How to Watch ITVX (ITV Hub) in Ireland for FREE in 2024
ITVX (formerly ITV Hub and ITV Player) is home to Love Island, Love & Death, The 100, and plenty more TV shows and movies. However, this free-of-charge streaming service works only in the United Kingdom. Some ITVX content is available on Sky in Ireland, but you won't be able to access the full library. Moreover, even if you already have an ITVX account, you won't be able to use it outside the UK.
With a premium subscription, ITVX content can be downloaded before leaving the UK, but they expire after 7 days. Luckily, you can bypass all these restrictions and watch ITVX outside the UK (including in Ireland) by using a VPN. What a VPN does is change your virtual location. When you connect to a VPN server in the UK, you'll be assigned a UK IP address, which will trick ITVX into giving you access.
In this guide, we'll show you the steps to watch ITVX in Ireland, explain why you need a VPN, and recommend the best providers for the job. We'll also give you some ITVX TV show and movie suggestions, discuss whether you can watch ITV on Sky, and help you troubleshoot issues when you can't bypass ITVX's blocks. We'll wrap things up with answers to some FAQs.
How to Watch ITVX in Ireland?
To watch ITVX in Ireland, you need to use a streaming-friendly VPN that has servers in the UK. More precisely, connect to a UK server and then access ITVX via its website or apps. Here's how to do it:
1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with ITVX in Ireland (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Proceed to download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and reach its home screen by logging in to your account.
4. Connect to a UK-based server and initialize your VPN session.
5. Use your favorite Web browser to visit ITVX's website.
6. Use the "Profile" icon in the top-right corner.
7. Log in (or sign up for a new account).
8. Input your details to create an account (use any UK post code).
9. Complete email verification via the link that is sent to you.
10. Pick any video you’d like to stream, and you'll get ITVX in Ireland with no limitations.
You can stream ITV in Ireland for free with ads - all you have to do is create an account following the process above. However, if you want to eliminate pesky ads and gain the ability to download shows to your mobile devices, then you'll need to upgrade to a Premium account. This will require a form of payment with a valid UK billing address.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch ITVX in Ireland?
You need a VPN to watch ITVX in Ireland because it's only available in the UK. You can watch some ITVX content in Ireland with certain Sky subscriptions, but you can't access the entire ITVX library. (Even in the UK, the ITV channel on Sky doesn't have the complete ITVX library.) This is due to licensing restrictions and distribution agreements.
That said, ITVX's website is available worldwide. You'll get to read the latest news and watch video clips. However, once you decide to stream any ITVX title, you'll see this message: "Outside the UK? Due to our broadcast and content licenses, you can only watch ITVX in the UK."
The only way to bypass that geo-block is to use a VPN. Once you connect to a server in the UK, your real location in Ireland will be hidden with a UK IP address. This will allow you to watch ITV outside the UK and give you access to the entire ITVX library.
However, know that not every VPN is able to unblock ITVX. Streaming services block known IP ranges belonging to VPNs and have other ways of detecting and blocking VPN usage. You'll need the best VPN for ITVX to get past these measures.
Our top choice is NordVPN as it easily unblocks ITVX from anywhere. This is because it comes with hundreds of super-fast UK servers and obfuscation to hide your VPN usage, so you can watch ITV Player in Ireland without any hurdles.
The Best VPNs for Watching ITVX in Ireland
To enjoy ITVX outside the UK, you need to look for several important criteria when choosing a VPN. First, make sure the provider has the ability to unblock ITVX and other streaming services without any issues. For that, you need a VPN with plenty of servers in the UK and around the world.
We're talking about streaming here, so you'll want a VPN with fast speeds and stable performance. You should also look for obfuscated servers, which help you hide the fact you're using a VPN. In terms of privacy and security, go for a VPN with a no-logs policy, a reliable kill switch, strong protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), and capable encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20).
You'll also need a sufficient number of simultaneous connections and native apps that work on any popular devices, letting you protect all your Web-connected gadgets. And let's not forget that you should get a good deal on the subscription cost. Finally, you can rely on money-back guarantees to make your purchase risk-free, and you'll want 24/7 live chat support.
Following the criteria explained above, these are the 3 best VPNs to watch ITVX in Ireland:
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ITVX in Ireland
- Surfshark - Stream ITV in Ireland with Fast UK Servers
- ExpressVPN - Secure VPN to Unblock ITVX in Ireland
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated VPN to Watch ITVX in Ireland
NordVPN is the best VPN to watch ITVX in Ireland, as it can unblock ITVX and other streaming services in just a matter of seconds. It brings 6,300+ servers in 111 countries. Plus, you'll find 440+ UK servers in 4 locations: London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh.
