Irish nationality law

A person may be an Irish citizen through birth, descent (heredity), marriage to an Irish citizen or through naturalization. Rules are currently based on the Constitution (amended in 2004) and on the Irish Nationality and Citizenship Acts of 1956, 1986, 1994, 2001 and 2004.

Related Topics:
Heredity - Naturalization - Constitution

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The situation is complicated by the fact that residents of Northern Ireland, many of whom consider themselves to be British, are also entitled to citizenship on the same basis as residents of the Republic. The resident population of the Republic of Ireland, at just under four million, represents perhaps only half the number of Irish citizens, or those eligible for citizenship. As well as the 1.68 million people of Northern Ireland, a further 1.2 million people born in Ireland live abroad. The number of first-generation descendants of Irish people living abroad is unknown; however, it is likely to be very large due to the high level of emigration during the 20th century. The Irish diaspora, which includes descendants of 19th-century famine emigres, is estimated at 80 million.

Related Topics:
Northern Ireland - British - Irish diaspora - Famine emigres

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