January – RTÉ establishes an internal working party to investigate the representation of women in news reporting. Their findings are published in April 1981.[1]
8 April – UK children's television series Worzel Gummidge begins airing on RTÉ 1 two months after its screening debut in its original country.
May – The Riordans is aired on television for the final time. It switches to radio and continues until 1985.[1]
4 June – The long-running children's television series Bosco begins an eight-part pilot series.[1]
29 September – 1 October – Coverage of Pope John Paul II's visit to Ireland is broadcast on RTÉ radio and television.[1]
2 October – Mary McAleese debuts as a reporter on the current affairs programme Frontline.[1]