How to Get Your Music on Irish Radio in 2026

Getting played on Irish radio is still one of the most powerful things that can happen for an artist. A spin on national (like RTÉ 2FM or Today FM) can open doors social media cannot.

Ireland is an incredible place to start out in the industry because people are here to support... Here is what actually works in 2026.

Understand who you are pitching

Irish radio is a small world. The people at RTÉ 2FM, Today FM and Spin 1038 are not algorithms, they are real people with real taste, real relationships and real inboxes. Treating them like a submission form is the easiest way to get ignored.

Each station has a distinct audience. RTÉ 2FM leans increasingly towards a younger audience and is a national platform for new Irish talent. Today FM has more of a mix of ages, generally speaking, and Spin 1038 is younger again, and more pop-focused. Your pitch should reflect where your music actually fits, not just where you want to be heard. Don't send a six-minute rock track to Spin, it's a waste of everyone's time! Radio Nova on the other hand, might be more inclined.

Your music needs to be ready

This sounds obvious but it is the most common reason pitches fail. Radio producers are listening for production quality, a strong hook and melodic value, and something that fits their sound. If your track is not mastered to a broadcast standard, do not pitch it yet.

Timing matters more than people think

Radio campaigns need a lead time before your release date. Producers and music coordinators need time to consider tracks, schedule plays and plan features. Dropping a track on a Friday and emailing stations that same day isn't likely to get a response.

A press release is not optional

Even for radio, a well-written press release gives the producer context, a story and something to hand to a presenter if they want to talk about you on air. A bio, a high resolution photo and links to your music in one place makes their job easier and is a way to catch their eye, while making your message heard. Make their job easier.

Build relationships before you need them

The artists who consistently get Irish radio play have invested in relationships over time, playing the right showcases, being present at industry events, and working with people who already have those connections.

If you are serious about getting your music heard on Irish radio, do things the right way from the start, or if you don't have time, enlist a PR agency that knows the landscape.

Want to submit a track for review? Get in touch at cian@notionmusicpr.com