In the coming weeks, Ireland's best athletes will compete at the most iconic sporting event in the world. The Paris Olympics in 2024 will see the likes of Kellie Harrington, Daniel Wiffen, and many other Irish stars strive for Olympic stardom.
However, tonight the opening ceremony will take place in Paris, and after this, the games will begin in the days that follow
Here is a full rundown of how you can watch the opening ceremony tonight.
| July 26
The day we’ve all been waiting for is finally here! The opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games
We can’t wait to see Team Ireland shine on the Seine this evening! #TeamIreland | #Paris2024 pic.twitter.com/wwMVfjkbQB
— Team Ireland (@TeamIreland) July 26, 2024
When and Where is it?
- Date: July 26, 2024
- Location: Paris, France, specifically along the River Seine
What’s Different This Year?
- For the first time in history, the opening ceremony of the Olympics will take place outside of an arena. It will be held on the River Seine with a flotilla of around 100 boats carrying athletes, officials, and artists past iconic Parisian landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, and Notre-Dame Cathedral .
Broadcast Details:
- Time: The ceremony starts at 6:30 PM Irish time (7:30 PM local time in Paris)
- Channel: RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player, with live coverage starting at 6 PM Irish time. BBC will also broadcast the ceremony, beginning at 5:45 PM Irish time .
- End Time: The ceremony is expected to last approximately 3 hours and 45 minutes, concluding around 10:15 PM Irish time .
Coverage Information:
- RTÉ will provide over 250 hours of live coverage across various platforms, including RTÉ2, RTÉ Player, RTÉ Radio 1, RTÉ 2FM, and RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta. There will be three daily TV programmes covering the events, as well as a new daily Olympics podcast .
Irish Participation:
- Number of Athletes: Up to 20 Irish athletes will participate in the opening ceremony, although the total number of Irish athletes competing in the Games is 133, the largest contingent ever .
- Flag Bearers: The identity of the two Irish flag bearers will be revealed at lunchtime on the day of the ceremony .
Performances:
- Rumoured performers include Céline Dion and Lady Gaga, with Snoop Dogg expected to be among those carrying the Olympic flame .
Radio Coverage:
- RTÉ Radio 1 will provide live coverage and updates throughout the day.
- RTÉ 2FM: Will feature live action and updates, with a wrap-up of the day’s events on the show "Game On."
- RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta will offer live commentary, updates, reports, and interviews, with comprehensive coverage during the weekends .
Irish Punditry and Commentary:
- Irish sports stars like Sonia O’Sullivan, Gráinne Murphy, Rob Heffernan, Bernard Dunne, and Annalise Murphy will join RTÉ’s Olympic team for expert commentary .
Opening Ceromony Day
Excitement is building for @TeamIreland as the opening ceremony approaches!
Each Irish athlete competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics will be wearing a tribute to their home county by Dublin-born, New York-based designer Laura Weber.
Watch it live on… pic.twitter.com/VpklJv4SOp
— Sport Ireland (@sportireland) July 26, 2024
See More: Paris Olympics 2024
