Over 6,000 Individuals Granted Irish Citizenship in Dublin Ceremonies

More than 6,000 people from over 130 countries have been granted Irish citizenship in a series of ceremonies held in Dublin, beginning on Thursday, February 13. Over the course of two days, Judge Mary Irwin will preside over six ceremonies at the Convention Centre Dublin, where applicants will pledge allegiance to the Irish nation and commit to upholding its laws and democratic values.

A total of 6,400 applicants from 134 countries were invited to participate in the ceremonies. The ten nationalities with the highest number of applicants include India (914), the United Kingdom (614), Brazil (531), Romania (380), Poland (360), the Philippines (241), South Africa (210), Nigeria (205), Pakistan (191), and the United States (191).

During each ceremony, applicants take an oath of allegiance and will receive their certificate of naturalization in the coming weeks. In 2024 alone, more than 30,000 people have been granted Irish citizenship—an increase from 20,000 in 2023 and nearly double the number recorded in 2022.

Since the introduction of formal citizenship ceremonies in 2011, more than 190 such events have taken place, welcoming individuals from over 180 nations into the Irish community. This includes minors and individuals who have obtained citizenship through the declaration process.

To enhance efficiency, the Department of Justice has implemented significant reforms in the Citizenship Division, including digitalisation efforts aimed at expediting the application process. The department stated that most applications based on residency in Ireland are now expected to be processed within a year.

Congratulating the new citizens, Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan reaffirmed his commitment to fostering inclusive communities. Over the past 13 years, more than 191,000 individuals have received Irish citizenship, marking a significant milestone in Ireland’s continued efforts to embrace diversity.