What Satellite Dish Size Do I Need in Ireland?
(60cm vs 80cm vs 100cm+ — Complete Buying Guide)
Looking to buy a satellite dish in Ireland but not sure which size is right for your home? Whether you’re watching Freesat, Sky, or international free-to-air channels, the size of your satellite dish plays a key role in picture quality, signal strength, and long-term reliability.
As Ireland’s trusted supplier of satellite dishes and accessories, we at Satellite Direct are here to guide you!
Contents
1. Why Dish Size Matters
The bigger the satellite dish, the stronger the signal it can capture — especially useful in rural parts of Ireland or during heavy rain. A correctly sized dish means:
- Fewer signal dropouts
- Better HD/4K quality
- More channel options
- Stable performance year-round
2. Satellite Dish Sizes Explained - Comparison
Here’s a quick breakdown to help you choose the right dish size for your satellite TV needs in Ireland:
| Dish Size | Ideal For | Pros | Sky Q (Premium TV) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
60 cm |
Strong signals like Sky Q and Freesat |
Compact, affordable, great for cities |
|
|
80 cm |
Rural homes, Freesat, bad weather areas |
More signal strength, great for Irish climate |
|
|
100–120 cm |
European TV (Astra 19.2°, Hotbird, etc.) |
Supports multiple satellite positions |
|
|
>120 cm |
Weak signals, fringe areas, niche channels |
Excellent reception for foreign satellites |
Professional installation recommended |
Tip: Always pair your dish with a high-quality LNB and satellite receiver for best results. Shop for LNB here
3. What Size Satellite Dish Is Best for Irish Homes?
- Urban Areas (Dublin, Cork, Limerick): 60–80 cm is usually enough for Sky and Freesat.
- Rural or Coastal Areas (Mayo, Kerry, Donegal): Go for 80 cm+ to reduce weather-related signal issues.
- Multi-Satellite Setups (e.g., Astra + Hotbird): Choose 100–120 cm for reliable international coverage.
4. Where to Buy Satellite Dishes in Ireland?
At Satellite Direct, we stock a full range of satellite dish kits, aerials, LNBs, and accessories — ready for nationwide delivery. All of our products are selected for Irish conditions and tested for quality. You can visit our shop here ->
Popular products:
Need help? Our experienced team will help you choose the right dish size for your setup. Contact us by contact form here.
5. How Does Weather Affect Dish Size?
In Ireland’s famously rainy climate, bigger dishes are better at holding the signal during storms. For stable HD or 4K viewing, especially in exposed areas, we recommend:
Minimum 80 cm for satellite
Secure wall brackets for windy conditions
6. Can I Use One Dish for Multiple Satellites?
Yes — you absolutely can, provided you use the right hardware such as a DiSEqC switch, a monoblock LNB, or a motorised mount. Here’s how it works in practice:
- 1. DiSEqC Switch (Manual or Automatic Switching) - allows one satellite receiver to switch between up to 10 different LNB inputs, all through a single coax cable.
- For example, the Amiko 2x1, REVEZ 8x1, or Amiko 10x1 switches (available at our shop) let you connect multiple LNBs to one dish and route them to a single satellite box
- This setup is perfect for combining signals from Astra 28.2°E (Freesat/Sky Q), Astra 19.2°E, Hotbird 13°E, and more.
- 2. Monoblock LNBs - include multiple feed horns and built‑in DiSEqC switching capabilities, designed to receive satellites spaced a few degrees apart.
- Monoblock or Duo LNBs like Astra 19.2°E and Hotbird 13°E - on one dish.
- Ideal for viewers who want both UK and European channels without complex setups.
- 3. Motorised Dish Mounts
- Motorised mounts controlled via DiSEqC 1.2 or USALS let your dish rotate and align remotely with satellites spread across the orbital arc.
- Best for expansive satellite coverage (e.g. Astra, Hotbird, Eutelsat) with just one dish.
Ask us about combo setups — we can help you complete your kits! Contact us by contact form here.
7. Final Buying Advice
Still asking “what size satellite dish do I need”? Remember:
Match your dish size to your location and satellite type
Invest in a trusted Irish supplier (like us!) for advice and support
Choose a larger dish if you want future-proof, weather-resistant TV
8. Need Help Choosing or Setting Up?
We're here to help you get the most from your TV!
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.
