How Many Generations Back Can You Claim Irish Citizenship?

Ireland’s rules are clear and generous, but they do not extend infinitely. You can claim Irish citizenship up to your grandparents, with limited exceptions.

1. First Generation — Parents

If your mother or father was an Irish citizen, you are automatically Irish.

2. Second Generation — Grandparents

If your grandparent was born in Ireland, you can claim citizenship through the Foreign Births Register.

This must be completed before you have children if you want the chain to continue.

3. Third Generation — Great-Grandparents

Only possible if:

• The next generation (your parent) registered before your birth

This effectively restarts the chain.

4. Fourth Generation and Beyond

Not eligible unless the chain has been maintained through FBR registration every generation.

Rare, but legally possible.

5. Why the System Works This Way

Ireland wants:

• Clear documentation

• Direct generational connection

• Active interest in maintaining citizenship

Bottom Line

Ireland allows citizenship through grandparents, with rare exceptions extending to great-grandparents only through maintained lineage.

Use CitizenIR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenIR app for generation eligibility, FBR timing rules, and expert guidance.