Thanks to blazing-fast speeds and consistent performance, you'll get to stream on any type of Web connection with minimal slowdowns. You can also choose to use obfuscated servers, as most of NordVPN's network offers that capability.
When it comes to privacy, NordVPN is top of the line. It offers an iron-clad no-logs policy and a reliable kill switch to prevent your IP from leaking if the VPN disconnects. You'll get bulletproof protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and NordLynx (based on WireGuard), paired with AES-256-GCM or ChaCha20, depending on the protocol you choose.
Let's not forget that this streaming- and privacy-friendly VPN works on any device. It has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, streaming tech like Fire Sticks, and routers. It also works on smart TVs by using smart DNS, which you can set up using your TV's settings panel. On top of that, NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, so you'll get to cover your entire household at once.
NordVPN is quite affordable and value-packed, with its 2-year plan costing as low as $3.09 per month. Like any reputable VPN provider, this one also has a 30-day money-back policy. It also offers 24/7 live chat support, in addition to plenty of other support channels (email, customer support tickets, installation guides, etc.).
PROS
- Can unblock ITVX.
- 440+ servers in the UK.
- Blazing-fast speeds.
- 10 simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 live chat support.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- Obfuscation only on some servers.
2. Surfshark - Stream ITV in Ireland with Fast UK Servers
Surfshark is a superb choice for a streaming VPN, and it easily unblocks ITVX in Ireland - along with other streaming platforms. This is thanks to 212 UK servers in 4 locations, including London, Manchester, Glasgow, and Edinburgh. Moreover, it's entire network is comprised of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries.
This VPN is capable of delivering ultra-high speeds and dependable performance. You won't experience any buffering issues while streaming ITVX. Plus, bypassing ITVX geo-restrictions will be a breeze because it has automatic obfuscation on all its servers.
With Surfshark, your privacy will be protected by an audited no-logs policy. Plus, you won't have to worry about IP leaks thanks to its powerful kill switch. You can choose from secure protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 to protect your data. WireGuard is paired with ChaCha20 encryption, while the latter 2 use AES-256-GCM encryption.
Surfshark supports all platforms for watching ITVX, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku, and routers. Better yet, it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can connect as many devices as you'd like. This is excellent for large households.
If you're on a budget, Surfshark is a great choice, with its 2-year plan costing just $2.29 per month. Besides, you'll have 30 days to test out the provider and request a refund if it doesn't work out, since their money-back policy is always honored. Lastly, it comes with live chat support available 24/7, so if you need help setting Surfshark up on any of your devices, you can easily contact them.
PROS
- Easily unblocks ITVX in Ireland.
- 212 UK servers.
- Fully obfuscated network.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- 24/7 support via live chat.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
CONS
- iOS app reported as inconsistent.
3. ExpressVPN - Secure VPN to Unblock ITVX in Ireland
ExpressVPN is another excellent VPN for ITVX, as it allows you to unblock ITVX from Ireland with practically no effort. There are hundreds of servers in 5 UK locations, covering London, Docklands, Wembley, East London, and the Midlands. It also works well with other streamers thanks to its thousands of servers in 105 countries around the world.
You should also know that ExpressVPN has high speeds with reliable performance, so you'll get to stream ITVX even if you don't have the fastest base Internet connection. Also, all its servers are obfuscated, which means no one will know that you use this VPN.
As for privacy, ExpressVPN follows a strict no-logs policy and employs a kill switch to prevent IP leaks. Then, there are incredibly strong protocols like OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway, which make unblocking ITVX easy. The first 2 options are paired with AES-256 encryption, and Lightway uses WolfSSL.
On top of that, ExpressVPN works on any device or platform imaginable. You can install its app on your computer, phone, tablet, streaming device, or even your router. Open its app, pick a server in the UK, and your access to ITVX will become wide open. You'll also get up to 8 simultaneous connections.
ExpressVPN is a bit pricey, with its annual plan ringing up at $6.67 per month. That said, it offers a generous 30-day money-back policy, which comes with no questions asked. There's also 24/7 live chat customer support, with ultra-helpful agents that respond instantaneously.
PROS
- Unblocks ITVX with ease.
- Plenty of servers in the UK.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Full network obfuscation.
