RTÉ to celebrate 100 years of broadcasting in 2026

In 2026, RTÉ will mark 100 years of public broadcasting in Ireland with a series of special broadcasts, TV shows and performances.

RTÉ is set to mark the centenary by broadcasting a mix of radio and TV shows about its history, as well as performances from the RTÉ Concert Orchestra.

Starting New Year's Eve, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra presents 100 Years of Song, Swing and Soul at the National Concert Hall.

The concert will feature a new piece by Guy Barker that was commissioned to mark 100 years of radio, to be performed just after midnight.

The full concert goes out on RTÉ lyric fm and the new piece will also be broadcast live on RTÉ Radio 1.

Other highlights include A Century Of Stories, a two-part documentary on RTÉ 1 that will take a non-linear look at how 2RN, Raidió Éireann and RTÉ have evolved over the last 100 years.

"I am privileged to lead RTÉ as we mark an incredible 100 years and the special role public media continues to play in Ireland at a time when we face so much uncertainty and so many challenges in the world," said RTÉ Director-General, Kevin Bakhurst.

"I hope the programmes and performances we have put together below to mark this milestone are as celebratory as they are considered, prompting reflection and discussion on why public service media matters and why it is worth fighting for."

More information about RTÉ's 100-year history can be found here.