ICMTD-IE Annual Conference 2026 at RTÉ, "Broadcasting Music and Dance"

This two-day conference hosted at RTÉ by ICTMD Ireland marks the 100th anniversary of public service broadcasting in Ireland and focuses on the broadcasting of music and dance. The conference features a keynote lecture from , professor in the Department of Communication Studies and Media Arts at McMaster University.

ICTMD Ireland celebrates the diversity of traditions and practices of music and dance in Ireland and around the globe. The 2026 ICTMD Ireland Annual Conference invited contributions on the theme of “Broadcasting Music and Dance” to mark this milestone, one shared by many public broadcasters around the globe in this decade. We look forward to contributions reflecting on local and international histories, approaches to commemoration, archives, and the futures of music and dance in public service broadcasting. We welcome participants engaged in research across all musical genres in the fields of ethnomusicology, ethnochoreology, musicology, popular music studies and complementary disciplines.

Please note that all primary presenters need to be current members of ICTMD Ireland. Membership is available here.

This conference will be delivered entirely in person at the RTÉ campus, Donnybrook, Dublin 4, D04 H2K8.

**Early bird conference registration is available up to and including Tuesday 31st of March.**

A programme for this conference will be added closer to the date.

Conference Dinner

Friday 17th April, 20:00

The conference dinner will be held in The Merrion Inn, D04 Y512. If you wish to attend, please register and add a conference dinner ticket to your order by noon on Tuesday 31st March.

Lunch

Please note that lunch will not be provided as part of conference registration. However, delegates will have access to the RTÉ Canteen to purchase lunch on both days. Delegates are also welcome to bring their own packed lunch to the RTÉ Canteen and eat there.

Walking Tour of RTÉ Campus

Friday 17th April, between 13:30 and 15:00.

Walking tours of the RTÉ Campus will last approximately 45 minutes. Availability is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you wish to attend, please register by Friday 31st of March and add a ticket to your order (free with conference registration). You will be contacted by Thursday 16th April with your allocated tour time and start point. Please note that this tour involves walking up and down steep stairs.

ICTMD Ireland 21st Annual Conference Concert: Live recording of "The Rolling Wave"

RTÉ Studios 17th April, 18:15.

Join us for a special music performance, a live recording of flagship Irish Traditional Music programme, The Rolling Wave, for RTÉ Radio 1. This will be a conference special featuring music performances and interviews, presented by Aoife Nic Cormaic. As attendance is limited, please add a ticket to your order (free with conference registration).

Conference Code of Conduct

The conference will be run in accordance with the ICTMD Ireland Code of Conduct (https://www.ictmd.ie/about). By taking part in the conference, you agree to be bound by this code.

Conference Committee

Dr Helen Gubbins (UCD, Conference Co-Chair)

Dr Jack Talty (UCC, Conference Co-Chair)

Clíodhna Ní Anluain (RTÉ)

Dr Susan Motherway (MTU, Chair of ICTMD Ireland)

Dr Stephen Millar (QUB)

Dr Rebecca Draisey-Collishaw (University of Sheffield)

Travel to RTÉ

RTÉ is located in Donnybrook, Dublin 4, and is served by a range of transport options.

The main entrance for both vehicles and pedestrians is located off the Stillorgan Dual Carriageway.

By Bus: Routes E1, E2, and 39a run regularly from the city centre. Timetables are available on dublinbus.ie and via the TFI Live app.

The bus stops serving RTÉ are: 762 (RTÉ Studios) if you’re coming from the city centre and bus stop 770 if you’re travelling towards the city centre.

By Train: The nearest DART station is Sydney Parade. It’s about a 25-minute walk from there to RTÉ via Nutley Lane.

By Car or Taxi: If you’re arriving by car or taxi, please use the visitors’ lane at the main security checkpoint. You’ll be asked for your name, the purpose of your visit, and the name of your RTÉ contact. You may say ICTMD Ireland Conference.

By Bicycle: Bike stands are available outside all main buildings.

For parking and further transport advice, please click here.

Accessibility Supports

Wheelchair Access: The RTÉ campus is wheelchair accessible, with lifts, automatic doors, and step-free access to most main buildings. A small number of locations have ramps where needed.

Toilets: Accessible toilets are available in all main RTÉ buildings, including the TV Building and Radio Centre.

Sensory Considerations: RTÉ is a busy working environment and may involve bright lighting, noise, or crowded areas at times.

Quiet Spaces: If you require a quiet space during your visit, please contact [email protected] by 31st March so that we can do our best to accommodate your needs.

Assistance Animals: Assistance animals are welcome on campus.

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Host or Publisher ICTM Ireland