A Complete Guide for Irish Listeners

If you have bought a new radio in the last few years, you may have noticed a label on the box that says “DAB” or “DAB+”. You might have wondered what it means. Is it better than FM? Do you need it? Can you get it in Ireland?

This guide will answer all those questions. We will explain what DAB radio is, how it works, and what it means for listeners in Ireland. We will also look at the current state of DAB in this country, including the new trial that is bringing more stations to more people.

What Does DAB Stand For?

DAB stands for Digital Audio Broadcasting. It is a way of sending radio signals using digital technology instead of the old analogue system .

The technology was developed in the late 1980s through a European research project called Eureka 147. It was designed to replace the old AM and FM systems with something better. The idea was to give listeners clearer sound, more choice, and new features that analogue radio could not offer .

DAB has been standardized internationally. The European Telecommunications Standards Institute now manages the standard. This means that a DAB radio bought in Ireland should work in the UK, Germany, or any other country that uses the same system .

How Does DAB Work?

To understand DAB, it helps to understand how traditional radio works.

Analogue Radio (AM and FM):
Analogue radio sends sound through radio waves. The signal is continuous. When you tune your radio to a frequency, you are picking up that wave. If the signal is weak, you hear static, hiss, or crackle. If you drive through a tunnel or behind a hill, the signal can fade or disappear.

Digital Radio (DAB):
DAB works differently. It converts sound into digital code, which is a series of ones and zeros. This code is transmitted over the air. Your DAB radio receives the code and converts it back into sound .

Because the signal is digital, it does not suffer from the same problems as analogue. You either get a clear signal or you get nothing. There is no in-between with static and hiss.

DAB also uses a technology called OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency-Division Multiplexing). This sounds complicated, but the simple explanation is that it allows many radio stations to be sent on the same frequency. Instead of one station per frequency, you can have ten or more. This is called a “multiplex” .

DAB vs DAB+: What Is the Difference?

You may have seen the term “DAB+” on radios and in articles. What does the plus sign mean?

DAB+ is an upgraded version of DAB. It uses a more efficient audio codec called AAC+. This allows even more stations to fit into the same multiplex. It also provides better sound quality at lower bitrates .

In simple terms:

• DAB is the original system.
• DAB+ is the newer, better system.

Most radios sold today are DAB+ compatible. If you are buying a new radio, make sure it says “DAB+” on the box. This will ensure you can receive all available stations .

The Advantages of DAB Radio

DAB radio offers several benefits over traditional FM radio.

Clearer Sound

DAB provides clearer sound than FM. There is no hiss, crackle, or static. The signal is either there or it is not. This makes listening more enjoyable, especially for speech and sports commentary .

More Choice

Because DAB can fit many stations into one multiplex, broadcasters can offer more channels. This means more variety for listeners. You might find niche music stations, specialist speech programming, or additional sports coverage that is not available on FM .

Easy to Use

DAB radios are easy to use. You do not need to remember frequencies. The radio displays the station name, and you simply scroll through a list to find what you want. One-touch tuning makes it simple .

Extra Information

DAB radios can display additional information. This includes the station name, the name of the song playing, the artist, and other details. Some radios can even show images or album art .

Features Like Pause and Rewind

Some DAB radios allow you to pause and rewind live radio. This is useful if you need to step away for a moment. You can pause the broadcast and resume when you return. You will not miss anything .

DAB Radio in Ireland: The Current Situation

DAB has had a complicated history in Ireland. Let us look at where things stand now.

The Early Years

Ireland was slow to adopt DAB compared to the UK. The UK has had DAB for decades, and it is now the main way people listen to radio there. Ireland, by contrast, stuck with FM for much longer.

RTÉ, the national broadcaster, operated a DAB multiplex for several years. It covered about 52% of the population in the main cities. However, in 2021, RTÉ switched off its DAB transmissions. There were three main reasons: DAB was the least used platform in Ireland, RTÉ was the only broadcaster on the system, and it was costing money to run .

This decision left Ireland without a national DAB service. For a while, it seemed like DAB might never take off here.

The New Trial: FáilteDAB

Things changed in 2025. A new trial called FáilteDAB was launched. It is operated by Foothold Communications, which owns and operates transmission towers around Ireland. The trial has been supported by Coimisiún na Meán, the media regulator .

The trial launched on 24 April 2025. It brought twenty radio services to DAB+ in the Leinster area. These include ten services from Onic, along with stations like Nova Xtra, Classic Hits 80s, and 8Radio. There are 19 music stations and one speech service, with Newstalk simulcasting its service on the digital platform. The signal can be heard in Dublin, Meath, Wicklow, Kildare, Westmeath, Longford, Laois, and Wexford .

This was a significant moment for radio in Ireland. For the first time in years, listeners in these areas could access a range of DAB+ stations.

Expansion to National Coverage

In February 2026, FáilteDAB announced that the trial would be extended and expanded. The current Mux 1 trial will continue for another 12 months. A second multiplex, called Mux 2, is planned to launch in April 2026 .

Mux 2 will be supported by up to nine additional high-powered transmission sites. These will deliver DAB+ coverage to all or parts of the North and South Midlands, the Southeast, and counties including Cork, Limerick, Clare, Galway, and Mayo .

This expansion means that DAB+ coverage will reach over 85% of the Irish population. This is a huge step forward for digital radio in Ireland .

Stephen Foley, Director of FáilteDAB, said: “We are delighted that the DAB+ trial is continuing and expanding to cover more than 85% of the population.” He added that the extended trial would help inform future decisions on digital radio delivery in Ireland .

What This Means for Listeners

If you live in Dublin or the surrounding counties, you can already access DAB+ stations. If you live in Cork, Limerick, Galway, or other areas covered by the Mux 2 expansion, you will soon have access.

