EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum marks a century of the Irish passport in new exhibit

EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin is opening its new, temporary exhibition "On the Move: A Century of the Irish Passport" on Thursday, May 1.

The exhibition, the Museum says, marks 100 years of the Irish passport, exploring its fascinating history, role in shaping Irish identity, and significance in global affairs.

The new Irish passport exhibit, which is curated in conjunction with Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and supported by the Emigrant Support Programme, draws on a rich collection of archival records, historical materials, and public contributions.

It highlights the evolution of the Irish passport - from a marker of independence to its impact on migration, diplomacy, and social change.

Last month, EPIC and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade launched a public callout for personal stories to be featured in the exhibition. The call for stories, which was featured here on IrishCentral, received an overwhelmingly positive response, the Museum now says.

Contributions have ranged from heartwarming anecdotes about emigration to memories of receiving an Irish passport for the first time.

These stories, alongside original historical records and archival footage, will showcase how the Irish passport has impacted lives and connected people globally.

“The issuing of the first Irish passport marked an important moment in the history of Ireland," Catherine Healy, Historian-in-Residence at EPIC, commented.

"A symbol of Irish identity, it provided clear evidence of a commitment to engage with the world as an independent nation.

"Irish passports have since facilitated millions of journeys across the world, whether for work, love or intellectual freedom.

"The issuing of a passport could represent the start of a difficult departure from home, but for millions with Irish heritage it could also be a powerful reminder of family connection.”

Visitors to "On the Move: A Century of the Irish Passport" will be invited to explore key themes such as:

• What passports reveal about Ireland’s journey to independence and its relationship with the wider world
• The role of the Irish passport in times of war, social change, and global mobility
• What the passport means to Irish citizens, both at home and abroad

Green Irish passport, discontinued in 1985. (Wikipedia Commons / EPIC / Public Domain)

Ireland's Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris TD, said: “Our passport is a source of great pride for our citizens, it represents our identity, our freedom, and our connections to the world.

"This exhibition is a wonderful celebration of 100 years of the Irish Passport and its impact on the lives of Irish people at home and abroad.

"I am especially delighted to see submissions from citizens who have shared their significant and historic family passport stories, which highlight the experiences that make the Irish passport so special.”

Aileesh Carew, CEO, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, said: “The Irish passport is much more than a document - it’s a symbol of connection, resilience, and the enduring spirit of the Irish people.

"As we mark 100 years of the passport, we’re excited to showcase not only its rich history but also the personal stories of millions who have journeyed across the globe.

"This exhibition is a celebration of those who have carried the Irish passport with pride and the remarkable impact they’ve had on the world.”

"On the Move: A Century of the Irish Passport" will be open to the public from May 1 to September 2025 at EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum in Dublin. You can learn more about the exhibit online here.