Eurovision 2025: What time is Ireland’s semi-final performance?

Ireland's Eurovision 2025 entry 'Laika Party', performed by Norwegian singer Emmy, is set to take the stage in tonight's (Thursday) semi-final two.

The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals will kick off live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm, and those looking to support Ireland's act should make sure to tune in early.

Emmy is third in line to perform during tonight's semi-final, appearing on stage between Montenegro and Latvia. With only ten qualifying spots available, the competition is tight.

Ireland's song 'Laika Party' was written with the help of Midlands songwriter Larissa Tormey, who explained the story behind the song, calling it "very special".

"It's based on a real story about a little dog Laika who went to space before humans did. The song is a little dancey, positive number which helps us to commemorate her."

The 69th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place at St Jakobshalle in Basle, in a stadium that holds an audience of up to 12,000.

Joining Ireland in the line-up are acts from across Europe and beyond, including Finland's Erika Vikman with the high-energy ICH KOMME, Malta’s Miriana Conte serving fierce attitude with SERVING, and Austria’s JJ with the emotional ballad Wasted Love. Israeli artist Yuval Raphael will also take the stage tonight, performing New Day Will Rise in Hebrew, French and English.

The show opens with Australia’s Go-Jo and his anthem Milkshake Man, and closes with Vikman’s exciting Finnish entry.

The Grand Final takes place on Saturday, 17 May, and will be shown live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm.