Ireland Forest Area
Forest area as % of land area AG.LND.FRST.ZS
Ireland's forest area was 11.64% in 2025, ranked 155th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
Ireland's forest area stood at 11.64% in 2025, a rise of +0.12% from 2023. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 11.64% by 2025. Ireland ranked 155th globally.
Ireland’s forest area has expanded markedly over the 35‑year span from 1990 to 2025, rising from a trough of 6.70 percent of land in 1990 to an all‑time peak of 11.64 percent in 2025, placing the country at rank 155 globally. This more than 70 percent increase reflects sustained afforestation programmes and EU‑supported rural development incentives that have accelerated tree planting on marginal agricultural land. The growth trajectory mirrors that of peer nations such as Armenia, whose forest cover stands at 11.67 percent, suggesting that Ireland’s policy environment is comparable to other small, high‑income economies pursuing green recovery goals. While the upward trend is evident, maintaining the current pace will depend on continued investment in native species, climate‑resilient silviculture and market demand for timber and ecosystem services; without such support, the expansion could plateau or reverse.
Data & projection
| Year | Forest Area | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026* trend | 11.70% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 11.64% | - | - |
| 2025 | 11.64% | +0.12% | #155 |
| 2023 | 11.53% | +0.06% | #154 |
| 2022 | 11.47% | +0.06% | #155 |
| 2021 | 11.41% | +0.06% | #156 |
| 2020 | 11.35% | +0.06% | #155 |
| 2019 | 11.29% | +0.06% | #156 |
| 2018 | 11.24% | +0.06% | #156 |
| 2017 | 11.18% | +0.11% | #156 |
| 2016 | 11.07% | +0.11% | #157 |
| 2015 | 10.95% | +0.10% | #158 |
| 2014 | 10.86% | +0.10% | #162 |
| 2013 | 10.76% | +0.10% | #163 |
| 2012 | 10.66% | +0.10% | #163 |
| 2011 | 10.56% | +0.10% | #163 |
| 2010 | 10.46% | +0.13% | #161 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw forest area improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's forest area was 11.64% in 2025. Ranked 155th globally. This represents a 1.0% increase from the previous year.
Ireland's forest area peaked at 11.64% in 2025.
The lowest forest area in Ireland was 6.70% in 1990.
Ireland ranks 155th globally in forest area as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is AG.LND.FRST.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's forest area is projected to reach 11.64% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The forest area of Ireland in 2025 was 11.64%. This ranks 155th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_forest-area,
title = {Ireland Forest Area},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/forest-area/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}