How to Watch RTE Player Abroad (Outside Ireland) with a VPN

Irish public media broadcaster RTE may be your favorite, but you’ll be sad to know that the provider’s content is mostly geo-fenced from users outside of Ireland. Some shows are available internationally, such as analyses of political and current events, but most content requires an Irish IP address to access.

By trying to access RTE Player from abroad, you’ll find that the error message you get is:

“This programme cannot be streamed due to rights restrictions.”

However, there’s good news. We have a solution to this problem!

Can a VPN Help Me Watch RTE Player From Abroad?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can give you an Irish IP address that will unblock RTE Player. All you have to do is connect to a VPN service provider’s VPN server in Ireland, and you’ll have an Irish IP address that you can use to access RTE Player content.

Another good thing that a VPN does is encrypt your internet connection, keeping entities like your Internet Service Provider or government, as well as any hacker, from spying on your online activities.

Don’t have the time to investigate every VPN in depth? Here’s a shortened review of each of the top VPNs for RTE Player:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN provider for RTE Player. The provider offers extremely fast speeds, comprehensive encryption, and wide app support, in addition to high-speed servers in Ireland. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget-priced VPN. Surfshark is your prime choice if you’re on a tight budget. The provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, thorough privacy and security protections, and speedy customer support, all for a low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN service. ExpressVPN is an all-around great provider if you’re willing to pay a high price. The provider’s connection speeds are the fastest available, and its app support is comprehensive, including a smart DNS option.
4. CyberGhost: Good option for new VPN users. Readers new to using VPNs will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, which allow you to connect to Ireland without having to deal with a lot of complicated settings. Fast speeds are a staple.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN for RTE Player. PIA’s global server network delivers fast, reliable access to RTE Player content, as well as other content around most of the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Mighty-mite VPN provider. While this provider’s global server network is nowhere near as large as its competitors, it provides excellent protection, fast connection speeds, easy-to-use apps, and more.

Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking RTE Player. When I evaluated each of my top VPNs, I made sure they were capable and displayed the following attributes:

• Unblocks RTE Player
• Large server network
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong encryption and no-logs privacy protection
• App support for many different device platforms
• Responsive customer support

For more information about the key criteria I used, take a look at the testing methodology section further down this article.

Best VPNs for RTE Player – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for RTE Player.

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Here are my in-depth reviews of the top VPNs for unblocking RTE Player from abroad.

1. NordVPN

Apr 2025

NordVPN is the best possible provider to choose for unblocking RTE Player.

It has a large server network, including nearly 5,600+ servers in close to 60 countries, Ireland included. The provider has no trouble unblocking all kinds of streaming content from various services, including RTE Player.

The provider’s connection speeds are impressive, ranking in the top five in my most recent round of speed tests. Watching RTE Player in HD or 4K will be no problem, and you can game without lag and share large files, too.

Security is important no matter what reason you’re using a VPN. NordVPN understands this and offers government-grade 256-bit AES encryption for your connection, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware, botnet, and ad-blocking features.

You’ll also appreciate NordVPN’s privacy protections, which include a strict no-logs policy and the ability to pay with Bitcoin.

All NordVPN servers are run 100% from volatile RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped when a NordVPN server is turned off or rebooted. The provider’s owned-and-operated servers also keep third-party contractors away from customers’ personal data.

NordVPN’s multi-platform support includes apps for iOS, Android, macOS (with native M1/M2 support), Linux, Windows, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. There are also browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox, as well as support for plenty of router makes and models.

You can connect up to six devices to the service simultaneously on one set of login credentials.

NordVPN also offers a smart DNS service called “SmartDNS.” This service allows you to watch international content such as RTE Player on game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. Sadly, though, the service doesn’t provide encryption for your connection.

Customer support options include always-available live chat, an email option, and a searchable knowledge base.

BEST VPN FOR RTE PLAYER:NordVPN is the top VPN for getting access to RTE Player. The provider offers extremely fast connection speeds, extremely wide app support, and extremely responsive customer support. Your privacy and security are thoroughly protected. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark’s budget-priced VPN service will appeal to readers without too much money to spend.

The provider’s server network includes 3,200+ servers in 99+ countries, Ireland being one of them. The provider’s network used to be minimalist, but it now boasts a wider network, which may only continue to grow.

Surfshark’s connection speeds are formidable, allowing you to watch RTE Player in HD or 4K, or play fast-moving games and share files quickly.

It takes care of the security side of things, offering government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, malware and phishing protections, and ad and tracker blocking. A “MultiHop” feature can send your connection through two VPN servers, doubling up on your anonymity and privacy.

The provider also doesn’t save any logs of your online activities and welcomes Bitcoin as a private payment option.

Surfshark provides native apps for Windows, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions make the scene, as does plenty of router support for various makes and models.

In addition to excellent VPN protection, Surfshark also offers virus protection, private search, and alerts when your email is exposed in a data breach.

Perhaps the biggest draw of Surfshark, besides its low price, is its unlimited simultaneous connections allowance, which means you and your whole family can watch RTE Player at the same time, on different devices, on one account.

