Downtown Radio live
Just Play Great Music
Downtown Radio at a glance
Downtown Radio frequencies
Where to find Downtown Radio on FM, AM and DAB, from Ofcom’s records. Find what reaches your postcode →
Contains public sector information from Ofcom, licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
About Downtown Radio
Downtown Radio is one of the most famous names in Northern Irish broadcasting. Since 1976 it has brought music, news and personality to listeners across Northern Ireland, and it remains a much-loved station for adults who enjoy great songs, local information and a friendly voice. On this page you can listen to Downtown Radio live online for free.
Northern Ireland's first commercial station
Downtown Radio went on air on 16 March 1976, becoming the first commercial radio station in Northern Ireland. It quickly became part of everyday life across the country, known for its presenters, its news coverage and its love of country music, which has always had a special place in Northern Ireland. In 1990 Downtown split its frequencies: Cool FM took over 97.4 FM in Greater Belfast for a younger audience, while Downtown continued on 1026 AM and its FM frequencies outside Belfast. Today both stations are owned by Bauer Media Audio UK, the group behind Hits Radio, Greatest Hits Radio, KISS and Absolute Radio, and they are available through the Rayo app.
What you will hear
Downtown Radio plays a mix of classic and modern hits for adult listeners, along with country music shows that have been part of the station's identity for decades. Its presenters are among the best known in Northern Ireland, bringing music, chat and competitions to breakfast, daytime and drive-time shows. Local news, sport, traffic and travel updates keep listeners informed across the country, and the station supports local children through the Cash for Kids charity.
How to listen to Downtown Radio
Downtown Radio broadcasts on 1026 AM and on several FM frequencies across Northern Ireland outside Belfast, as well as on DAB digital radio, smart speakers and the Rayo app. The quickest way is to press play above, and the Downtown Radio live stream starts straight away on your phone, tablet or computer. If you live in Northern Ireland, you may also enjoy Cool FM, U105, Q Radio Belfast and BBC Radio Ulster, all on our site.
For great music, country favourites and the sound of Northern Ireland since 1976, Downtown Radio is a true institution.
- 100% free, no sign-up
- Live stream, 24 hours a day
- Listen from anywhere
- Works on phone and computer
How to listen to Downtown Radio live
In 3 simple steps, with nothing to install.
- 01Press play
Click the "Listen live" button at the top of this page.
- 02Wait a moment
The live stream starts loading within a few seconds.
- 03Enjoy
Downtown Radio plays right in your browser, with nothing to install.
Frequently asked questions
Downtown Radio went on air on 16 March 1976 as Northern Ireland's first commercial radio station.
Downtown Radio broadcasts on 1026 AM and on FM frequencies across Northern Ireland outside Belfast, plus DAB and online.
Yes. Cool FM was created in 1990 when Downtown split its frequencies, and both are now owned by Bauer.
Yes. Press play at the top of this page to listen to Downtown Radio live for free on any device.
Yes. You can listen to Downtown Radio live for free here on UK Radio Stations, 24 hours a day.
Yes. Downtown Radio plays in your phone’s browser on Android or iPhone — there is no app to install. Just open this page and press play.
Yes. Connect your phone to the car stereo by Bluetooth or cable, open Downtown Radio here on UK Radio Stations and enjoy the live stream on the road.
If the stream does not load, wait a few seconds and press play again — some streams take a moment to connect. You can also refresh the page or try another Adult Contemporary station meanwhile. UK Radio Stations checks every stream automatically.