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Indians in Ireland
India has the largest diaspora globally, with 32 million Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) residing outside the country, according to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Indian Population in Ireland
As per the 2018 Ministry of External Affairs report, approximately 40,000 Indians were residing in Ireland:
- Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs): 25,000
- Non-Resident Indians (NRIs): 15,000
In recent years, the Indian community in Ireland has grown significantly. By 2025, the Indian population in Ireland is estimated at 62,000. According to the Indian Embassy in Ireland, approximately 61,386 individuals of Indian origin reside in the country, with:
- 31,386 PIOs
- 30,000 NRIs
read about the Population of Overseas Indians
Source: MEA report about overseas Indian population.
The Indian community in Ireland primarily works in healthcare, IT, engineering, and senior management roles. The group is well-integrated and respected locally. Notably, Leo Varadkar, Ireland’s former Prime Minister and current Deputy Prime Minister, has Indian ancestry
Regions with Significant Indian and South Asian Populations
Ireland does not collect detailed ethnicity data, so estimates vary. South Asians, including Indians, comprise approximately 1-3% of the population.
Major regions with significant Indian populations:
- Dublin (and suburbs): 33,225
- Cork City and suburbs: 3,240
- Limerick City: 1,734
- Galway City: 1,590
- Waterford City: 846
- Letterkenny: 600
- Sligo (and suburbs): 590
- Ballyhaunis: 478
- Athlone: 525
- Kilkenny City: 506
Indian Students in Ireland
Ireland has become a preferred destination for Indian students pursuing higher education in fields like engineering, technology, medicine, and management.
- Approximately 5,000 Indian students are enrolled in Irish higher education institutions.
- Top institutions like the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin City University, National University of Ireland, Galway, and Dublin Institute of Technology host a substantial number of Indian students.
The Irish government is actively working to double the number of international students and has identified India as a key partner in this initiative.
Religion Among the Indian Population in Ireland
Hinduism is the predominant religion among Indians in Ireland. Other religions include Sikhism, Christianity, Jainism, and Islam.
- Indian-origin Hindus form the majority, reflecting the religious demographics of their homeland.
- A smaller percentage consists of Sikhs, Jains, Christians, and Muslims, showcasing the community’s diversity.
also read about religion in Ireland