Available on our platforms
Saorview brings RTÉ One, RTÉ2, Virgin Media One, TG4 and more to your TV with just an aerial — no subscription, no contract.
We compare NOW, eir TV, Virgin Media and Sky Ireland on price, contract length, channels and hidden costs, so you only pay for what you watch.
Step-by-step help for RTÉ Player, TG4 Player, Virgin Media Play and the big streaming apps on smart TVs, Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast.
Internet TV in Ireland has never had more choice — or more confusing prices. StreamerATV explains every legal option, from free Saorview and RTÉ Player to NOW passes and full TV packages, so you can build the setup that suits your home and budget.
Updated for
Aerials, Saorview boxes and TVs with built-in Saorview explained.
NOW, eir TV, Virgin Media and Sky Ireland compared side by side.
RTÉ Player, TG4 Player and Virgin Media Play on every device.
Where to legally watch GAA, rugby, football and UFC in Ireland.
Simple setup guides for smart TVs, Fire TV, Apple TV and Chromecast.
How to cut your TV bill and avoid long contracts you do not need.
Start with Saorview. If your TV has a built-in Saorview tuner and you have a working UHF aerial, you already get the main Irish channels for free.
Install RTÉ Player, TG4 Player and Virgin Media Play on your smart TV or streaming stick for catch-up and live TV over broadband.
Want sport or movies? Add a monthly NOW pass or compare eir, Virgin Media and Sky packages — and avoid paying for channels you never watch.
Yes. Saorview is the free-to-air service in Ireland. With a UHF aerial and a TV or box with a Saorview tuner you get RTÉ One, RTÉ2, Virgin Media One, TG4 and other channels with no monthly fee. RTÉ Player, TG4 Player and Virgin Media Play also stream for free over broadband.
For most homes the cheapest setup is Saorview plus free streaming apps. If you want premium sport or movies, a no-contract NOW pass is usually cheaper than a 12–24 month TV package, because you can cancel in quiet months.
Under current rules a TV licence is needed if you have a television set capable of receiving broadcast TV, whether you watch live or not. The rules are being reformed, so always check the latest guidance from An Post and the Department before deciding.
It depends on your broadband and what you watch. Virgin Media suits cable areas, eir TV is often bundled with eir broadband, and Sky has the widest premium sport. Read our comparison to see contract lengths and channel lists side by side.
About 5 Mbps is enough for HD on one screen and 25 Mbps for 4K. If several people stream at once, aim for 50 Mbps or more and use Ethernet or a good mesh Wi-Fi system for the main TV.