Ireland’s population has risen sharply, with the latest Central Statistics Office (CSO) figures showing a record 5,458,600 people now living in the State. Net migration stood at 59,700 in the year to April 2025, as 125,300 people arrived and 65,600 departed.
A standout finding in this year’s data is the remarkable return of Irish citizens, with 31,500 moving back home. Much of this success has been credited to the ongoing work of Back 4 Good – Your Future in Ireland, the national initiative that directly engages with the Irish diaspora, offering career opportunities and support for families looking to reconnect with home.
For the fourth year running, immigration to Ireland has topped 100,000, with returnees making up a significant proportion. Alongside returning Irish, arrivals included 25,300 EU citizens, 4,900 from the UK, and over 63,000 from other countries.
Big Jump from the US
One of the most striking trends was a 96% surge in migration from the United States, with 9,600 people moving to Ireland compared to 4,900 in the previous 12 months.
By contrast, arrivals from the UK dropped significantly, falling to 11,600 from 20,500 the year before. Migration from outside the EU, UK, US, Canada, and Australia also declined, with 68,000 arrivals compared with 84,500 in the prior period.
Emigration Falling
For the first time since 2020, fewer people left Ireland to live abroad, with 65,600 departures recorded. While 13,500 people went to Australia, representing the highest level since 2013, there was also strong evidence of two-way flows, as 10,000 returned from Australia in the same period.
The US also remained a destination for Irish emigrants, with 6,100 leaving – an increase of 22%.
Population Growth
Ireland’s natural population increase added 18,600 people (54,400 births minus 35,800 deaths), contributing to an overall population growth of 78,300.
Back 4 Good Impact
Back 4 Good’s campaigns – targeting skilled professionals abroad with the message that “Your Future is in Ireland” – have played a key role in ensuring that thousands of families are making the decision to come home. With over 30,000 returnees in the past year alone, the initiative continues to demonstrate the power of reconnecting Ireland with its global diaspora.
