1997–98 League of Ireland First Division

The 1997–98 League of Ireland First Division season was the 13th season of the League of Ireland First Division.

Overview
The First Division was contested by 10 teams and Waterford United won the division.

Promotion/relegation play-off
Third placed Limerick F.C. played off against University College Dublin A.F.C. who finished in tenth place in the 1997–98 League of Ireland Premier Division. The winner would compete in the 1998–99 League of Ireland Premier Division.

2nd leg
UCD won 5–2 on aggregate and retained their place in the Premier Division.