When it comes to customer support, Surfshark excels, offering 24/7 live chat, email support, a “Contact Us” form, and an easy-to-search support library.

BEST FOR BUDGET USERS:Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider, allowing you to enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections, fast speeds, extensive app support, and strong encryption for a low price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is comprehensive, offering a high level of service all around, if for a rather high price.

The provider’s server network of 3,000+ servers in nearly 95 countries, including Ireland, is one of the widest available. You’ll have no problem unblocking RTE Player or pretty much any other streaming service when using this provider.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds scored as the fastest in my most recent round of speed tests, so watching RTE Player in HD or 4K will be no problem. Playing games and sharing files will also be an enjoyable experience.

It takes your security seriously, providing government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak protections. The provider’s proprietary “Lightway” protocol is designed to increase your speeds in addition to security.

The provider doesn’t save any usage logs and allows you to pay with Bitcoin if that’s how you roll.

Plus, the provider’s custom TrustedServer technology runs all server operations from RAM, never writing any info to the hard drive. This means all information is completely wiped every time the server is restarted.

ExpressVPN scores well when it comes to app support, providing apps for macOS (native M1/M2 Mac support), Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, Chrome OS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire devices. There are browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and even Edge, and router support could not be more comprehensive.

Sadly, only five simultaneous connections are allowed with the service on one account, although that will surely be enough for many users.

The provider also offers a smart DNS option that it calls “MediaStreamer.” The service allows you to connect to international streams on devices that are incompatible with VPN apps, such as game consoles, smart TVs, and other set-top boxes. Just be aware that the service doesn’t encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.

Should you have any questions, customer support is available around the clock via 24/7 live support chat. Also available are email support, a trouble ticket submission system, and a searchable support library.

COMPREHENSIVE VPN:ExpressVPN doesn’t play around, providing top-notch service (although it’s expensive). With the fastest speeds of any VPN provider, as well as comprehensive security protections and incredibly wide app support, ExpressVPN is sure to please. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost helps newbies out by offering easy-to-use apps for plenty of different devices, so connecting to Ireland is easy.

The provider offers a massive server network, comprising 8,900+ servers in 90+ countries, Ireland included.

CyberGhost also offers fast connection speeds, so you can watch RTE Player in HD or 4K if you prefer. Gaming and file sharing are also no problem for this provider.

Security protections include bank-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, DNS leak protection, and malicious website and ad blocking. There’s also the ability to force websites to present HTTPS (in other words, secure) versions of their web pages when available.

CyberGhost never saves any logs of your internet activities and allows you to pay with the privacy-friendly Bitcoin cryptocurrency.

Easy-to-use apps are available for numerous platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV. Also available are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, as well as router support for numerous makes and models.

CyberGhost offers additional protective services. The provider offers a password manager, Windows malware and virus protection, Windows privacy customizations, alerts when your information is exposed in a data breach and more.

It allows seven simultaneous connections on one account, which is a hefty number.

The provider offers quick response times to inquiries thanks to its 24/7 live support chat option. A trouble ticket tracking system and a searchable support library are also available.

BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost provides an easy-to-use service, making it great for those new to the VPN world. The provider also offers fast speeds, plenty of app support, and thorough privacy and security protections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to geo-protected RTE Player content in Ireland.

The PIA global server network boasts more than 3,300 servers stationed in over 80 countries (with servers in Ireland).

PIA’s native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s router features protect all of your connected devices via a single point of access.

Up to 10 devices can be connected at once to PIA servers on a single user account.

PIA’s download speeds are definitely not the fastest on this list. That said, the provider’s connections can easily handle HD and 4K streaming content, online gaming, and other popular online activities. No data caps or bandwidth restrictions to worry about here.

The provider’s comprehensive online protection includes banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The provider offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

PIA servers save no user logs recording your online travels and the provider also accepts Bitcoin as payment, providing additional privacy protection for your usage and payment privacy. Use a disposable email address to sign up for an additional bit of privacy.

PIA’s customer support includes a live chat option, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE PROTECTED ACCESS TO RTE PLAYER:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to geo-limited Irish content, including RTE Player content. All while securing all of your online activities with fast, well-protected connections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network could stand some serious expansion, but its fast download speeds and optimal security protection are some of the best around.

200+ servers spread out among 60+ countries is definitely not impressive when compared to the server networks of the other providers on this list. However, the provider does have servers in Ireland, and they do provide reliable access to RTE Player content.

This provider certainly doesn’t come up short in the connection speed department, with HD and 4K-capable download speeds. No data caps or other restrictions to deal with here.

All of PrivateVPN’s fast connections are well-protected by banking-grade encryption. IPv6 and DNS leak prevention add to the protection, as does the provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature, which keeps your VPN usage hidden by disguising it as browser traffic.

The provider’s strict no-logs policy protects your usage privacy, while a Bitcoin payment option works to keep your subscription info private.

Native software support is limited to the big four platforms (iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows).

PrivateVPN can be set up on select routers, allowing it to protect all of your devices while counting as only one of your allowed 10 simultaneous connections.

