Last updated: 13 September 2025 GMT
Switching to a privacy-friendly DNS can improve reliability and startup times for lawful streaming apps in Ireland. This guide covers router-level DNS and device-level DoH/DoT. No geo-bypass, no DRM circumvention.
What DNS can (and can’t) do
| DNS can… | DNS can’t… |
|---|---|
| Reduce lookup failures and some app “spinning” issues | Unlock foreign content or bypass licensing |
| Improve privacy vs ISP DNS (with DoH/DoT) | Fix weak Wi-Fi or low bandwidth |
| Work alongside your ISP broadband and official apps | Replace a VPN (and shouldn’t be used as one) |
Recommended DNS options (Ireland)
| Provider | IPv4 | DoH (HTTPS) | DoT (TLS) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cloudflare | 1.1.1.1 & 1.0.0.1 | https://cloudflare-dns.com/dns-query | tls://1.1.1.1 | Privacy-focused; fast resolvers |
| Google Public DNS | 8.8.8.8 & 8.8.4.4 | https://dns.google/dns-query | tls://dns.google | Reliable, widely supported |
| Quad9 (security) | 9.9.9.9 & 149.112.112.112 | https://dns.quad9.net/dns-query | tls://dns.quad9.net | Malware/phishing filtering |
Use any one provider pair (not all). This guide is for lawful streaming only.
Router-level setup (generic)
- Connect to your router admin (see sticker/manual). On many Irish routers:
http://192.168.0.1orhttp://192.168.1.254. - Find Internet or WAN settings → DNS. Switch from Automatic to Manual.
- Enter your chosen DNS pair, e.g. 1.1.1.1 and 1.0.0.1 (or 8.8.8.8 / 8.8.4.4). Save & reboot.
- Optional: if your router supports DoT, set the TLS hostname (e.g.,
1.1.1.1ordns.google). - Re-connect your TV/box to the Wi-Fi (prefer 5 GHz non-DFS 36/40/44/48) or Ethernet; test a legal app.
Device-level DoH/DoT (if router can’t change DNS)
- Android 9+ (Private DNS): Settings → Network & Internet → Private DNS → Private DNS provider hostname →
dns.googleor1dot1dot1dot1.cloudflare-dns.com. - iOS/iPadOS: Install a trusted profile/app that enables DoH/DoT (from the provider); or set DNS per-network if supported by your MDM.
- Windows 11/10: Settings → Network & Internet → your adapter → DNS → Preferred DNS + Alternate DNS; choose Encrypted (DoH).
- macOS: System Settings → Network → your interface → DNS → add resolver IPs; for DoH/DoT use a reputable client/profile.
- Fire TV: If your router is set, no change needed. Otherwise, set DNS on the Wi-Fi network (advanced) or use a DNS-capable router.
Testing & troubleshooting
- On a phone/PC, visit your provider’s test page (e.g., Cloudflare “help” page) to confirm DoH/DoT.
- If apps won’t sign in, revert to Automatic DNS on the router and retest.
- DNS won’t fix poor Wi-Fi — see our Wi-Fi channel guides below.
Related Ireland-specific guides
- eir F3000: change Wi-Fi channel (Ireland)
- Vodafone Gigabox: best Wi-Fi for streaming (IE)
- Virgin Media Hub: stop buffering on IPTV (Ireland)
Official sources
Ireland-specific guidance for lawful use only. DNS is not for geo-bypass.