Ireland
Based on the most recent published official birth records (and Birthgap harmonisation where noted).
Ireland’s fertility dynamics are showing subtle shifts as of 2024, with a slight decline in children per mother and a modest rise in childlessness. The total fertility rate and completed fertility remain relatively stable but continue to reflect a long-term decline from historic levels. Maternal age at birth has decreased slightly after years of increase, maintaining Ireland's position among countries with older mothers.
- The total maternal rate (TMR) is steady at 64.3%, marking a gradual decline from the 1970s peak of 91.8%.
- Average children per mother fell slightly to 2.30, down from 2.35 in 2023, yet remains relatively high compared to global and European averages.
- Childlessness rate (TFG) increased marginally to 28.6%, continuing a trend of rising rates over recent years.
- Average maternal age dropped by 0.4 years to 31.7, reversing a recent upward trend but still well above the 1970s average.
In 2024, Ireland exhibits relatively high children per mother alongside an aging maternal profile, with fertility trends showing gradual decline over recent years.
- Children per mother at 2.3, among the highest in Europe (27/31)
- Average maternal age is 31.7 years, ranked 6th highest in Europe
- Childlessness rising, with fertility gap at one of Europe's lowest (27/31)
- Total fertility rate lower than European average, indicating ongoing generational birthgap
- Life expectancy remains long, ranked 4th highest in Europe
Key fertility indicators — Ireland
| Childlessness Rate (TCR) | 35.7% |
| Children per Mother (CPM) | 2.30 |
| Average Maternal Age (AMA) | 31.7 years |
| TGI (great-grandchildren per 100 parents) | 36 |
Motherhood prevalence (TMR)
As of 2024, the total motherhood prevalence rate in Ireland stands at 64.3%, showing very little change from 2023's 64.0%. Over the past five years, this rate has been on a downward trend, averaging 65.5% for the period 2020 to 2024. This current figure remains substantially lower than the 1970s average of 91.8%, marking a decrease of roughly 27.5 percentage points. The lowest levels in recent years occurred between 2022 and 2024, averaging 64.1%. On the international stage, Ireland holds the 16th position out of 38 countries assessed, while within Europe, it also ranks 16th among 31 countries.
| Year | TMR | Year | TMR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 94.0% | 2010 | 85.7% |
| 1980 | 85.3% | 2020 | 66.1% |
| 1990 | 68.7% | 2023 | 64.0% |
| 2000 | 75.1% | 2024 | 64.3% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Children per mother (CPM)
Ireland's children per mother (CPM) stood at 2.30 in 2024, showing a slight decline of 0.05 since 2023. This reflects a continuing downward trend over the last five years, during which the average CPM was 2.40. Compared to the 1970s average of 3.84, the current figure is lower by approximately 1.55 children per mother. On the global stage, Ireland ranks 33rd out of 38 countries in terms of CPM, while within Europe it holds the 27th position out of 31.
| Year | CPM | Year | CPM |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 4.11 | 2010 | 2.39 |
| 1980 | 3.75 | 2020 | 2.46 |
| 1990 | 3.07 | 2023 | 2.35 |
| 2000 | 2.52 | 2024 | 2.30 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Average maternal age (AMA)
The average maternal age (AMA) at birth in 2024 stands at 31.7 years, reflecting a slight decrease of 0.4 years from 2023. Across the last five years, AMA has shown an upward trend, averaging 31.3 years. Compared to the 1970s average, it has increased by 5.9 years. Ireland holds the 8th position globally among 38 countries and ranks 6th out of 31 European nations for the highest average maternal age.
