For watching Irish TV online, the Saorview app is the official option, but it is mainly designed to work with Saorview Connect boxes , not to control older Saorview TVs or standard boxes. The app does let you browse the guide, see spotlight recommendations, and open links to on-demand player apps.

What you can watch

Saorview itself is Ireland’s free-to-air national digital TV service, with channels from RTÉ, Virgin Media, and TG4. It is meant for free live TV, and the service is normally associated with an aerial or compatible device rather than a pure streaming app.

Best app option

If your goal is “watch Irish TV online on a phone or tablet,” the Saorview app is the closest official answer, but it works best as a launcher/guide rather than a full standalone TV-streaming app. For actual playback, it points you toward the relevant broadcaster player app when available.

Practical setup

  • Saorview Connect box: use the Saorview app for guide and on-demand access.
  • Smart TV or older Saorview box: the app will not directly control it.
  • Just want free Irish TV: Saorview’s main service is free live TV via compatible equipment and aerial reception.

What to search for

If you want the simplest route, look for:

  • Saorview app
  • RTÉ Player
  • Virgin Media Player
  • TG4 Player

Those broadcaster apps are the ones the Saorview app can link out to for on- demand viewing.

One-line answer

Use the Saorview app for the TV guide and on-demand links, but for actual streaming you’ll usually need the individual broadcaster apps.