Ireland to boycott Eurovision Song Contest 2027 over Gaza RTÉ confirms
Ireland will again boycott the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027 with national broadcaster RTÉ citing the ‘appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza’ and the humanitarian crisis in Palestine as the reason behind the decision.
This marks the second year Ireland will not take part in the competition.
In 2026 and several other nations refused to participate while Israel was allowed to continue its participation.
In a statement issued on Thursday, a spokesperson for RTÉ said: “RTÉ is today confirming that its position regarding participation in the Eurovision Song Contest remains unchanged.
"RTÉ will not participate in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, nor will RTÉ broadcast the competition.
“RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation cannot be justified given the appalling and ongoing loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.
"RTÉ also remains deeply concerned by the continued denial of independent access to international journalists to the territory.”
Russia has been barred from taking part for several years over the war in Ukraine while Israel’s participation has been defended by organisers.
Reacting to the RTÉ statement, Martin Green, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest said: “We regret that RTÉ will not be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest in 2027, but we fully respect their decision and recognise the huge contribution they have made to the Contest. They remain a valued part of our family and will be missed.
“The Eurovision Song Contest is at its best when broadcasters and their artists from different countries come together to share music, celebrate creativity and create connections between audiences. That power to bring people together is at the heart of what makes the Contest so special, and is even more important now in an increasingly difficult and divided world.”
Derry’s Dana was the first Irish winner of the Eurovision Song Contest back in 1970. In total, Ireland has won the competition seven times, the last winning entry being 1996.
Ireland remains the joint record holder alongside Sweden for the most wins.
In 2026 Ireland boycotted the competition alongside Iceland, Slovenia, The Netherlands and Spain. It is anticipated several other countries will also boycott next year’s competition over Israel’s participation despite the genocide in Gaza.