Then and Now: Life in Ireland in 1926 and 2022

Then and Now: Life in Ireland in 1926 and 2022

Population

• 1926 population: 2.97 million
• 2022 population: 5.15 million
• Overall increase: 73%
• 1926 Dublin population share: 17% 
• 2022 Dublin population share: 28%

Place of Birth

• 1926: 97% Irish‑born; 0.6% born outside Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain
• 2022: 80% Irish‑born; 14% born outside Ireland, Northern Ireland & Great Britain

Life Expectancy

• 1926 life expectancy: 57 years (males), 58 years (females)
• 2022 life expectancy: 81 years (males), 84 years (females)

Religion

• 1926: Roman Catholics made up 93% of the population
• 2022: Roman Catholics made up 69% of the population

People at Work

• 1926: 1,307,662
• Male: 74%
• Female: 26%
• 2022: 2,320,297
• Male: 53%
• Female: 47%