Smart TV Setup Guide Ireland: Saorview, Apps & Streaming
Updated September 2026 · Independent guide, not affiliated with any broadcaster
A simple, step-by-step guide to tuning Saorview, connecting your TV to the internet and installing RTÉ Player, TG4 Player and other legal streaming apps.
Step 1: Set up Saorview (free TV)
- Connect your UHF aerial cable to the aerial/RF socket on the TV.
- Open the TV menu and choose Channels or Installation.
- Set the country to Ireland and the signal type to Antenna / Aerial (DVB-T).
- Run an automatic channel scan. It takes a few minutes.
- Check RTÉ One, RTÉ2, TG4 and Virgin Media channels appear. Re-scan after any Saorview channel changes.
No Saorview tuner in your TV? Add a Saorview-approved box. See our Saorview box guide and aerial guide.
Step 2: Connect your TV to the internet
Use an Ethernet cable if the router is close — it is the most reliable for streaming. Otherwise connect over Wi-Fi from Settings → Network. Around 5 Mbps is enough for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K on one screen.
Step 3: Install the free Irish player apps
RTÉ Player
Live RTÉ channels and box sets. Setup guide.
TG4 Player
Live TG4 and Cúla4 plus on-demand Irish-language shows.
Virgin Media Play
Live and catch-up for the Virgin Media channels.
Step 4: Add paid services if you need them
For sport and movies, install the NOW app or your pay-TV provider's app. Compare options in our TV packages Ireland guide.
Setup on streaming devices
| Device | Where to find apps | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung smart TV | Apps (Smart Hub) | Update the TV software first |
| LG smart TV | LG Content Store | Sign in with an LG account to install |
| Google TV / Android TV | Google Play Store | Use the same Google account as your phone |
| Amazon Fire TV | Fire TV Appstore | Clear app cache if playback stutters |
| Apple TV | App Store | Use Ethernet for 4K |
Frequently asked questions
Why is my TV not finding Saorview channels?
Check the aerial cable is firmly connected to the TV's RF/aerial socket, make sure the TV is set to Ireland and to DVB-T/antenna (not cable or satellite), then run a full automatic scan. If you still find nothing, your aerial may be pointing at the wrong transmitter or need replacing.
Do I need a new aerial for Saorview?
Saorview uses the UHF band. If you have a working UHF aerial pointed at your local transmitter you can usually reuse it. Older VHF aerials will not work well.
How do I install RTÉ Player on my smart TV?
Open your TV's app store (Samsung Apps, LG Content Store, Google Play on Google TV, or the Fire TV Appstore), search for RTÉ Player and install it. Sign in or register with a free RTÉ account if asked.
Can I use a Fire TV Stick or Chromecast in Ireland?
Yes. Fire TV, Google TV Streamer/Chromecast, Apple TV and Roku devices all work in Ireland and support the main Irish player apps and the big streaming services.