100 Years of Irish Radio: 2026 Celebrations

Ireland too Celebrate 100 Years of Public Radio in 2026

A century of broadcasting history will be commemorated across Ireland in 2026 as RTÉ marks 100 years as the nation’s first public radio transmission. The milestone will be celebrated with a series of special programs, performances, and live broadcasts, reflecting on the evolution of the medium and its enduring importance to Irish culture and society.

The Dawn of Irish Radio: 2RN and Douglas Hyde

The story of Irish radio began on January 1, 1926, when Douglas Hyde, who later became Ireland’s first president, delivered the inaugural public radio transmission. Broadcasting in both Irish and English at 7:45 pm, Hyde spoke from station 2RN, a precursor to the modern-day Radio Éireann, Teilifís Éireann, and RTÉ. His address centered on the ambition to establish a broadcasting service that would serve as the voice of the nation, and integrate Ireland into the growing European radio landscape.

Did you know? – Douglas Hyde’s inaugural broadcast was a short speech, but it laid the foundation for a national broadcasting system. He aimed to create a service that reflected Irish identity and connected the country to the wider world.

A century after the launch of 2RN, radio continues to thrive in Ireland. Today, the country boasts a diverse broadcasting ecosystem, comprising 33 commercial radio stations and 21 community stations. Remarkably, nearly 3.5 million people tune into Irish radio stations each weekday, demonstrating the medium’s continued relevance in the digital age.

The celebrations will include live broadcasts from the GPO (General Post Office) across RTÉ Radio One, 2FM, Lyric FM, and Raidió na Gaeltachta on January 15th. The RTÉ concert Orchestra will also embark on a nationwide tour, performing special concerts for live audiences.

Pro tip – The GPO holds past importance as the site of the 1916 Easter Rising. Broadcasting from this location symbolizes radio’s role in documenting and reflecting Ireland’s history.

RTÉ’s Vision for the Future of Public Service Media

according to a statement from RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst, the centenary celebrations will not only honor the past but also look toward the future. “While much has changed, the need for strong, autonomous and trusted public service media, available to everyone, has never been greater,” he said.

bakhurst emphasized RTÉ’s commitment to several key priorities, including combating disinformation, fostering creative ambition and innovation, supporting Irish culture, reflecting the country’s rich diversity, and uniting the nation during meaningful events.These celebrations will inevitably look back at key events over the last 100 years, but will also focus on how RTÉ will deliver to audiences in the future.

The legacy of 2RN continues to resonate today,reminding us of the power of radio to connect,inform,and entertain.

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Expanded News Report with Answers to Questions:

Ireland to Celebrate 100 Years of Public Radio in 2026

A century of broadcasting history will be commemorated across Ireland in 2026 as RTÉ marks 100 years since the nation’s first public radio transmission. The milestone will be celebrated with a series of special programs, performances, and live broadcasts, reflecting on the evolution of the medium and its enduring importance to Irish culture and society.

Why are the celebrations happening? Ireland is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its first public radio transmission, marking a century of broadcasting history and its impact on Irish culture.

The Dawn of Irish Radio: 2RN and Douglas Hyde

The story of Irish radio began on January 1, 1926, when Douglas Hyde, who later became Ireland’s first president, delivered the inaugural public radio transmission. Broadcasting