| Year | BIRTH | Year | BIRTH |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 26.07 | 2010 | 29.13 |
| 1980 | 25.47 | 2020 | 30.80 |
| 1990 | 26.62 | 2023 | 32.10 |
| 2000 | 27.64 | 2024 | 31.66 |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG)
In 2024, Ireland's Birthgap Generational Indicator (TFG) stands at 28.6%, corresponding to a total fertility rate of 1.48. This marks a slight increase of 1.2 percentage points compared to 2023. Childlessness has shown an upward trend during the last five years, with the average from 2020 to 2024 at 24.0%. Since the 1970s, when the TFG averaged 0.0%, the current level is about 28.6 percentage points higher. The country has maintained a continuous generational birthgap since 1992, with the lowest TFG recorded in the early 1970s at an average of 0.0%. On the global scale, Ireland ranks 33rd out of 38 countries for TFG levels, and within Europe, it stands near the bottom at 27th out of 31.
| Year | TFG | Year | TFG |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | n/a | 2010 | 1.2% |
| 1980 | n/a | 2020 | 21.4% |
| 1990 | n/a | 2023 | 27.4% |
| 2000 | 8.8% | 2024 | 28.6% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Societal Half-Life (SHL)
Ireland’s SHL stands at 69.3 years years in 2024. It has decreased by 4.4 years compared with 2023. Over the past five years, SHL has been falling, averaging 87.6 years. Compared with the 1970s average (37.0 years), SHL is now longer by about 32.2 years.
Globally, Ireland has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 5/38).Within Europe, it has one of the longest SHL values (ranked 4/31).
Triple Generation Impact (TGI)
With this Birthgap (TFG) for every 100 people of fertility age in Ireland, there would be 36 great-grandchildren, representing a -64.0% drop from the current generation.
Globally, Ireland has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 33/38). Within Europe, it has one of the lowest TGI drops (ranked 27/31).
Birth trajectory
According to the birth trajectory observed in 2024, total births are projected to decline from 54,062 in that year to 27,031 by 2093, representing a 50% decrease. Further along, by 2163, births are expected to drop by 75%, and by 2254, the number of births could fall to 5,406, marking a 90% reduction, assuming migration is not taken into account.
Childlessness rate (TCR)
The childlessness rate (TCR) in Ireland reached 35.7% in 2024, showing minimal difference from the 36.0% recorded in 2023. Over the last five years (2020–2024), this rate has trended upward, averaging 34.5%. When compared to the average of 8.2% from the 1970s, the current figure has increased by roughly 27.5 percentage points. On the global stage, Ireland holds the 25th position out of 38 countries, while within Europe, it ranks 18th among 31 nations.
| Year | TCR | Year | TCR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 6.0% | 2010 | 14.3% |
| 1980 | 14.7% | 2020 | 33.9% |
| 1990 | 31.3% | 2023 | 36.0% |
| 2000 | 24.9% | 2024 | 35.7% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Total births
In 2024, Ireland saw 54,062 total births, a slight decline from 54,417 in 2023. Over the last five years, total births have steadily decreased, with an average of 56,065 births annually. When compared to the 1970s average of 68,471 births, the current number is down by 14,409 births, marking a 21.0% reduction.
| Year | Births | Year | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 64.4k | 2010 | 75.2k |
| 1980 | 74.1k | 2020 | 56.8k |
| 1990 | 53.0k | 2023 | 54.4k |
| 2000 | 54.8k | 2024 | 54.1k |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI)
Ireland's Birthgap Retirement Indicator (BRI) reached 28.7% in 2024, showing a slight increase of 1.4 percentage points from 2023. This metric has exhibited an upward trend over the last five years, averaging 21.9% during 2020 to 2024. When compared to the 1970s average of -116.3%, the current BRI stands about 145.0 percentage points higher. On the global stage, Ireland holds the 24th position among 35 countries, while within Europe it ranks 21st out of 30.
| Year | BRI | Year | BRI |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1970 | -95.3% | 2010 | -34.7% |
| 1980 | -139.9% | 2020 | 15.2% |
| 1990 | -62.5% | 2023 | 27.3% |
| 2000 | -18.2% | 2024 | 28.7% |
Source: Eurostat; Human Fertility Database.
