RTE in the UK

If you haven't a sky subscription already this is what you do. You have to do it through Sky but it is a little complicated and sneaky. You buy a Sky digi box and minidish, try ebay or google it. Get someone living in Ireland (ie your parents) to agree to be your Irish address. Then you check the Sky Ireland website http://www.sky.com/skycom/article/0,,91069-1130664,00.html and choose the variety pack and at least one other, for €21.50 a month.

Call Sky (from an Irish mobile or with your UK number barred) giving them the Irish address, tell them which packages you want and tell them you already have the equipment because someone gave it to you. (This has differed for me as one person in Sky told me this and another didn't: When they ask tell them you don't have a landline as they must not know you are in the UK. As you aren't connecting through a phone line there is a charge of £25 (about €40).) You must arrange to pay your charges through an Irish bank a/c or credit card. (If you opt for Sky+ or any premium channels they will need the serial no on the box as they must be paired)

Then they will send a contract to your Irish address, someone there must sign it and return it to them. They send out the card once they get the contract back, get the person at that address to post it on to you. And then (finally) you are ready

Total cost is about £150 to get set up and then €21.50/£15 a month on a 12 month minimum contract. As you would have an Irish card you won't get ITV (at present), Ch4, Ch5, ITV2+3. You will also get the NI versions of the BBC's afaik. But you could always get a freeview box for £25/35 and hook it up through a second scart connection or your bedroom if you have one.