RTÉ to Host the 2026 RTS Ireland Awards

RTÉ to Host the 2026 RTS Ireland Awards
Thursday, 16 April 2026 | Dublin Royal Convention Centre

The RTS Ireland Television Awards 2026 | Gradaim RTS 2026 | Royal Television Society
RTÉ is proud to announce that it will host the 2026 Royal Television Society (RTS) Ireland Awards, celebrating excellence across Irish television, including factual, drama, entertainment, sport, news, children’s programming, Irish language and more. The awards ceremony will take place on Thursday, 16 April 2026, in the Douglas Suite at the Dublin Royal Convention Centre, welcoming an industry audience of approximately 400 guests.

The 2026 Awards are especially significant as RTÉ marks 100 years of public service broadcasting, celebrating a century at the centre of Irish life, informing, engaging and entertaining the nation across an expanding range of services. Hosting the RTS Ireland Awards during this milestone year underscores RTÉ’s ongoing commitment to recognising and supporting the richness of talent across Ireland’s television landscape.

The RTS Ireland Awards are brought to you in partnership with broadcasters RTÉ, Virgin Media Television, Sky Ireland and TG4 and recognise outstanding achievement across programme‑making, performance, craft and design, journalism, student work and more, reflecting the breadth and diversity of the television industry in Ireland. 

Following feedback from judges, several award categories have been reviewed and updated to ensure the Awards reflect current industry trends and celebrate excellence across all genres. Additionally, a brand-new category has been introduced to honour outstanding Shorts, recognising the creativity and talent in short-form video production.

The Categories 

• Scripted

• Entertainment

• Factual Series

• Factual Single

• Live Sports Coverage

• News Broadcaster of the Year

• Children’s Programme

• Specialist Factual

• Factual Entertainment

• Current Affairs

• Sports Documentary

• Short Film – NEW!

• Breakthrough Talent Award

• Special Recognition Award

Key Dates for the 2026 RTS Ireland Awards:

Entires are now open and full details, including how to enter, are available here.

• Entries Close: Friday, 6 February 2026

• Judging Process: February–March 2026

• Category Shortlist Announcement: Mid-March 2026

• Awards Ceremony: Thursday, 16 April 2026

For more information on the awards, visit https://rts.org.uk/award/rts-ireland-television-awards-2026-gradaim-rts-2026

Tickets for the Awards ceremony will go on sale in March 2026, with advance information available via the RTS social media channels and the RTS Ireland website here: https://rts.org.uk/region/republic-ireland 

For details on last year’s winners, click here: The RTS Ireland Television Awards 2025 | Gradaim RTS 2025 | Royal Television Society

ENDS

For information: 

RTS: Loren McNerney Quigley | RTS Republic of Ireland | rtsroi@rts.org.uk

RTÉ: Neil O’Gorman | Corporate Communications Manager | neil.ogorman@rte.ie