Can I Claim Irish Citizenship If My Great-Grandparents Were Irish?

Irish citizenship rules are generous, but they do not automatically extend to great-grandparents. However — there are scenarios where a person could still qualify.

1. Standard Rule

You cannot claim Irish citizenship directly through great-grandparents.

Ireland only recognizes:

• Irish-born parents

• Irish-born grandparents

Great-grandparents fall outside the official descent category.

2. The Exception: “Skipped Generation”

You may still qualify if:

• Your parent was born abroad

• But they registered themselves in the Foreign Births Register

• Before you were born

If your parent completed FBR before your birth, you can inherit Irish citizenship — even if the original ancestor was your great-grandparent.

3. Example Scenario

• Great-grandparent born in Ireland

• Grandparent born abroad (not registered)

• Parent registers in FBR before your birth

→ You qualify.

4. If Your Parent Was Not Registered Before Your Birth

You cannot claim citizenship through great-grandparents.

However:

• Your parent may still register themselves

• Their children (your future kids) could qualify

• But you cannot jump over the missing link retroactively

5. Why the Rule Is So Strict

Ireland aims to preserve:

• Clear, traceable lineage

• Direct generational connections

• Strong documentation integrity

Bottom Line

Great-grandparents don’t directly qualify you.

But if your parent registered with the FBR before your birth, you may still be eligible.

Use CitizenIR to streamline your application.

Download the CitizenIR app for ancestry tools, FBR guidance, and expert support.