Ireland boasts a rich legacy in the Eurovision Song Contest, from triumphs by Johnny Logan and Dana to its commanding presence in the early 1990s.

Typically, the nation - tied with Sweden for the most victories - would be buzzing with anticipation for Saturday's grand final alongside the rest of Europe.

This year, however, is different.

Ireland joins Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain in boycotting the event due to the European Broadcasting Union's (EBU) choice to include Israel.

There is no Irish performer, and public broadcaster RTÉ has opted out of coverage from Austria, choosing to broadcast a Eurovision-inspired episode of the sitcom Father Ted.

This boycott represents the newest step in Ireland's ongoing disputes with Israel over the Gaza war, positioning the country as one of Europe's strongest supporters of Palestine.

Israel's broadcaster Kan labeled the withdrawals by Ireland and others a "cultural boycott" that undermines artistic freedom and expression.

Yet from Dublin's youth to members of Ireland's Jewish community, reactions to the Eurovision boycott vary widely. What prompted it?

Reasons Behind Ireland's Eurovision Boycott

Israel's involvement in Eurovision has sparked debate since its military campaign in Gaza started in 2023.

The conflict erupted after Hamas's assault on Israel on 7 October 2023, which killed around 1,200 individuals and resulted in 251 hostages, per Israeli officials.

Israel's response has led to 72,628 deaths in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-controlled health ministry.

In the 2024 and 2025 contests, protests against Israel were widespread, and its entrants required security protection.

Last year, Israel's participant surprisingly led the public vote, prompting accusations that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his administration's social media campaigns swayed the results by rallying votes.

The EBU, responsible for the event, recently warned Kan after its artist posted videos urging fans to "vote 10 times for Israel."

Israel's competitor, Noam Bettam, expressed shock at the demonstrations that interrupted his semi-final.

RTÉ's Position

In declaring the boycott, RTÉ stated that Irish involvement felt "unconscionable" amid Gaza's devastating casualties and humanitarian disaster.

The broadcaster highlighted its alarm over journalists' targeted deaths in Gaza and the ongoing restrictions on foreign media access.

Prime Minister Micheál Martin called the pullout an "act of solidarity" for journalists slain in violation of international humanitarian law during the Gaza conflict.

Alan Shatter, a former minister and Jewish community member, slammed RTÉ's stance as "moral bankruptcy," claiming it bowed to external pressures.

The Father Ted Controversy

In the slot usually reserved for the Eurovision final, RTÉ will screen the Father Ted episode "A Song for Europe."

Aired in 1996 shortly after Ireland's three straight wins, the story features the priests' absurd tune "My Lovely Horse" chosen to represent Ireland, as a ploy to avoid hosting costs.

The choice provoked backlash from co-creator Graham Linehan.

In a social media petition, the Dublin-born Linehan, a vocal Israel supporter, strongly objected and demanded RTÉ director general Kevin Bakhurst's resignation, branding the move "antisemitism."

RTÉ offered no response to Linehan's remarks.

Ireland's Ties with Israel

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar has dubbed Dublin "the capital of antisemitism."

In December 2024, Israel announced its embassy in Ireland's closure, citing the government's "extreme anti-Israel policies."

This came after Ireland backed South Africa's ICJ case alleging Israeli genocide.

Additional uproar arose over proposals to rename Herzog Park in southern Dublin, honoring ex-Israeli president Chaim Herzog, a Belfast native raised in Dublin. Martin deemed it "overtly divisive and wrong."

Beyond music, tension looms with Republic of Ireland's scheduled UEFA Nations League match against Israel this autumn.

An open letter from Irish Sport For Palestine, endorsed by 39 figures including ex-manager Brian Kerr and musicians Paul Weller and Bobby Gillespie, urged a football boycott.

Views from Dublin Streets

Young Dubliners interviewed by BBC News NI largely backed the boycott.

Visitors Niamh Worthington and Celine Flanagan from Manchester believed the UK should follow suit.

"Nobody should join in; it signals you're endorsing it," Celine remarked.

Neha Anna Joseph and Nidhy Anna Abraham cited exams as their reason for skipping, though Neha follows Eurovision online and praised Ireland's stand as "great."

"Good for them," she added.

"I support the boycott because certain countries shouldn't be there," said Aline Capucho.

Augusto Neto echoed agreement over Israel's role.

Perspectives from Ireland's Jewish Community

Ireland is home to roughly 2,500 Jewish residents.

Oliver Sears, a 40-year resident and Holocaust Awareness Ireland founder, opposes cultural boycotts.

"[Jews in Ireland] lack influence in politics and feel dismissed, with our worries ignored - it's deeply isolating," he shared with BBC News NI.

He challenged broadcasters imposing "collective punishment."

"You're telling an entire nation, including 20% Arab Muslims, they're unworthy."

"I disagree; it won't save any Palestinian lives."

On antisemitism claims, Sears noted rising incidents and language reflecting ignorance about Jews, antisemitism, and Zionism.

"Those terms - Jews, antisemitism, Zionism - have been twisted and weaponized."