The Path to an Irish Passport
February 5, 2024
Contemplating getting an Irish passport but uncertain about eligibility?
Find out more on the Department of Foreign Affairs website
You must be an Irish citizen to acquire an Irish passport.
One can gain citizenship through birth, descent, or naturalisation.
This section will provide an outline based on birth and naturalisation, as it can be confusing.
Eligibility criteria:
- If you were born in Northern Ireland before the 1 st of January 2005, you are entitled
to claim Irish citizenship and can therefore apply for an Irish passport
- If you were born in Ireland after the 1 st of January 2005, your entitlement is
dependent on the nationality and residence history of your parents
- Nationality: if your parents were Irish or UK citizens at birth you can choose to be an
Irish citizen
- Residence History: one of your parents must have lived in Ireland or Northern
Ireland for 3 out of the 4 years before you were born or have the right to live in
Ireland or Northern Ireland without any restriction on their period of residence
- If you were born outside of Ireland to an Irish born parent, you are automatically
entitled to an Irish citizen by birth
- If you were born outside of Ireland to a parent who was an Irish citizen or would
have been entitled to become an Irish citizen at the time of your birth, you are
entitled to become an Irish citizen
- If you have an Irish-born grandparent who was an Irish citizen at the time of your
birth you entitles to become an Irish citizen
When applying for your Irish Passport, you will need your birth certificates and if claiming
through descent, your parent or grandparent’s birth certificate.
What are the benefits of having an Irish passport?
- As an Irish citizen, you are no longer tied down to visa restrictions that dictate
how to live, work, study, and travel
- You can buy a property, knowing you have a right to reside indefinitely. You can
apply for jobs, knowing that you don’t have to worry about a visa expiring. You
can travel across the Emerald Isle as you please.
- Irish citizens also have the right to reside in the UK.
- This agreement, known as the Common Travel Area, happened before the UK’s
entry into the European Union, so the agreement continues post-Brexit.
- Since Ireland is a member of the European Union, Irish citizens have the
freedom to live, work, study, and travel in other EU member states without
visas or restrictions
Once you have got your hands on that red passport again and the excitement of free
movement kicks in, why not plan a trip to where it all started? Whether you hop on a ferry
or catch a quick flight, head over to the Emerald Isle and soak in the heritage that granted
you this freedom. Explore the scenic beauty of the Wild Atlantic Way or dive into the vibrant atmosphere of Cork. Your passport doesn’t just have to be for travel; it can be an opportunity to connect with your roots.
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 in Coventry with events, live performances, plenty of craic and lots to discover!
Join us for a special St. Patrick's day Lunch Club from 12:30pm - 5:00pm at CIS Office, Eaton House | £10 per ticket . Blessing of the Shamrock Mass - 12pm at St Osburg's Church | Blessings of the Shamrock kindly provided by our twin City, Cork. Enjoy an Irish Stew and buffet, a special visit from St Patrick, plus live performances with music from Frankie and the McHugh School of Irish Dancers. Tickets are available at the office. Please contact us on 02476 256629 or get in touch at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or on Facebook.
Discover more about the history of the Irish in Coventry with this free talk on 19 March, 2026 . Doors open at 6:00pm | Event: 6:30 - 7:30pm. Booking essential - To book, email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or call: 02476256629