- Very fast connections.
- 30-day money-back policy.
CONS
- On the expensive side.
What to Watch on ITVX in Ireland?
On ITVX in Ireland, you'll find more than 10,000 hours of TV shows, more than 200 movies, and a wide range of live streams. It even has exclusive series, like Breathtaking, Love & Death, and The Dry. When it comes to TV shows, it has a lot of US and UK titles, including The OC and Love/Hate.
In terms of live TV streams, you'll find practically all ITV channels on offer. On top of that, ITVX offers themed live streams focused on certain TV or movie genres, such as Oscars 24/7 or Reality 24/7. And, of course, there are on-demand movies you can stream on ITVX, including 007 titles like Skyfall or comedy classics like Zoolander.
Here are some of the most popular titles you can find on ITVX in Ireland:
Can You Watch ITV on Sky in Ireland?
Yes, you can watch some ITV channels with certain Sky services in Ireland, including Sky Q, Sky Glass, and Sky Stream. This requires manually tuning your desired ITV channel on your Sky device in order to view it. That said, you can't access the ITVX streaming service or the entire ITVX library on Sky in Ireland. Only certain titles will be available.
Content availability on Sky is limited by licensing and distribution agreements with studios, which ITVX has to comply with to be allowed to offer shows and movies to watch. These geo-restrictions outside the UK often result in delayed releases and exclusions of various titles from the ITV content offered on Sky devices.
Instead of relying on ITV frequency availability on Sky in Ireland, your best bet is to use a VPN to watch ITV online with the standalone ITVX service. This will get you access to its complete library of 10,000+ hours of content, including on-demand movies and TV shows, sports, plus all ITV live channels.
We recommend NordVPN for the job because it comes with hundreds of blazing-fast UK servers and can easily unblock ITV Hub in Ireland. Moreover, its SmartPlay feature and obfuscated servers will allow you to unblock any other UK or international services you might want to watch.
Can’t Access ITVX in Ireland with a VPN? – Try This!
If you can't access ITVX in Ireland with a VPN, this could be due to various issues, including an unstable Internet connection, overcrowded servers, cache revealing your true location, and more. Here's what to do to try and troubleshoot things:
- Connect to Another UK VPN Server – Your VPN probably offers more than a single server location in the UK. The one you're connected to might be overcrowded or experiencing technical difficulties, so just try another server.
- Try Using a Different VPN Protocol – The protocol you're using might not work well with ITVX or your network connection, so try changing it. We recommend OpenVPN or WireGuard.
- Restart Your Device/VPN – Any time you're having issues with your VPN, it's always a good idea to reboot the app and your device to start fresh.
- Check Your Internet Connection – If your Internet is too slow, not only will it interfere with your VPN's ability to function properly, but it will also cause buffering issues. Run a speed test to see if it's fast enough, and if not, try rebooting your router and modem.
- Clear Your Device’s Cache & Cookies – By clearing your device’s cache, you’ll prevent ITVX from using any existing data stored on your device (which might point to your actual location). Clear the cache from your browser or ITVX app, depending on how you're accessing the service.
- Update Your VPN Application – If your VPN's app isn't regularly updated, it can stop functioning properly. Check and see if there are any updates available, and if so, install them.
- Temporarily Disable Your Device's Firewall – Sometimes, firewalls can interfere with the functionality of VPNs. Try turning the firewall off your device and see if you can access ITVX with your VPN.
- Uninstall Other VPN Applications – If you have multiple VPNs installed on your device, this can cause them to malfunction. Uninstall any VPNs other than the one you want to use.
- Use a Different VPN – Sometimes, your VPN just may not work with ITVX. Try using a different provider and see if things start working.
- Ask Your VPN for Assistance – Don’t forget that you can count on your VPN in terms of technical issues. The best VPNs out there offer live chat support, which is the easiest way to get help.
Final Thoughts
If you live in Ireland, you won't be able to access ITVX (formerly ITV Hub) because it's only available to users in the UK. Even if you already have an ITVX account, if you travel outside the UK, you can't use it. Luckily, you can get ITVX in Ireland with a VPN, so you can watch TV shows and movies without pesky geo-restrictions.
We recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to watch ITVX in Ireland. It has hundreds of ultra-fast servers in the UK and SmartPlay for strong unblocking abilities—everything you need to access the free streaming service. It's also easy to set up and use, so you can start watching ITVX right away.
You now know how to watch ITVX in Ireland. If you have any questions, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!