Ireland Fertility Rate
Total fertility rate SP.DYN.TFRT.IN
Ireland's fertility rate was 1.43 in 2025, ranked 161st globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1960–2025.
Overview
Ireland's fertility rate stood at 1.43 in 2025, a decline of +0.07 from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 1.43 by 2025. Ireland ranked 161st globally.
Ireland’s fertility rate has undergone a pronounced demographic shift over the past six decades, declining from 3.78 in 1960 to a record low of 1.43 in 2025, matching the rates of peer countries such as Cyprus and Czechia and ranking 161st globally. The all-time peak of 4.07 was reached in 1964, reflecting high fertility during the post-war period, but a sustained downward trajectory followed, influenced by socioeconomic modernization, increased female labor participation, and changing family norms. Since the early 2000s, the rate has remained below the replacement level of 2.1, and the 2025 figure of 1.43 underscores a deeply entrenched trend of low fertility. This places Ireland among a growing group of nations confronting demographic aging and potential labor market constraints. While temporary fluctuations may occur due to policy interventions or economic shifts, a sustained reversal of this trend would likely require comprehensive support for families, including affordable childcare, housing, and work-life balance measures. Absent such structural changes, Ireland’s fertility rate is expected to remain low in the coming decades.
Data & projection
| Year | Fertility Rate | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 1.38 | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 1.43 | - | - |
| 2025 | 1.43 | −0.07 | #161 |
| 2023 | 1.50 | −0.04 | #62 |
| 2022 | 1.54 | −0.24 | #61 |
| 2021 | 1.78 | +0.15 | #90 |
| 2020 | 1.63 | −0.08 | #74 |
| 2019 | 1.71 | −0.04 | #79 |
| 2018 | 1.75 | −0.02 | #83 |
| 2017 | 1.77 | −0.04 | #78 |
| 2016 | 1.81 | −0.04 | #79 |
| 2015 | 1.85 | −0.04 | #78 |
| 2014 | 1.89 | −0.04 | #79 |
| 2013 | 1.93 | −0.05 | #79 |
| 2012 | 1.98 | −0.05 | #84 |
| 2011 | 2.03 | −0.02 | #91 |
| 2010 | 2.05 | −0.01 | #90 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw fertility rate improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's fertility rate was 1.43 in 2025. Ranked 161st globally. This represents a 4.8% decrease from the previous year.
Ireland's fertility rate peaked at 4.07 in 1964.
The lowest fertility rate in Ireland was 1.43 in 2025.
Ireland ranks 161st globally in fertility rate as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SP.DYN.TFRT.IN. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's fertility rate is projected to reach 1.43 by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The fertility rate of Ireland in 2025 was 1.43. This ranks 161st in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_fertility-rate,
title = {Ireland Fertility Rate},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/fertility-rate/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}