Ireland was represented at the Eurovision Song Contest 1997 with the song "Mysterious Woman", written by John Farry, and performed by Marc Roberts. The Irish participating broadcaster, (RTÃÂ), selected its entry through a national final. In addition, RTÃÂ was also the host broadcaster for the fourth time in five years and staged the event at the Point Theatre in Dublin, for the third time in four years, after winning the with the song "The Voice" by Eimear Quinn.
was a radio song contest started in 1995 by RTàRaidió na Gaeltachta exclusively for Irish songs. The first edition of the contest was not related to Eurosong, but from 1996 until 1999, the recent winner of would qualify to Eurosong. The 3rd edition of took place on 22 November 1996. The running order and some of the results of 97 are unknown.
RTÃÂ held Eurosong '97 on 9 March 1997 at the Institute of Technology in Waterford, hosted by Pat Kenny. Eight entries competed in the final and the winner, "Mysterious Woman" performed by Marc Roberts, was determined by the votes of ten regional juries.
Roberts performed 5th in the running order on the night of the contest. "Mysterious Woman" went on to be placed 2nd with 157 points. To date, this was the last time that the Irish entry placed in the top five.