Ireland Youth Unemployment
Youth unemployment (ages 15-24) SL.UEM.1524.ZS
Ireland's youth unemployment was 10.49% in 2025, ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1991–2025.
Overview
Ireland's youth unemployment stood at 10.49% in 2025, a rise of +0.05pp from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 8.46% by 2026. Ireland ranked 76th globally.
Ireland’s youth unemployment rate stands at 10.49 % in 2025, placing the country 76th in the world according to World Bank data. The indicator has swung dramatically over the 35‑year series, rising from a low of 5.86 % in 2001 – the all‑time trough – to a peak of 30.79 % in 2012, a period that coincided with the global financial crisis and the severe contraction of the Irish labour market. Since that high, the rate has more than halved, reflecting a gradual recovery driven by expanding services, foreign direct investment and active labour‑market policies. Ireland’s current level is closely aligned with peers such as Poland (10.70 %) and Zambia (10.47 %), suggesting that its youth labour market performance is comparable to both European and emerging economies. Continued structural reforms, investment in digital skills and sustained economic growth will be crucial to push the rate further down and avoid a reversal of the downward trend.
Data & projection
| Year | Youth Unemployment | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2028* trend | 6.62% | - | - |
| 2027* trend | 7.54% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 8.46% | - | - |
| 2025 | 10.49% | +0.05pp | #76 |
| 2024 | 10.44% | +0.28pp | #74 |
| 2023 | 10.16% | +0.77pp | #72 |
| 2022 | 9.39% | −6.22pp | #60 |
| 2021 | 15.61% | +0.35pp | #97 |
| 2020 | 15.26% | +2.81pp | #93 |
| 2019 | 12.46% | −1.30pp | #94 |
| 2018 | 13.76% | −0.65pp | #96 |
| 2017 | 14.40% | −2.40pp | #98 |
| 2016 | 16.80% | −3.44pp | #108 |
| 2015 | 20.24% | −3.18pp | #121 |
| 2014 | 23.42% | −3.32pp | #128 |
| 2013 | 26.73% | −4.06pp | #142 |
| 2012 | 30.79% | +1.21pp | #153 |
| 2011 | 29.58% | +1.42pp | #152 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
Ireland matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2021. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw youth unemployment improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
Ireland's youth unemployment was 10.49% in 2025. Ranked 76th globally. This represents a 0.5% increase from the previous year.
Ireland's youth unemployment peaked at 30.79% in 2012.
The lowest youth unemployment in Ireland was 5.86% in 2001.
Ireland ranks 76th globally in youth unemployment as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is SL.UEM.1524.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
Ireland's youth unemployment is projected to reach 8.46% by 2026 based on trend extrapolation.
The youth unemployment of Ireland in 2025 was 10.49%. This ranks 76th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_ireland_youth-unemployment,
title = {Ireland Youth Unemployment},
url = {https://historysaid.com/ireland/youth-unemployment/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}