Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1978 with the song "Born to Sing", written and performed by Colm C. T. Wilkinson. The Irish participating broadcaster, (RTÃÂ), selected its entry through a national final.
(RTÃÂ) held the fourteenth edition of the National Song Contest on Sunday 5 March 1978 at its studios in Dublin, hosted by Mike Murphy. Eight songs took part, with the winner chosen by voting from ten regional juries. Other participants included future Irish representatives Sheeba (), and Linda Martin ( and ) who performed as a member of the group Chips.
On the night of the final Wilkinson performed first in the running order, preceding . At the close of voting "Born to Sing" had picked up 86 points, placing Ireland fifth of the 20 entries. The Irish jury awarded its 12 points to .