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20th Jan 2021

Inauguration day: Here’s how to watch Joe Biden’s inauguration from Ireland

Everything you need to know.

Niamh Maher

Everything you need to know.

Today is the day. In a matter of hours, Joe Biden will take the oath of office and become the 46th President of the United States of America. Despite the heightened security measures and low attendance rates due to the pandemic, (and the constant threat of domestic terrorism) the inauguration will maintain many of its traditional elements.

The Presidential Inauguration Committee has put together an event which will see reduced-capacity crowds, a virtual parade, entertainment from the likes of JLO and Lady GaGa, and a simulcast TV special to mark the occasion, which also sees Kamala Harris become the first female Vice President in history.

So, what time is it all kicking off here in Ireland and how can we watch?

At 5pm Irish time, Joe Biden will officially take office and RTÉ One will be broadcasting proceedings live from 4pm. The show (can we call it that?) will run till 5.40pm and will see RTÉ’s Washington correspondent Brian O’Donovan live on the ground with Caitríona Perry holding down proceedings from the Irish studios.

Lady GaGa will perform the national anthem, the singer has said she’s “deeply honoured” to be celebrating the historic inauguration of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.

A host of celebratory balls usually follow an inauguration but this year it’s a TV special hosted by Tom Hanks.

Celebrating America will be available to watch on ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC and MSNBC, as well as the Presidential Inauguration social channels including YouTube, Twitch and Facebook. Amazon Prime will also be streaming the extravaganza.

The livestream of the official 59th presidential inauguration will be available throughout the day here.