Irish broadcaster RTÉ has officially confirmed that Ireland will not participate in the Eurovision Song Contest 2027. Furthermore, RTÉ has announced that it will not broadcast the contest either.

RTÉ stated that its position remains unchanged from the previous year’s decision and justified its withdrawal by pointing to the ongoing loss of lives and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The broadcaster expressed deep concern over the continued denial of independent access to international journalists in Gaza, which has informed its decision to distance itself from the contest during this period.

This announcement follows Ireland's similar withdrawal from Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, which was connected to the participation of Israeli public broadcaster KAN that year. Alongside Ireland, other countries such as Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain also withdrew from the 2026 contest.

Response from the European Broadcasting Union

In response, Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressed regret over RTÉ’s decision. He emphasized the contest's role in bringing together broadcasters and artists from different countries to share music and foster connections among diverse audiences. Green stated that the EBU respects RTÉ's choice and will continue dialogue, hoping to welcome Ireland back in the future.

Ireland's Eurovision History

Ireland holds a prestigious record in Eurovision history, jointly holding the highest number of contest victories (seven) alongside Sweden. These wins were mostly achieved during the 1980s and 1990s. Ireland has been a Eurovision participant since 1965 and has competed 58 times. Since the introduction of semi-finals in 2004, Ireland has qualified for the Grand Final 9 out of 21 times, though it finished last in its semi-finals in 2019 and 2021.