County Cork has ranked ninth in new research identifying Ireland’s most streaming-obsessed counties, highlighting the growing popularity of online entertainment across the country. The data, compiled by Virgin Media Ireland, analysed Google Search trends from the past 12 months to determine which counties are most actively searching for streaming-related content.
According to the findings, Cork recorded 726 streaming-related searches per 100,000 people, placing it ninth overall. The figures suggest that Cork residents are increasingly turning to streaming services to stay entertained, whether that’s binge-watching hit TV shows, revisiting classic films, or tuning into live-streamed games and events.
Dublin topped the rankings as Ireland’s most streaming-obsessed county, with a total of 16,850 streaming-related searches, equivalent to 1,156 searches per 100,000 people. The capital’s strong showing comes as no surprise, with globally recognised TV shows such as Normal People and Bad Sisters set in the city, alongside films like Once, which famously won an Oscar for Best Original Song in 2008. Dubliners’ love of streaming is matched by the city’s rich screen heritage, allowing fans to visit iconic filming locations long after the credits roll.
Leitrim claimed second place with 910 searches per 100,000 people. Despite being one of Ireland’s smaller counties, Leitrim’s residents clearly enjoy keeping up with the latest TV and film releases. The county has also enjoyed recent screen exposure, most notably through the 2024 film That They May Face the Rising Sun, which brought John McGahern’s celebrated work and Leitrim’s scenery to a wider audience.
Carlow ranked third with 872 searches per 100,000 people. Often referred to as the “Celtic Centre of Ireland”, the county’s strong interest in streaming reflects its growing connection to Ireland’s film and television industry. Louth and Longford completed the top five, recording 809 and 749 searches per 100,000 people respectively. Both counties have served as filming locations in recent years, with Louth hosting productions such as The Devil’s Own and Longford providing the backdrop for GAA drama Lakelands.
Within the top ten, Cork also stands out for its on-screen presence. The county has featured prominently in productions including The Young Offenders and the film Ondine, starring Colin Farrell, reinforcing its ties to Ireland’s thriving screen culture.
The study analysed Google Search data for 2025 using over 20 streaming-related keywords, including “online streaming”, “stream movies” and “stream TV shows”. Results were adjusted per 100,000 people using the latest population data, ensuring a fair comparison across counties of all sizes.
