The Irish participating broadcaster, Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ), selected its entry through a national final.

In addition, RTÉ was also the host broadcaster and staged the event at the RDS Simmonscourt Pavilion in Dublin, after winning the previous edition with the song "Hold Me Now" by Johnny Logan.

Radio Telefís Éireann (RTÉ) held on 6 March 1988 at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin, the national final, Eurosong '88, hosted for the second year in succession by Marty Whelan (who would provide commentary for RTÉ's broadcast of the contest from 2000 onwards, although he did provided the television commentary once before, in 1987), and Maxi (who had represented Ireland in 1973 as a soloist, and again in 1981 as part of the group Sheeba).

"Take Him Home" was performed tenth in the running order on the night of the contest, following Switzerland and preceding Germany.

RTÉ appointed John Skehan as its spokesperson to announce the Irish jury's votes.