Are children born in Ireland automatically Irish citizens?

Prior to 1 January 2005, all children born on the island of Ireland were entitled to Irish citizenship by birth. Following the 27th Amendment to the Irish Constitution, which was approved by referendum in 2004, the rules changed significantly.

Since 1 January 2005, a child born in Ireland is only entitled to Irish citizenship at birth if at least one parent is an Irish citizen, a British citizen, a person entitled to reside in Northern Ireland or the Republic without restriction, or a foreign national who has been lawfully resident in Ireland for at least three of the four years immediately preceding the child's birth. Certain types of residence do not count towards this three-year requirement, including time spent as an asylum seeker, on a student visa, or with temporary permission.

If neither parent meets these requirements at the time of the child's birth, the child is not automatically an Irish citizen, regardless of being born in Ireland. In such cases, the child's nationality is determined by the nationality laws of the parents' country of citizenship.

Parents who believe their child qualifies for Irish citizenship by birth should apply for a passport on the child's behalf, providing evidence of their own qualifying residency. If the parents subsequently become Irish citizens, this does not retrospectively grant citizenship to a child who was not entitled at birth.

This is general information only, not legal advice. Consult a registered immigration solicitor for advice specific to your situation.