1,200 new Irish citizens attend Citizenship Ceremonies in National Concert Hall Dublin
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From: Department of Justice
- Published on: 26 February 2024
- Last updated on: 12 April 2025
1,200 new Irish citizens will be granted Irish citizenship in two ceremonies taking place at the National Concert Hall in Dublin today.
The Ceremonies will see applicants from 105 countries around the world and living in 31 counties on the island of Ireland being conferred as Irish citizens.
Minister Paschal Donohoe and Minister of State James Browne will attend the ceremonies and are looking forward to meeting as many of the new citizens as possible.
Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister Helen McEntee said:
“Citizenship ceremonies are always a joyous celebration of what it means to be Irish. I would like to warmly congratulate and welcome our newest citizens on this milestone in their lives.
"It is particularly apt that they will begin their journey as Irish citizens at the National Concert Hall as it is a building that is steeped in Irish history. It is the original site of University College Dublin and even hosted the Dáil debates on the Anglo-Irish Treaty in early 1922.
"I want to wish nothing but the best to all those who become a citizen of this nation, and join the many others who have come here and are making such a significant contribution to our culture, economy and society.”
The Presiding Officer at both ceremonies is retired Judge Paddy McMahon, who will administer the Declaration of Fidelity to the Irish Nation and Loyalty to the State.
The new Irish citizens will undertake to faithfully observe the laws of the State and to respect its democratic values.
New Irish citizens are contributing to a diverse and inclusive workforce, bringing a range of skills and talents that enhance the overall capabilities of the labour market and economy.
Over 10% of those receiving their citizenship are working in the healthcare sector across Ireland.
Speaking ahead of the first Ceremony today, Minister Donohoe said:
“Ireland has always had a strong culture of welcoming new people and I am delighted to be able to attend this morning’s ceremony so that I personally can welcome our newest citizens.
"Today marks the end of one journey and the beginning of an exciting new one for them. By sharing their own unique cultures and traditions with us, our newest citizens become part of our communities and we are all the better for it.
"I also want to acknowledge the value and necessity of immigration to support Ireland’s strong economy and how it benefits our overall society.”
Minister Browne ahead of attending this afternoon said:
“It is my pleasure to attend the Citizenship ceremony today.
"As a nation that over centuries saw so many Irish people emigrate to find safety or work, the Irish people understand what it means to be a migrant, to seek a safe haven, to lay roots and to find a new home.
"I give my best wishes to our new citizens and to their families as they embark on the next steps of their lives in Ireland and I look forward to meeting as many of them as possible today.”
Additional information
Citizenship ceremonies were first introduced in 2011 in order to mark the occasion of the granting of citizenship in a dignified and solemn manner. Since Citizenship Ceremonies were first introduced, there has been a total of 175 Ceremonies (inclusive) with people from over 180 countries receiving their certificates of naturalisation.
To date approximately 175,000 people have received Irish citizenship since 2011.
The figure of 175,000 includes the attendees at the February Ceremonies & applicants who received citizenship via the Declaration process introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as minors who are not required to attend a Ceremony.
Top 10 nationalities and number of applicants
1 India 243
2 Brazil 99
3 United Kingdom 81
4 Romania 76
5 Philippines 74
6 Poland 61
7 Pakistan 59
8 Nigeria 56
9 China (Including Hong Kong) 52
10 United States Of America 35
Number of applicants by county
Co. Antrim 2
Co. Armagh 1
Co. Carlow 9
Co. Cavan 10
Co. Clare 17
Co. Cork 116
Co. Derry 3
Co. Donegal 18
Co. Down 4
Co. Dublin 642
Co. Fermanagh 1
Co. Galway 42
Co. Kerry 18
Co. Kildare 77
Co. Kilkenny 13
Co. Laois 23
Co. Leitrim 4
Co. Limerick 47
Co. Longford 8
Co. Louth 59
Co. Mayo 6
Co. Meath 58
Co. Monaghan 7
Co. Offaly 4
Co. Roscommon 5
Co. Sligo 10
Co. Tipperary 21
Co. Tyrone 0
Co. Waterford 26
Co. Westmeath 20
Co. Wexford 19
Co. Wicklow 28
Total 1,318
- Based on total number of invitees. Where applicants have answered not attending, further invitations have issued.