Religion in the Republic of Ireland

[2][3][4] The third largest Christian denomination, the Church of Ireland declined in membership for much of the 20th century, but remained largely static (at 2% of the population) between the 2016 and 2022 census.

Despite a large number of schools in Ireland being run by religious organizations but funded by the state, a general trend of secularism is occurring within the Irish population, particularly in the younger generations.

[6] Many efforts have been made by secular groups to eliminate the rigorous study in the second and sixth classes, to prepare for the sacraments of Holy Communion and confirmation in Catholic schools.

[7] In October 2020, general secretary of Education and Training Boards Ireland Paddy Lavelle confirmed that multidenominational state secondary schools, called State's Education and Training Boards (ETBs) - formerly called vocational schools - were going to phase out a set of Catholic influences such as mandatory graduation masses, displaying Catholic symbols only, and visits from diocesan inspectors, as described in the 'framework for the recognition of religious belief/identities of all students in ETB schools'.

Irish travellers have traditionally adopted a very particular attitude to the Catholic Church, with a focus on figures such as "healing priests".

[citation needed] According to a Georgetown University study, the country also has one of the highest rates of regular Mass attendance in the Europe.

[22] According to a 2012 WIN-Gallup International poll, Ireland had the second highest decline in religiosity from 69% in 2005 to 47% in 2012, while those who considered themselves not a religious person increased 25% in 2005 to 44% in 2012.

As of 2016, the total population listing their religion as Jewish was 2,557, the statistical surge since 2011 attributed to the presence of American hi-tech workers who are dominantly secular.

Reputed links between Buddhism and Celtic religion have long played a role in Irish literature.

Ireland is also a significant point of reference for various kinds of Celtic and other neo-pagan spirituality and religious practice around the world, such as the Fellowship of Isis.

[citation needed] New Age religious movements are becoming increasingly significant in Ireland, often as a form of syncretism for members of established religions.

[citation needed] Between 2006 and 2011, Catholics decreased as a percentage of the population, but still showed an increase in absolute numbers due both to an excess of births over deaths as well as immigration from countries such as Poland.

In the same period, Protestantism, including the Church of Ireland, has also decreased in percentage but has experienced a modest rise in absolute numbers.