RTÉ Confirms Ireland Will Not Participate in Eurovision 2027

RTÉ has confirmed that Ireland will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest and will not broadcast the competition.

The broadcaster issued a statement on Thursday, 17 September, confirming that its position on Eurovision participation remains unchanged following Ireland's non-participation in the 2026 contest.

Why is Ireland not taking part?

In its statement, RTÉ said it does not believe Ireland's participation can be justified because of the ongoing loss of life in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there. RTÉ also said it remains concerned about what it described as the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory. The broadcaster's statement means Ireland will miss Eurovision for a second consecutive year.

Ireland will also miss the broadcast

This is not simply a decision not to send an Irish act. RTÉ has confirmed that it will also not broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest. Ireland did not participate in or broadcast the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest either, after RTÉ previously announced its withdrawal.

What happens next?

For Irish Eurovision fans, the decision means there will be no Irish entry in the 2027 competition and no RTÉ television broadcast of the event. RTÉ's announcement relates specifically to Ireland's participation and broadcasting arrangements. The final list of participating countries for Eurovision 2027 is a matter for the European Broadcasting Union and participating broadcasters.

Ireland and Eurovision

Ireland has a long history with the Eurovision Song Contest and has won the competition seven times. Its most recent victory came in 1996 with Eimear Quinn's The Voice. The 2027 contest will therefore take place without an Irish entry, following RTÉ's confirmation that Ireland will not participate or broadcast the event.

Slán go fóill.