abroad?

Using a VPN to access RTÉ Player from abroad is not a criminal offense in the UK, but it can go against RTÉ Player’s Terms of Use. RTÉ restricts most of its content to viewers in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland due to licensing agreements, broadcast rights, and Irish TV license funding rules.

That means if you try to stream RTE Player from the UK, the platform will automatically block access when it detects a UK IP address. That’s where a VPN comes in: by connecting to an Irish VPN server, you can get an Irish IP address and make RTÉ Player treat your connection as local.

Still, RTÉ Player has VPN detection, so not every VPN works. Free or overcrowded VPNs are more likely to fail because their IPs are easier to detect. Premium VPNs with multiple Irish servers and regularly refreshed IP addresses give you a better chance of accessing RTE Player from the UK. For a legal alternative, RTÉ Player International offers limited Irish programming for viewers abroad.

Watch RTE in the UK using NordVPN servers in Ireland

Best VPNs for RTE Player abroad

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, NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN stood out as the best RTE Player VPNs, offering the most consistent access to RTÉ Player from the UK.

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN for RTE Player

NordVPN is the best VPN for RTE Player, 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 9,300+ servers in 137 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 187+ 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.

NordVPN is my top VPN pick for accessing RTE Player from outside Ireland, with plans starting at $3.09/month, a 3-day free trial, and a 30-day money-back guarantee for risk-free testing.

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

2. Surfshark – cheapest VPN that works with RTE Player in the UK

Surfshark is a top-notch VPN for watching RTE in the UK due to its 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, including 54 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 176Mbps 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.

Surfshark is a strong, affordable VPN for RTE Player, with plans starting at $1.99/month, a 7-day free trial on up to 3 devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test its Irish servers from the UK.

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

3. Proton VPN – privacy-focused RTE Player VPN with a free version

Proton VPN is another strong RTE Player VPN for watching RTÉ in the UK, offering fast speeds and privacy-focused apps. Proton VPN provides 161+ Irish servers, giving you several connection options if RTÉ Player blocks one IP address. However, it's important to note that the free version of Proton VPN 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.

Proton VPN has 20,075+ servers in 145 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 Proton VPN’s speed while connected to Ireland and using the WireGuard protocol, and I was surprised to see that it stayed at 173Mbps.

Proton VPN 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.

Proton VPN is a privacy-focused VPN for RTE Player, with paid plans starting at $2.99/month and a 30-day money-back guarantee for testing its Irish servers from the UK. While Proton VPN has a free version, you’ll need a paid plan to choose an Irish server.

We conducted an in-depth evaluation of Proton VPN – see the results.

Can you watch RTE in the UK for free?

Yes, you can watch RTÉ in the UK for free, but you need an Irish IP address to bypass regional broadcasting restrictions. Based on my tests, NordVPN is the best VPN for RTE Player since it reliably unblocks the platform, offers 50+ Irish servers, and delivers fast streaming speeds.

If you want to watch the Champions League final for free on RTÉ Player, use NordVPN’s 3-day free trial or 30-day money-back guarantee. Free VPNs are not worth it in my experience, as they usually lack Irish servers or get blocked quickly.

Try NordVPN’s security features

What to watch on RTE Player?

RTE Player has a diverse range of content, from Irish shows and news to sports, movies, and reality TV. Sports fans can watch basketball, rugby, football, and major events, including UEFA Champions League coverage and the Champions League final. RTÉ Player also streams annual events like the Olympic Games, the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Presidential Election.

Final thoughts

RTÉ Player is one of the easiest ways to stream Irish TV, news, sports, entertainment, and major events like the UEFA Champions League final for free. However, its full library is limited to Ireland and Northern Ireland, so UK viewers need an Irish IP address to access it. A reliable VPN solves this by routing your connection through an Irish server before you open RTÉ Player.

That said, based on my tests of 28 VPNs, NordVPN is the best VPN for RTE Player. It offers access to more than 50 Irish servers, fast connection speeds for HD streams, stable and reliable geo-unblocking, plus advanced privacy tools. Together, these features make it a strong choice for streaming RTÉ live channels, catch-up shows, and sports broadcasts from the UK without constant errors or buffering.

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FAQ

Can I watch RTE in the UK?

Yes, you can watch RTE in the UK, but you usually need a VPN because RTÉ Player blocks UK IP addresses due to broadcasting rights. Simply connect to an Irish VPN server to get an Irish IP address and access RTÉ Player’s live and on-demand content.

How to get RTE in the UK?

You can get RTE in the UK by using a VPN with Irish servers. Install the VPN app, connect to Ireland, then visit RTÉ Player and start streaming. This makes your connection appear local, so RTÉ Player can unlock its Irish content library.

How to watch RTE in the UK?

To watch 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 Champions League on RTE Player in the UK?

To watch the Champions League on RTE Player in the UK, use a VPN like NordVPN and connect to an Irish server. This gives you access to RTÉ Player’s Ireland-only streams, including free UEFA Champions League coverage and the final, then you can open RTÉ Player and start watching.

Why can’t I watch RTÉ Player in Northern Ireland?

RTÉ Player can block some content in Northern Ireland because availability depends on licensing and broadcasting rights. While Northern Ireland gets access to more RTÉ content than the rest of the UK, the full RTÉ Player library is usually limited to the Republic of Ireland.

How to watch RTE in Northern Ireland?

You can watch some RTÉ Player content in Northern Ireland directly, but not the full library. For blocked shows, sports, or live streams, use a VPN and connect to a server in the Republic of Ireland. This gives you an Irish IP address and helps unlock more RTÉ Player 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.