Updated September 2026. Independent guide — StreamerATV is not affiliated with Saorview, 2RN or RTÉ.
Saorview is Ireland's free digital terrestrial TV service. It is run by 2RN, part of RTÉ, and launched in 2011 when analogue TV was switched off. With a UHF aerial and a Saorview-compatible TV or box you can watch the main Irish channels — with no subscription, no contract and no box rental.
What channels are on Saorview?
Saorview carries around 16 TV services plus radio. They include:
| Channel | Notes |
|---|---|
| RTÉ One | Also in HD |
| RTÉ2 | Also in HD |
| RTÉ News | 24-hour news |
| TG4 | Irish-language; also in HD |
| Cúla4 | Children's channel in Irish |
| Virgin Media channels | Commercial entertainment and sport |
| Sky News | Added in 2021 |
| Other services | Additional entertainment channels and national radio stations |
Line-ups change occasionally, so rescan your TV after any announced changes. See our Irish TV channels guide for where to stream each channel too.
What you need
- A UHF aerial pointed at your nearest Saorview transmitter. A roof aerial gives the best results; see our Saorview aerial guide.
- A Saorview Approved TV — most TVs sold in Ireland include the right tuner. See TVs with built-in Saorview.
- Or a Saorview box for older TVs — see the Saorview box guide.
Coverage and Saorsat
Saorview's transmitter network reaches about 98% of homes in Ireland. The remaining homes, mostly in remote areas, can get the same free channels by satellite through Saorsat, which needs a satellite dish aligned to the Saorsat satellite and a compatible receiver.
How to tune in Saorview
- Connect the aerial to the TV's aerial/RF input.
- Open Settings → Channels (or Installation).
- Choose Ireland and Antenna/Aerial as the signal source.
- Run an automatic scan.
Full step-by-step instructions are in our smart TV setup guide.
Saorview vs paid TV
| Saorview | Pay TV (Sky, Virgin, eir) | |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly cost | €0 | Monthly subscription |
| Contract | None | Usually 12–24 months |
| Channels | Main Irish channels | Hundreds incl. premium sport and movies |
| Equipment | Aerial + compatible TV | Provider box, dish or broadband |
Many homes combine Saorview with free streaming apps and add a monthly NOW membership only for sport or movies. Compare options in our TV packages Ireland guide.
More Saorview guides: Saorview hub · channel list · how to retune · fixes · Saorsat · indoor aerials
FAQ
Is Saorview free?
Yes. There is no subscription. You need an aerial and compatible equipment, and normal TV licence rules apply.
Why is Saorview not working?
Most problems come from the aerial, a loose cable or a TV set to the wrong input. Check connections, set the TV to Ireland and Antenna, and rescan. If only some channels are missing, the aerial may be pointing at the wrong transmitter.
Does Saorview have HD?
Yes. RTÉ One, RTÉ2 and TG4 are broadcast in HD on Saorview.
Can I get Saorview without an aerial?
Not the broadcast service itself, but Saorsat delivers the same channels by satellite, and most channels can also be streamed free over broadband using RTÉ Player, TG4 Player and Virgin Media Play.
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