Archive · 17 Sep 2026
Ireland to Boycott Eurovision 2027 Over Israel’s Participation
Ireland says it will not take part in Eurovision in 2027.
Its broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann, also will not show the contest on television.
The broadcaster says this is because people are still dying in Gaza and there is a humanitarian crisis.
It is also worried that independent journalists cannot freely enter Gaza.
Ireland also skipped the 2026 contest because Israel was allowed to participate.
The Eurovision organizers said they were sorry about Ireland’s decision but respected it.
They hope Ireland will return in the future.
The 2027 contest is planned for Burgas, Bulgaria, in May.
Ireland will withdraw from the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest and will not broadcast it.
Irish broadcaster Raidió Teilifís Éireann cited civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
RTÉ also raised concerns about independent journalists being denied access to Gaza.
Ireland previously withdrew from the 2026 contest, alongside four other countries, over Israel’s participation.
The 2027 contest will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria, on May 11, 13 and 15.
- Who
- Ireland and its national broadcaster, Raidió Teilifís Éireann, will withdraw; Eurovision organizers and Israel are also central to the dispute.
- What
- Ireland will boycott and decline to broadcast the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest.
- When
- The contest is scheduled for May 11, 13 and 15, 2027; the withdrawal was announced on Thursday.
- Where
- The contest is scheduled for Arena Burgas in Burgas, Bulgaria.
- Why
- Raidió Teilifís Éireann cited continuing civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as restricted access for independent journalists.
Boycott supporters
Eurovision organizers
Israel’s participation
Boycott supporters
Ireland argues it cannot justify participating while civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continue.
Eurovision organizers
Eurovision organizers continue to hold the contest with Israel participating and said they regretted Ireland’s withdrawal while respecting the decision.
Journalistic access
Boycott supporters
Raidió Teilifís Éireann expressed concern that independent international journalists continue to be denied access to Gaza.
Eurovision organizers
The organizers’ statement, as reported, did not address this concern directly and focused on maintaining dialogue with Ireland.
Future participation
Boycott supporters
Ireland has withdrawn for a second consecutive year over Israel’s participation.
Eurovision organizers
Eurovision director Martin Green said organizers hoped Ireland would return to the competition in the future.
- Withdrawn country
- Ireland
- Broadcaster
- Raidió Teilifís Éireann (RTÉ)
- Contest
- 2027 Eurovision Song Contest
- Host city
- Burgas, Bulgaria
- Scheduled dates
- May 11, 13 and 15, 2027
- Main reason cited
- Civilian deaths and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza
- Related withdrawal
- Ireland also withdrew from the 2026 contest over Israel’s participation