Press release
4,800 new Irish citizens attend Citizenship Ceremonies at Killarney, Co Kerry
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
4,800 new Irish citizens will be granted Irish citizenship in six ceremonies taking place on today Monday 10 June and Tuesday 11 June at the INEC Killarney.
The Ceremonies will see applicants from 138 countries around the world and living in 18 counties on the island of Ireland being conferred as Irish citizens.
Speaking ahead of the ceremonies, Minister McEntee said,
“Citizenship ceremonies are wonderful celebration where we welcome our newest citizens on this milestone in their lives.
Today and tomorrow, attendees will make a declaration of fidelity to the Irish nation and loyalty to the State, a fundamental step in becoming Irish.
Each individual is demonstrating their strong commitment to our country and the values we stand for.
I would like to warmly congratulate all those who have chosen to become a citizen of this nation and thank them for their significant contribution to our culture, economy and society.”
The Presiding Officers at the ceremonies are retired Justice Mary Irvine and Justice 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.
ENDS
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 176,000 people have received Irish citizenship since 2011.
The figure of 176,000 includes the attendees at the February Ceremonies & applicants who received citizenship via the Declaration process introduced in response to the COVID pandemic, as well as minors who are not required to attend a Ceremony.
Top 10 Nationalities # Applicants
1 India 995
2 United Kingdom 416
3 Brazil 294
4 Philippines 291
5 Poland 271
6 Romania 245
7 South Africa 231
8 Nigeria 206
9 Pakistan 205
10 United States Of America 119
County # Applicants
Co. Carlow 89
Co. Clare 131
Co. Cork 1003
Co. Dublin 503
Co. Galway 445
Co. Kerry 158
Co. Kildare 631
Co. Kilkenny 104
Co. Laois 156
Co. Limerick 370
Co. Mayo 119
Co. Meath 457
Co. Offaly 85
Co. Tipperary 160
Co. Waterford 241
Co. Westmeath 158
Co. Wexford 189
Co. Wicklow 285
Total* 5284