Ireland

Islam in Ireland is a small but steadily growing religion, representing around 1.6% of the total population (approximately 80,000 people as of 2023). Though Ireland has a long Christian history, Islam has seen notable growth since the 1990s due to immigration, especially from North Africa, the Middle East, South Asia, and Eastern Europe.

History

  • The first significant Muslim presence in Ireland began in the 1950s and 1960s, with small numbers of students and doctors.
  • Growth accelerated in the 1990s and 2000s with refugees, asylum seekers, and skilled workers arriving from Bosnia, Somalia, Pakistan, Egypt, Nigeria, and Syria.
  • Many Muslims have also arrived from the UK, Eastern Europe (especially Poland), and Malaysia.

Muslim Communities

  • The majority of Muslims live in Dublin, but there are also communities in Cork, Galway, Limerick, and Waterford.
  • The community includes Sunni, Shia, and Ahmadiyya Muslims, though the vast majority are Sunni.

Mosques and Islamic Centers
There are around 50 mosques and prayer facilities across Ireland. Notable mosques include:

  • Islamic Cultural Centre of Ireland (ICCI) in Clonskeagh, Dublin – the largest mosque in the country.
  • Dublin Mosque on South Circular Road.
  • Smaller mosques in Cork, Galway, and other towns.

Role in Irish Society

  • Irish Muslims are engaged in various sectors: medicine, engineering, IT, business, and education.
  • Many are involved in interfaith dialogues and charity work (e.g., Islamic Relief Ireland).
  • Irish-born converts to Islam are also increasing, mostly among women marrying Muslim men.

Challenges

  • Islamophobia and misunderstanding exist but are relatively low compared to some other European countries.
  • Irish media and society often portray Islam with a focus on integration, religious freedom, and multicultural coexistence.

Education

  • There are a few Islamic primary schools in Dublin that follow the Irish national curriculum but offer Islamic education.
  • Halal food is widely available, especially in cities.

Ramadan and Public Life

  • Muslims in Ireland freely practice Ramadan and celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha with open community prayers.
  • Annual Eid festivals and gatherings are organized, attracting thousands.

Fun Fact

  • Ireland was among the first Western countries to officially recognize Islam when it registered the Islamic Foundation of Ireland in 1976.

Ireland
Country Code Top-Level Domain: .ie
Country Code: +353