RTE Two is Ireland’s youth-leaning public service channel, home to live sport, fresh entertainment, films and international favourites alongside Irish originals. On this page you can watch RTE Two live free of charge and follow a clean, always-current daily guide that shows exactly what’s on now, what’s next and when tonight’s key programmes begin. The player loads quickly on mobile and desktop, and the listings update through the day so you can plan your viewing with confidence.
As a national channel with a distinctive tone, RTE Two skews younger than RTÉ One, balancing Irish commissions with high-profile imports and a strong sports slate. Daytime typically carries kids’ and teen blocks, factual and lifestyle shows; early evening features returning soaps and series; prime time leans into entertainment, premium drama and live events. When a live fixture overruns or the broadcaster adjusts the grid, the guide here follows suit so you always see the latest timings—no guesswork around now / next / later.
Where to find RTÉ2
RTÉ2 sits at familiar numbers across Ireland. On Saorview it’s channel 2 (HD), with RTÉ2+1 available in the evening window and commonly placed at channel 12. On pay-TV platforms Sky Ireland and Virgin Media Ireland, RTÉ2 HD is mapped to 102 for easy access. In Northern Ireland, RTÉ2 is available in covered areas on Freeview channel 55. If you prefer app-based viewing, the broadcaster’s own service offers a live simulcast on supported devices within the Republic of Ireland; availability can vary when connecting from abroad or when regional settings are enforced by the device.
What you’ll often see on RTÉ2
RTÉ2’s line-up blends home-grown series with recognisable returning titles and event TV. Sports coverage anchors weekends and summer months, with The Sunday Game delivering live GAA action and a nightly highlights show during championship season. Entertainment centrepieces such as First Dates Ireland bring contemporary, social-media-friendly moments, while Home and Away and other returning imports provide early-evening continuity. Across the year you’ll also find film strands, comedy runs, factual series and occasional music or culture specials that fit the channel’s lighter, pop-culture-aware voice.
How today’s guide typically flows
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Mornings & daytime: children’s and teen strands, factual and lifestyle, repeat blocks and acquisitions.
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Early evening: returning imports and short-form factual, often leading into soaps.
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Prime time: entertainment formats, Irish factual and premium drama, live sport and feature films.
Because live sport can shift start times, the schedule on this page updates as the running order changes. Programme cards show clear UK/Irish-style times and concise blurbs so you can decide quickly whether to join the live stream or set a reminder for later.
Picture quality and performance
RTÉ2 is widely available in HD, which is why you’ll see it in low, easy-to-find slots on Saorview and on major pay-TV line-ups. On compatible devices expect crisp studio output and smooth motion during live coverage. Streaming typically trails over-the-air reception by a few seconds; that latency is normal and helps keep playback stable on variable connections.
Availability notes
Live streams from the broadcaster’s service are primarily intended for viewers in the Republic of Ireland and may be restricted elsewhere due to rights. If you travel, you may notice availability change based on your location or on your device’s regional settings. Timeshift viewing is supported via RTÉ2+1 in its evening broadcast window for catch-ups within the same night.
TV Licence reminder (Ireland)
If you have a television set—or equipment capable of receiving broadcast TV—Irish law requires a TV Licence for live television. The standard annual fee is €160. One licence covers all televisions at a single address. If you only ever watch on-demand content and have no TV receiving equipment, different rules may apply; when in doubt, follow the official guidance.
Start watching
Press play to join RTÉ2 live now, then use today’s guide to see when your programme begins—whether it’s a GAA fixture on The Sunday Game, a new episode of First Dates Ireland, a film premiere or your regular early-evening series. The schedule here keeps pace with the channel so you can plan the night precisely.
