The Central Statistics Office (CSO) have released their Population and Migration Estimates for the year to April 2026, showing that a total of 65,600 Irish citizens either returned or emigrated abroad during this period. Here we highlight some of the key figures.
Emigration Outweighs Return For A Fourth Year
In the year to April 2026, 35,400 Irish citizens emigrated, compared to 30,200 who returned. This represents the fourth consecutive year where emigration has outweighed return, though the margin is narrower than in recent years. There was also a decrease in returnees of 1,300 compared with the previous year.
The CSO figures do not capture why fewer Irish emigrants are choosing to return, or the circumstances surrounding decisions to return. However our casework provides some insight into the challenges that can arise around the process of returning to Ireland. Over the past year, we have seen increasingly complex cases involving people returning in crisis, navigating housing and social welfare supports, and facing a changing policy landscape with more difficult thresholds and conditions to satisfy.
Migration By Age Group
The latest figures also provide insight into emigration trends from Ireland by age group, though these are not cross referenced against nationality. People aged 25–44 made up the largest share of those leaving Ireland, with 32,900 emigrants in the year to April 2026. This was followed by people aged 15 – 24, with 19,900 emigrants in the same period.
Furthermore, a recent RED C poll by the National Youth Council of Ireland has found that 68% of young adults (18–24-year-olds) are considering emigration, while 71% believe they would have a better quality of life outside Ireland.
Migration To/From Australia
In contrast to last year, which marked the highest level of recorded emigration to Australia since 2013, the 12-months up to April 2026 saw a slight decrease in both emigration and return from Australia. An estimated 11,800 people moved from Ireland to Australia, a decrease of 1,700 (-13%) from 2025, and 8,300 people returning from Australia, a decrease of 1,800 (-18%) compared to previous year.
This may suggest a subtle shift in perceptions around Australia being a destination of skilled migration opportunities, and similarly, around Ireland being a straightforward return, especially if returning with non-EEA family members.
Overall Trends
Overall TrendsAmong Irish citizens, the number returning to Ireland remained relatively constant at 30,200 in the year to April 2026, despite a modest decline from 31,500 the previous year. Return migration has remained around 30,000 per year since 2023, following an increase from 23,500 in 2022. However, more Irish citizens continued to leave Ireland than return, resulting in net outward migration of approximately 5,200 Irish citizens in the latest year.
Our Response
Crosscare Irish Diaspora Support Project continues to support Irish citizens both returning to and emigrating from Ireland. Along with our global partners and network of Irish groups and organisations, we offer support to Irish citizens at all stages of their migration, including information on working holiday options and Irish organisations abroad.
With a continued flow of Irish citizens returning to Ireland from abroad, we continue to provide relevant information and supports in accessing essential services ranging from housing supports, social welfare supports, as well as immigration processes for Irish citizens with non-EEA family members.
Detailed guidance and up-to-date information on leaving or returning to Ireland can be found on our website, diasporasupport.ie. If you or someone you know would like more information on returning to Ireland or emigrating abroad, contact us here.
