Over 5,000 people granted Irish citizenship
Updated / Monday, 1 December 2025 07:38
In a significant event, Irish citizenship will be bestowed upon approximately 5,200 individuals at ceremonies scheduled for today and tomorrow in County Kerry. This ceremony marks a pivotal moment for applicants from 132 countries and all 32 counties across the island of Ireland, as they will pledge their fidelity and loyalty to the State before Presiding Officer Judge Paddy McMahon. Since the inception of citizenship ceremonies in 2011, a total of 222,000 people have been granted Irish citizenship, with 216 ceremonies held over the past fourteen years, welcoming citizens from over 180 countries.
The diversity of applicants is notable, with India leading the way, accounting for over 20% of attendees (1,188), followed by Brazil (572), Romania (462), the United Kingdom (416), Poland (382), the Philippines (271), South Africa (199), Pakistan (186), Nigeria (176), and China, including Hong Kong (154).
The distribution of applicants across counties is also interesting. The Department of Justice, Home Affairs, and Migration revealed that 53% of applicants (2,785) reside in County Dublin, while 12% (623) call County Cork home, 9% (452) are from County Kildare, and 6% (323) hail from County Meath. Interestingly, less than 0.1% (fewer than five) of the applicants are from Counties Fermanagh and Tyrone.
In anticipation of the ceremonies, Minister of State for Migration Colm Brophy extended his congratulations to Ireland's newest citizens. He emphasized the historical significance of migration, stating, 'Migration has long been an integral part of Ireland's narrative, with 70 million people worldwide tracing their roots to Irish ancestry.' Brophy encouraged the new citizens to maintain their connections to their home countries while actively building connections and contributing to Ireland, the place they now proudly call home.