For sports fans, this is good news. It means more choice. It means you may be able to listen to sports commentary and analysis on DAB+ that is not available on FM. And because DAB+ provides clearer sound, the listening experience will be better.

The Benefits of DAB for Sports Fans

Sports fans have specific needs when it comes to radio. You want clear commentary. You want reliable reception. You want access to a range of stations so you can choose the best coverage for your sport.

DAB delivers on all these points.

Clear Commentary:
There is nothing worse than trying to follow a match when the commentary is full of static and interference. DAB provides clear sound, so you can hear every word.

Reliable Reception:
DAB is less affected by interference than FM. You can listen in more places without losing the signal.

More Stations:
DAB allows for more stations. This means more sports coverage. You might find dedicated sports channels that are not available on FM.

Extra Information:
Some DAB radios can display live scores, match information, or other data. This can enhance your listening experience.

How to Get DAB Radio

If you want to listen to DAB radio, you need a DAB-compatible receiver.

Buying a DAB Radio

DAB radios are widely available in Ireland. You can find them in electrical retailers, online stores, and supermarkets. Because Ireland is close to the UK market, DAB receivers are readily available in most electrical retailers .

Prices vary. Basic models start at around €30-€40. More advanced models with extra features like Bluetooth, alarm clock, and pause/rewind capabilities cost more.

When buying, look for the “DAB+” logo. This ensures you can receive the newer DAB+ stations .

DAB Radios in Cars

Many new cars sold in Ireland come with DAB radios as standard. This is due to EU regulations and the proximity to the UK market, where DAB is widely used .

If your car does not have a DAB radio, you can buy an adapter. These plug into your existing car radio and allow you to receive DAB stations.

Using Your Phone

Most phones do not have DAB receivers built in. However, you can listen to radio stations through apps and online streams. This is not technically DAB, but it gives you access to the same content.

The Future of DAB in Ireland

The future of DAB in Ireland looks brighter than it did a few years ago.

The FáilteDAB trial has shown that there is demand for digital radio. Broadcasters like Onic, Bay Broadcasting, and Bauer Media are investing in DAB services. Bay Broadcasting has announced that Radio Nova, Classic Hits Radio, and Sunshine 106.8 will broadcast on the FáilteDAB Mux 2 trial. The company believes this will significantly increase its reach, with Nova and Sunshine expected to add 2.5 million potential listeners .

Ireland’s media regulator, Coimisiún na Meán, has supported the trial. The Broadcasting and Video-on-Demand Commissioner, Aoife MacEvilly, said: “By supporting this innovative new DAB+ trial and facilitating the broadcast of new digital services for Irish audiences, Coimisiún na Meán continues to demonstrate our strong commitment to pluralism and diversity on Irish radio” .

This support from regulators and broadcasters suggests that DAB will continue to grow in Ireland. It may not replace FM entirely, but it will become an important part of the radio landscape.

DAB vs FM: Which Is Better?

This is a common question. The answer depends on what you want.

Feature	FM Radio	DAB Radio
Sound Quality	Good, but can have static	Clear, no static
Station Choice	Limited by frequencies	More stations per multiplex
Ease of Use	Requires tuning	One-touch tuning
Extra Features	Limited	Text, images, pause/rewind
Coverage	Wide	Expanding in Ireland
Receiver Cost	Low	Moderate

FM is still the dominant platform in Ireland. It has wide coverage and works with any FM radio. If you have an old radio, it will work.

DAB offers better sound and more features. But you need a DAB receiver, and coverage is still expanding.

For sports fans who want the best listening experience, DAB is worth considering. But FM is still a reliable option.

Common Questions About DAB Radio

Do I need an internet connection for DAB?

No. DAB works over the air, just like FM. You do not need an internet connection to listen .

Can I use my old FM radio for DAB?

No. DAB and FM are different systems. You need a DAB-compatible radio to receive DAB stations.

Will DAB replace FM?

This is not clear. In some countries, like Norway and Switzerland, FM has been switched off in favour of DAB. In Ireland, FM is still widely used, and there is no date set for switch-off. For now, both systems operate side by side.

Is DAB available everywhere in Ireland?

No. Currently, DAB+ coverage is focused on the Leinster area. The Mux 2 expansion will bring coverage to more areas, reaching over 85% of the population. But some rural areas may still not have coverage .

Can I listen to Irish stations on DAB abroad?

No. DAB is a terrestrial system. You can only receive DAB stations within the broadcast area. To listen abroad, you need to use online streams.

Summary: Key Facts About DAB Radio

Question	Answer
What does DAB stand for?	Digital Audio Broadcasting
How does it work?	Sends audio as digital code over the air
What is DAB+?	An upgraded version with more efficient codec
Is DAB available in Ireland?	Yes, a trial is expanding coverage
What areas are covered?	Leinster now, expanding to 85% of population
Do I need a new radio?	Yes, a DAB+ compatible receiver
Where can I buy one?	Electrical retailers, online stores
Is it better than FM?	Clearer sound, more stations, extra features

Conclusion

DAB radio is a technology that has been around for decades, but it is only now gaining momentum in Ireland. The FáilteDAB trial has brought new stations to listeners in Leinster. The planned expansion will extend coverage to most of the country.

For sports fans, DAB offers clear sound, more choice, and extra features. It is worth considering if you want the best listening experience.

But FM is still a reliable option. It has wide coverage and works with any radio. If you are happy with FM, there is no need to rush out and buy a DAB radio.

The future of radio in Ireland is likely to be a mix of FM, DAB, and online streaming. Each platform has its strengths. The key is to choose the one that works best for you.

At EasyRadio Sport Ireland, we will continue to cover developments in Irish radio. Whether you listen on FM, DAB, or online, we will bring you the latest news and the best sports coverage.