TV ADVERTISING IRELAND
ADVERTISE ON TV IN IRELAND
Television in the Republic of Ireland turns on a dual-funded public broadcaster: RTE, whose RTE One and RTE2 carry advertising alongside the household TV licence fee, sitting beside fully commercial Virgin Media Television (the former TV3) and Irish-language TG4. A long-standing quirk is the heavy reach of UK channels such as BBC, ITV and Sky into Irish homes via cable and spillover. For advertisers, that means national impact concentrates on RTE and Virgin Media, while UK channels demand attention to genuine in-market delivery. The stations listed below represent a balanced cross-section of the most successful stations, targeting a range of audiences.
With sound industry knowledge Empire is well equipped to help you create a successful TV advertising campaign.
CHANNELS
RTÉ One is the main television channel of Irish state-owned broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ), and is the most-popular and most-watched television channel in Ireland. RTÉ One is available to 98% of the Irish population in HD on the Saorview DTT service. The channel is also available online through RTÉ Live.
RTÉ Two speaks to every type of audience with a mix of high-quality drama, lifestyle, current affairs, and factual programming, serving as a trusted source for entertainment and news.
Virgin Media One is Ireland’s number 2 channel, appealing to an audiece aged 15+. It is espcially popular with young women in the 15 to 34 age group.
Virgin Media Two’s attracts an audienec of young adults aged 15+. This makes it the fifth most-watched channel in Ireland for this audience. It is also the fourth largest channel with adults in the 15 to 24 age group.
Virgin Media Three is the sixth-largest channel in Ireland with a 2.6 % average viewing share for young adults aged 15+. It also delivers a viewing share of 3.0% with women 15+ and a 3.0 % share for homemakers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does TV advertising in Ireland cost?
TV pricing is not fixed and varies by broadcaster, programme, audience size, spot length and season. Premium programming and peak evening slots cost more than daytime, and production is a separate line. Empire builds a tailored quote matched to your budget and audience, planning the spot mix to maximise value rather than quoting standard rates.
Which Irish broadcasters reach which audiences?
RTÉ One and RTÉ2 deliver broad national public-service audiences across news, drama and sport. Virgin Media Television, Ireland’s largest commercial broadcaster, reaches mainstream commercial viewers across Virgin Media One, Two and Three. Sky Media sells inventory across Sky’s channels. Empire selects the broadcaster and programme mix that best fits your target viewers.
What are the content and approval rules for Irish TV ads?
TV ads must comply with the ASAI Code and broadcasters’ acceptance standards, meaning claims must be honest and substantiated. Commercials go through pre-clearance before transmission, and finished films are checked technically and editorially. Empire handles scripting, evidence for claims, clearance submission and broadcaster approvals so your campaign airs on schedule.
When is the best time of year to advertise on Irish TV?
Viewing peaks in the Christmas Q4 period, making it the most in-demand and competitive window. St Patrick’s season and major live sport draw large audiences, while back-to-school suits family and retail brands. Summer viewing is lighter with more flexible airtime. Empire plans your flighting around these peaks and books early to secure inventory.