The provider offers live chat, and a support request form is available when live support chat isn’t, and an FAQ section is always available.

COMPREHENSIVE ONLINE SECURITY:Despite its limited server coverage, PrivateVPN reliably unblocks RTE Player and other Irish content. The provider’s connection speeds can handle streaming and any of your favorite online activities. The Stealth VPN feature disguises your VPN activity. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for RTE Player

There are several factors to carefully consider when researching VPN protection for use with the RTE Player streaming service.

This is a list of the most important things to consider when making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use to access RTE Player content:

• Connection speeds: Fast internet speeds are an important factor when you’re watching streaming video from services like RTE Player or when engaging in other popular online activities. Except for paying bills or taxes, all of your online activities are more enjoyable with a faster connection. All of the VPNs I include in my articles provide fast connections.
• Global server network: The larger a global server network, the better its access to geo-controlled content around the globe. Also, multiple servers in each country offer improved performance, as multiple servers help prevent a single server from being overwhelmed.
• Value: Always make sure that a VPN service provider’s asking price isn’t out of line with its features and performance. Every VPN I include in my articles offers an excellent return on investment.
• Ease of use: VPNs should provide logical, easy-to-use native app support for popular device platforms. Each VPN on this list offers intuitive apps for most popular devices.
• Security and privacy: A quality VPN should at least offer banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy should also be part of the provider’s policy.
• Streaming: VPNs included in my articles all offer reliable access to streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other popular services.

My research doesn’t end here. The factors above are just a small bit of what I consider as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach helps me to better understand the VPNs and their services, so I can recommend only those that are a good fit for my readers’ needs.

What About Using a Free VPN to Watch RTE Player?

Using a free VPN to watch RTE Player is a bad idea.

First of all, with most free VPN providers, you have to wait in a queue behind other free users before you’re allowed to connect to a server. If you’re looking for speedy access, prepare to be disappointed.

Then, once you are allowed to connect, expect to have few servers to choose from or no choice at all. That means that a server in Ireland may not be available, rendering the VPN useless for watching RTE Player content.

Also included for free with a free VPN service is slow speeds, since free providers try to preserve bandwidth for their paying customers. You can also enjoy daily or monthly data caps for free, so your RTE Player bingeing sessions will be cut short.

Your privacy is also something that a free VPN doesn’t take seriously. They tend to like making money by recording your online activities and selling the information to interested third parties, such as advertisers. They also have no qualms about inserting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions.

While not completely free, NordVPN and Surfshark offer budget-priced services that don’t pose any of these problems. Stick with them. You’ll only suffer if you use a free VPN.

How Do I Set Up a VPN to Watch RTE Player?

Need some help figuring out how to set up a VPN provider for watching RTE Player? Have no fear, instructions are here:

1. Choose the right VPN provider for you (I heavily recommend NordVPN).
2. Sign up for the service, then download the right app(s) for your device(s).
3. Use the VPN app to connect to a server in Ireland.
4. Connect to RTE Player and enjoy the show!

Should you have any issues with RTE Player, try clearing your browser cache and cookies to eradicate old location identifiers. If that doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support, because there may be some servers that are better for streaming than others.

What Shows Can I Watch on RTE Player?

Here’s a small sampling of the shows available on RTE Player:

• 12 Years a Slave
• Claire Byrne Live
• Fair City Capsule
• The Late Late Show
• Nuacht
• Underdogs

What Else Can a VPN Do?

VPNs are capable of a lot of things, not just unblocking RTE Player.

A VPN also protects your online activities from observation and interference by covering your internet connection in a layer of encryption.

This can be compared to how a train disappears from view when it’s in a mountain tunnel. The same thing happens to your internet connection when you use a VPN: all of your online activities will also “disappear from view,” so no hackers, governments, or Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can see what you’re up to.

This encryption comes in handy when you’re using an unprotected, public WiFi hotspot.

Public WiFi hotspots are notorious for their lack of security, since they usually don’t require a password or the password is known by everyone in the room. This makes them especially attractive targets for hackers, who will take advantage of that lack of security to steal your personal, business, or financial information.

But a VPN’s encryption prevents this because it keeps any unwanted snoopers from having any access to your data.

This encryption is also welcome at home because of the trouble your ISP can cause.

ISPs like to throttle your internet speeds if you’re doing something they may not like, like sharing files or streaming from certain “unapproved” websites. A VPN’s encryption prevents them from having any idea what you’re doing, so they can’t throttle your speeds based on what you’re doing.

A VPN also unblocks all kinds of services, not just RTE Player. By connecting to a VPN server in the country of your choosing, you can access content that’s normally not available to you, like video and music streaming content, gaming servers, and content and other sites and services.

Conclusion

Using a VPN enables you to change your foreign IP address to a local IP address based in Ireland, allowing you to access RTE Player from abroad. The best VPN to use for this purpose is NordVPN.

NordVPN’s wide server network includes high-speed servers in Ireland. The provider’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around, and its customer support is also some of the speediest around. Your privacy and security are thoroughly protected, and there’s support for many different device platforms.

For more information or to subscribe, visit the NordVPN website.

VPN for RTE Player FAQs