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

In addition, RTÉ was also the host broadcaster –for the fourth time in the last five years– and staged the event at the Point Theatre in Dublin –for the third time in the last four years–, after winning the previous edition with the song "The Voice" by Eimear Quinn.

[3][4] RTÉ held the final 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.

[5] Ahead of the contest, Ireland were considered one of the favourites among bookmakers to win the contest for an eighth time, featuring alongside the entries from Italy, United Kingdom, Germany and Estonia.