The Daily Star Ireland
Ireland experienced a notable decline in immigration in the year to April 2025, with the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reporting a 16% drop compared to the previous year. Despite the fall, the number of people moving to Ireland remained above 100,000 for the fourth year in a row, underlining continued population growth driven by migration.
Immigration and Net Migration Trends
A total of 125,300 people arrived to live in Ireland during the 12-month period, down from previous years but still significant. Of these, 31,500 were returning Irish citizens, 25,300 came from other EU member states, 4,900 from the UK, and 63,600 from the rest of the world. Net migration, which calculates arrivals minus departures, stood at 59,700 — nearly 20,000 fewer than the previous year.
The statistics also reveal shifting patterns among source countries. Immigration from the United States almost doubled, rising 96% to 9,600 compared with 4,900 the year before. By contrast, arrivals from the UK dropped sharply to 11,600, down from 20,500. Non-EU arrivals also fell, with 68,000 people coming from countries outside the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia, compared with 84,500 a year earlier.
Emigration and Population Growth
For the first time since 2020, the number of people emigrating from Ireland declined, with 65,600 leaving the country — a 6% decrease. Australia emerged as the most popular destination, with 13,500 people making the move, a 27% increase and the highest level of emigration to Australia since 2013. The United States also attracted more Irish emigrants, with 6,100 departures, up 22%.
At the same time, significant numbers returned: 10,000 people came back from Australia within the same year, showing a two-way flow between the two countries. Other key destinations included other EU states (25% of emigrants), the UK (20%), the US and Canada (16%), and a further 17% heading elsewhere.
Alongside migration, Ireland’s natural population increase — 54,400 births against 35,800 deaths — added 18,600 people. Combined with migration trends, the CSO estimated the total population rose by 78,300, reaching 5,458,600.
What the Figures Mean
CSO statistician Eva Leahy highlighted the sharp rise in movement to Australia and the two-way nature of migration flows. While emigration has picked up to some destinations, Ireland continues to see strong return migration, balancing the overall trend. Leahy stressed that while the CSO cannot capture people’s long-term intentions, the figures provide a clear picture of changing migration dynamics.
Overall, Ireland remains a country with high mobility, both inward and outward, as shifting economic conditions, education opportunities, and lifestyle choices shape migration flows. Would you like me to also create a short infographic-style summary of the numbers (arrivals, departures, top destinations, population change) for quick reference?
