TG4 to celebrate 30 years at Oireachtas na Samhna 2026
Launch of redesigned and enhanced version of TG4 Player
TG4 will celebrate Oireachtas na Samhna 2026 in Killarney with five days of live coverage, bringing audiences the very best of Ireland’s traditional music, song and dance. Highlights include the premier sean-nós singing competition Corn Uí Riada, the brand-new programme ‘Braon ón mBarr – Oireachtas 2026’, and the popular sean-nós dancing competition Steip.
Audiences can also enjoy live streams of Oireachtas competitions and a host of vibrant broadcasts throughout the festival, from Wednesday 28th October to Sunday 1st November.
The celebrations will culminate on Saturday 31st October, as TG4 marks its 30th anniversary. The date marks exactly 30 years since TnaG first went on air in 1996, a landmark moment in the history of Irish broadcasting.
Among the highlights of this milestone celebration will be the launch of TG4+, a redesigned and enhanced version of the TG4 Player. The occasion will also see the premiere of the highly anticipated second season of CRÁ, the critically acclaimed crime drama that has enjoyed phenomenal international success.
Audiences at home and around the world will be able to join the celebrations from Oireachtas na Gaeilge through extensive coverage across TG4, TG4+ and the broadcaster’s social media platforms. TG4’s digital and specialist brands, including Cúla4, MOLSCÉAL, BLOC, Cartlann TG4 and Spórt TG4, will be on the ground throughout the festival. The atmosphere, performances, personalities and stories from the biggest Irish language festival will certainly be well captured. A special treat awaits sports fans at the Oireachtas! On Saturday, 31 October, visitors to the Spórt TG4 stand will have a unique opportunity to see three of Ireland’s most prestigious sporting trophies up close: the Sam Maguire Cup, Liam MacCarthy Cup and Brendan Martin Cup.
TG4’s Ard Stiúrthóir, Kilcock native Deirdre Ní Choistín, said: “There is no more fitting place to mark TG4’s 30th year on air than at Oireachtas na Samhna, with the Irish language community. With the launch of TG4+, live coverage of Corn Uí Riada, the return of CRÁ we are celebrating everything TG4 stands for: our language, our culture and our commitment to reaching new generations of audiences, wherever they are.
“Níl áit ar bith níos oiriúnaí ná Oireachtas na Samhna chun breithlá TG4 a cheiliúradh, i measc phobal na Gaeltachta agus na Gaeilge. Le seoladh TG4+, craoladh beo Chorn Uí Riada ar TG4 agus seoladh shraith 2 den tsraith choirdhrámaíochta CRÁ, táimid ag ceiliúradh na rudaí is tábhachtaí a bhaineann le TG4, is iad sin ár gcruthaitheacht, ár dteanga, ár gcultúr agus ár bpobal, pé áit a bhfuil siad.”
2026 Oireachtas Highlights from TG4
Wednesday 28th October
Wednesday evening, the Gradaim Chumarsáide an Oireachtais will take place in Seomra Mangerton, in Gleneagle, where TG4 has received 26 nominations. The awards will be available live on TG4.ie from 20:00.
Thursday 29th October
At 19:30, 7LÁ will broadcast live from Oireachtas na Samhna in Killarney on TG4 and TG4.ie. (Live from the Ballroom, GLENEAGLE)
Máirín Ní Ghadhra will present this special 50-minute current affairs programme featuring audience participation in the discussion, with viewers having the opportunity to put questions to politicians and analysts.
Audiences can also watch Agallamh Beirte, Sceitse and Sean-Nós na mBan live on TG4.ie.
Friday 30th October
Nuacht TG4, presented by Eimear Ní Chonaola, will broadcast live from Oireachtas na Samhna at 19:00 on TG4 and TG4.ie. (Live from the Lobby, GLENEAGLE)
Audiences can also watch Lúibíní, Amhrán Saothair, Amhrán Nuachumtha, and Sean-Nós na bhFear live on TG4.ie.
Saturday 31st October
TG4 celebrates 30 years on air on Saturday, 31st October, marking exactly three decades since the channel first began broadcasting in 1996. The milestone anniversary will be celebrated with a live broadcast of the premier sean-nós singing competition, Corn Uí Riada 2026, on TG4 and TG4+ at 19:15.
A major highlight of Saturday’s celebrations will be the official launch of TG4+, the new and improved version of the TG4 Player, bringing audiences a fresh and enhanced viewing experience.
The occasion will also mark the launch of the eagerly anticipated second season of CRÁ, filmed in Gaoth Dobhair, Donegal. Following the phenomenal international success of its first season, the gripping drama series will be dropped on TG4+ on November 3rd and weekly on TG4 Tuesday nights at 21:30.
The celebrations continue earlier in the day with Steip Beo 2026, showcasing the energy and excitement of sean-nós dancing, live on TG4 and TG4.ie at 13:00.
Saturday morning will also bring plenty of Halloween magic for younger audiences with Cóisir na Samhna ag Cúla4, a special family friendly celebration packed with spooky fun. Caitríona and Noreen from Comhar Naíonraí na Gaeltachta will entertain those present with storytelling, alongside a lively mix of games, music, face painting and Halloween surprises for all ages.
Sunday 1st November
TG4’s Oireachtas coverage concludes with Braon ón mBarr - Oireachtas 2026 at 19:30 on TG4 and TG4+. This new programme brings viewers highlights from the festival’s stages and competitions, featuring the best of Oireachtas na Samhna’s competitors and winners.