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Irish citizenship by descent is governed by the Foreign Births Register (FBR). If you have one grandparent born on the island of Ireland (including Northern Ireland), you are eligible to register on the FBR and claim Irish citizenship.
Ireland's CBD regime is one of the most popular in the world — an estimated 70+ million people claim Irish ancestry globally. The grandparent rule, combined with Ireland's acceptance of dual citizenship and EU membership, makes it one of the most sought-after second passports.
If you have one grandparent born in Ireland (including Northern Ireland under the Good Friday Agreement), you are eligible for the Foreign Births Register. Your parent (the child of the Irish-born grandparent) does not need to have been registered before your birth in most cases.
If your Irish connection is through a great-grandparent, you generally do not qualify — unless your parent was registered on the FBR before your birth.
Applications are filed with Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA). Processing time is currently 9-18 months. Once registered, you receive a Foreign Births Registration Certificate and can apply for an Irish passport (6-8 additional weeks).
FAQ
Can I claim Irish citizenship through a great-grandparent?
Generally no — unless your parent was registered on the Foreign Births Register before your birth. In that case, the line extends.
Does Northern Ireland count?
Yes. Under the Good Friday Agreement (1998), people born on the island of Ireland — including Northern Ireland — are entitled to Irish citizenship. An ancestor from Belfast qualifies you just as much as one from Dublin.
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Glossary: Foreign Births Register
Definition and explanation of the FBR
Glossary: Grandparent Rule
How the grandparent rule works