New Central Statistics Office data reveals a dramatic 96 percent increase in Americans relocating to Ireland, rising from 4,900 to 9,600 in the year to April 2025, underscoring evolving transatlantic ties. During the same period, overall immigration dipped, and Ireland continued to see historic flows both inward and outward.
In a startling uptick, the Central Statistics Office (CSO) reports that 9,600 U.S. citizens migrated to Ireland in the 12 months to April 2025, up from 4,900 the previous year, marking a 96 percent surge. This sharp rise comes even as total immigration to Ireland fell 16 percent compared to the previous year, with 125,300 arrivals overall, still the fourth consecutive year surpassing 100,000.
Inflows and outflows
Despite the American influx, the broader picture remains one of continued strong migration.
In the year to April 2025, Ireland experienced 125,300 immigrants:
- 31,500 were returning Irish citizens
- 25,300 came from EU countries
- 4,900 were from the UK
- The remainder from other parts of the world.
Meanwhile, emigration stood at 65,600, a 6 percent drop from the prior year. The net effect is a population rise of 78,300 brought the Republic’s total to approximately 5.46 million by April 2025.
To better understand the trajectory, a glance at the year ending April 2024 is instructive. That period saw nearly 149,200 immigrants, the highest in 16 years, including 30,000 returning Irish, 27,000 EU, 5,400 UK, and 86,800 from other countries. Emigration reached 69,900, the highest since 2015, with 34,700 of those being Irish citizens.
Net migration remained positive at 79,300, contributing to a natural increase and overall population growth to about 5.38 million, an annual rise of 98,700.
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US wave
Experts suggest several factors underpin this remarkable American trend.
Growing political polarization, post-election anxiety, and concerns about democratic freedoms are motivating some Americans to consider relocating, The Guardian reports.
Anecdotal reporting and relocation data point to spikes in US passport applications, inquiries, and genuine interest in emigration to Ireland.
Ireland’s political stability, EU membership, and ancestral ties (especially for those with dual citizenship rights) make it an attractive destination.
Ireland saw a 96% surge in people moving here from the US in the past year, according to the CSO.
Overall immigration fell, while the number of Irish leaving only just outpaced those returning home.#VMNews pic.twitter.com/DxUprm159x
— Virgin Media News (@VirginMediaNews) August 26, 2025
Irish emigration
Despite more people entering Ireland overall, significant numbers are still leaving.
In the year to April 2025, 65,600 people emigrated, though this was a drop from the previous year’s 69,900. Destinations include Australia (where emigration surged in prior years), the UK, the US, and elsewhere, often tied to work or family reasons.
Eva Leahy, Statistician with the CSO, comments that in the 12 months to April 2024, just over 149,000 people immigrated— the third successive year above 100,000, and the highest in 16 years Central Statistics Office. She emphasizes the balance of origin: returning Irish, EU, UK, and "other" categories such as Ukrainians, Indians, Brazilians.
On emigration, she notes sustained outflows, including nearly 35,000 Irish citizens and 21,500 "other" nationals, again with Australia a leading destination.
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