Ireland will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, according to an announcement from the country’s public broadcaster, RTÉ. The decision is motivated by the ongoing humanitarian crisis and civilian casualties in Gaza, which RTÉ cited as a key reason for their withdrawal.
RTÉ stated that its stance on participating in the Eurovision remains unchanged due to the conflict in Gaza. The broadcaster also highlighted concerns over the limited access granted to international journalists in the region. Despite this decision, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the competition, expressed respect for Ireland’s choice and hopes for the country’s future return.
This marks the second consecutive year Ireland has opted out of Eurovision, having also boycotted the 2026 event alongside the Netherlands, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia. This collective move came in response to the EBU’s decision to allow Israel to compete in the contest.
While the Netherlands has similarly confirmed its non-participation in the 2027 contest, its broadcasters are exploring the possibility of another entity representing the country. Meanwhile, Spain, Iceland, and Slovenia have yet to announce their plans regarding the upcoming competition.
The 2027 Eurovision Song Contest is slated to occur in Burgas, Bulgaria, in May, setting the stage for what is typically one of the world’s most watched musical events.