RTÉ was the first broadcaster to use the System I 625-line system in 1962 , two years before the launch of BBC Two in that format . Its first colour broadcast was transmitted in 1969 , although a mistake in standards conversion may have transmitted the 1968 Wimbledon Men 's Finals in colour . The first programme made in colour by RTÉ was the documentary special , '' John Hume 's Derry '' , shown under the '' 7 Days '' banner . Since 1969 , RTÉ can transmit programmes made in colour which were imported from UK and the US . Ireland 's first outside broadcasts in colour were the country 's hosting of the Eurovision Song Contest 1971 and the Railway Cup Finals 1971 . The first RTÉ studio in Donnybrook was equipped for colour broadcasts in 1972 , followed by the news studios in 1974 . The last studio in RTÉ to be converted to colour ( in 1976 ) was Studio 1 , home of '' The Late Late Show ''
Eurovision Song Contest 1971
Eurovision Song Contest 1971
RTÉ Television