Freesat in Ireland: How to Get Free UK TV Legally and Easily
Looking for more channels without monthly bills? If you’re in Ireland and want to watch top UK channels like BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and more legally and for free, Freesat might be exactly what you’re after.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
1. What Is Freesat?
Freesat is a UK-based free-to-air satellite TV service, jointly run by the BBC and ITV. It provides access to over 150 channels including many in HD, all delivered via satellite — no subscription required.
Unlike Saorview, which is Ireland’s terrestrial service, Freesat uses a satellite dish to pull in signals from the Astra 2 satellite cluster at 28.2°E.
2. Can You Get Freesat in Ireland?
Yes – easily. Although Freesat is designed for the UK, its satellite signal footprint fully covers Ireland. That means you can receive Freesat channels here with the right dish and receiver.
Tens of thousands of homes in Ireland legally use Freesat every day.
3. What Channels Are Available on Freesat?
Here are some of the top UK channels you can access for free:
Main Freesat Channels:
- BBC One, BBC Two, BBC Three, BBC Four
- ITV1, ITV2, ITV3, ITV4, ITVBe
- Channel 4, More4, Film4, E4
- Channel 5, 5USA, 5STAR
- CBS Reality, Legend, Drama, Dave
- News channels: BBC News, Sky News, GB News
- Music: Box Hits, Kiss, Magic
- HD channels: BBC HD, ITV HD, Channel 4 HD
- Note: Some premium channels (e.g., Sky-branded) are not included – those require a subscription.
4. What Do You Need to Watch Freesat in Ireland?
Option 1 – Freesat Box + Satellite Dish:
- A standard 60–80 cm satellite dish pointed at Astra 28.2°E
- A Freesat receiver box (non-recording or recording)
- No viewing card needed
Option 2 – Freesat Built-in TV:
- Many modern UK TVs (e.g., Panasonic, LG) have Freesat built in
- You still need a satellite dish, but no external box
- Want to receive Irish channels too? Combine Freesat with Saorview using a combo box.
5. How Much Does Freesat Cost?
| Item | Typical Cost (EUR) |
|---|---|
|
Freesat HD Box |
€70–€120 |
|
Dish + Installation |
€150–€200 |
|
Monthly Subscription |
€0 |
That’s a one-time setup for lifetime free UK TV. Compare that to Sky or Virgin Media, and the savings speak for themselves.
6. Is Freesat Legal in Ireland?
Yes. Freesat broadcasts are free-to-air, meaning they are not encrypted or restricted. You are simply receiving a signal that is openly available via satellite. This is not piracy — it’s just using a dish to watch publicly available content.
Many installers in Ireland offer Freesat setups alongside Saorview and Sky services.
7. Installation Tips
Use a dish of at least 80 cm for stable signal in windy or coastal areas
Mount it where there is clear line of sight to the southeast
If unsure, hire a local installer – many will offer Freesat + Saorview combos
Consider a combo receiver to switch easily between Irish and UK channels
8. Who Is Freesat Best For?
- Homes without a TV subscription (no bills!)
- UK expats living in Ireland
- Anyone who wants more channel variety
- Backup system during Sky outages
- Homes with poor Saorview signal
9. Where to Get Freesat Boxes and Kits in Ireland?
You can buy Freesat receivers, satellite dishes, and installation kits from trusted local retailers or you can buy satellite supplies in our shop online.
Final Thoughts
Freesat is one of the best-kept secrets in Irish TV. With no monthly bills, tons of quality UK content, and easy installation, it’s a smart solution for homes wanting more — for less.
Ready to get started? Satellite Direct offers Freesat equipment, combo systems, and expert advice to help you build the perfect setup.
Want help choosing the right Freesat system?
We’ve been doing this for over 20+ years. Whether you’re in a city or in the countryside, our expert team at Satellite Direct will help you get the perfect signal and setup for your home or business.
