Around 4,600 people from over 139 countries are officially becoming Irish citizens today and tomorrow

Around 4,600 people from over 139 countries are officially becoming Irish citizens today and tomorrow during large-scale ceremonies in Killarney, County Kerry.

The events, held at the Gleneagle Arena on Monday, June 22, and Tuesday, June 23, 2026, represent a major milestone for thousands of families after a rocky start to the year.

Relief After Cancellations

The June ceremonies carry an extra layer of relief for attendees, as the previous round of nationwide citizenship ceremonies scheduled for April 2026 was abruptly cancelled. The Immigration Service Delivery (ISD) subsequently rescheduled the events for this week, clearing a significant backlog of approved applicants who had been waiting months to take their final oaths.

Inside the Ceremonies

Across five separate ceremonies split over two days, candidates from nearly all 32 counties on the island of Ireland will take their legal vows:

• The Legal Oath: Presiding Officer Judge Paddy McMahon is administering the mandatory Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State.
• Political Presence: Minister of State Colm Brophy is attending Monday's sessions, while Minister of State Niall Collins will oversee Tuesday's proceedings.
• Next Steps: New citizens do not receive their physical certificates on-site today; the Department of Justice will distribute the formal Certificates of Naturalisation via registered post over the coming weeks, which are required to apply for an Irish passport.

Navigating a Tougher Legal Landscape

The joy in Killarney coincides with a period of sweeping structural changes to Irish immigration law. Over the course of 2026, the Irish government has actively tightened criteria for future naturalisation applicants:

• Protection Changes: A major policy shift now requires individuals granted international protection to demonstrate 5 years of reckonable residence before applying for citizenship, up from the previous 3-year threshold.
• Financial and Character Checks: New criteria introduced by Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan enforce much stricter "good character" assessments and explicit proof of financial self-sufficiency.
• Family Restrictions: Updated family reunification policies have significantly narrowed the definitions of dependent nuclear family members, limiting applications mostly to spouses and children strictly under the age of 18.

For individuals currently navigating their immigration path, the ISD continues to emphasize that applicants must maintain a valid Irish Residence Permit (IRP) up until the exact moment they complete their citizenship oath. For further administrative updates, check the Immigration Service Delivery News Portal.