Population and languages in Ireland

Population and languages in Ireland

Population

4.4 million, over 1.5 million live in Dublin.

Ethnic Composition

Official language

The national language is Irish, or Gaelic. However, almost everyone speaks English as their main language and all business is conducted in English, unless you request it to be conduct through the Irish Gaelic language. However, you will see street and road signage and official literature available in English along with the Irish Gaelic.

Most common foreign languages

More than half a million Irish residents (514,068 people) say that they speak a foreign language at home, with Polish being by far the most common, followed by French, Lithuanian and German.

Education

The levels of education in Ireland are primary, secondary and higher (often known as “third-level”) education. Education in Ireland is free at all levels, including college (university), but only for students applying from the European Union

Largest religious confessions

The predominant religion in Ireland is Christianity, with the largest church being the Roman Catholic Church. Ireland’s constitution states that the state may not endorse any particular religion and guarantees freedom of religion.