Thursday 18th December
22.15-23.15 RTÉ ONE
Born That Way. Over his final year, Irish-American Patrick Lydon reflects on a journey from US rock journalism to Ireland’s Camphill Movement, and from being an energetic care-giver to a totally dependent recipient of care. The film raises profound questions about disability, community and otherness in society. A profoundly moving and inspirational feature documentary, which was winner of the Audience Prize at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival.
Sunday 21st December
11.00-11.45am RTÉ ONE & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
Live Mass on the Fourth Sunday of Advent celebrated by Fr. Paul Crosbie, featuring St Michael’s Boys’ Choir, Trim, Co. Meath, directed by Bríd Gorry, Clodagh Daly & Pádraig Kilbride.
Tuesday 23rd December
17.40-17.45 RTÉ ONE
The Cork Nativity (rpt). An award-winning short film, in which the people of Cork – City and County – deliver St Luke’s account of the Christmas story.
Wednesday 24th December (Christmas Eve)
16.00-17.15 RTÉ Radio 1
The Festival of Nine Lessons & Carols from St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin, led by Dean William Morton and the Choir of St Patrick’s, conducted by The Master of the Music, Stuart Nicholson.
18.20-19.20 RTÉ ONE & 21.00-22.00 RTÉ Lyric FM
Christmas in Kilmainham. Marty Whelan decks the halls of the Royal Hospital Kilmainham for this special celebration of Christmas, with guests including Imelda May, the delicious Garron Noone, the High Kings, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and some very special visiting choir from Palestine, the Daughters of Jerusalem.
23.00-00.00 RÉ ONE / RTÉ Radio 1
Midnight Mass
23.00-Midnight
RTÉ ONE & RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
Midnight Mass from the Church of the Annunciation, Rathfarnham, Dublin, which, this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Mass is celebrated by the Very Rev. Canon Martin Cosgrove with music from Rathfarnham Unity Choir, directed by Dr Fiona Baldwin. The organist is Margaret O’Connor and the oboe soloist is Brendan McDonnell. The Mass will be transmitted across Europe via Eurovision.
Thursday 25th December (Christmas Day)
07.10-08.10am RTÉ ONE
Christmas in Kilmainham (rpt). See above.
09.55-10.00am RTÉ ONE
The Kilkenny Nativity (rpt). Award-winning short, in which the people of Kilkenny – City and County – deliver St Luke’s account of the Christmas story.
10.00-11.00am RTÉ ONE / RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
Mass on Christmas Day. A live Eurovision broadcast from the Church of St Martin in Malvaglia, in the Italian-speaking Ticino canton of Switzerland. The celebrant is Bishop Alain De Raemy, Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Lugano, with commentary and translation by Lydia O’Kane.
11.00-11.45am RTÉ ONE / RTÉ Radio 1 Extra
Service on Christmas Day. Canon Gillian Wharton leads the choir and parishioners of Booterstown, Carysfort and Mount Merrion Church of Ireland parishes in Dublin in a celebration of Christmas.
11.45-12.10, RTÉ ONE
Urbi et Orbi. Pope Leo XIV delivers his Christmas Message and Blessing to the Vatican City and to the World, with commentary and translation by Lydia O’Kane.
12.10-12.20, RTÉ ONE and 13.05 – 13.15 on RTE Radio 1
The Archbishops’ Christmas Message. The Catholic and Church of Ireland Primates of All Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin and Archbishop John McDowell, offer a seasonal message and blessing.
14.00-15.00 RTÉ Radio 1
Divine Sparks with Áine Lawlor. Join Áine Lawlor for a festive feast, with beloved carols, seasonal stories, childhood wonder and memories shared. Plus, award-winning writer Seamus O’Rourke takes us on a journey back to rural Christmases long gone.
Sunday 28th December RTÉ ONE
12.00-12.55 RTÉ ONE & RTE Radio 1 Extra
Mass from Knock Basilica. Fr Richard Gibbons celebrates Mass, with music led by the Schola Cantorum Basilicae, directed by Úna Nolan