MORE than half a million Irish passports have been issued so far this year newly released figures reveal.
Counties Dublin, Cork, and Antrim recorded the highest number of passports issued across the island of Ireland, which accounted for almost 370,000 of the identity documents sent out so far in 2026.
The remainder were issued to Irish citizens living outside of Ireland, Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee revealed as she released the data.
“Over half a million passports were issued in the first half of 2026,” she said.
“Our passport service is world class and processes applications rapidly,” she added, before reminding the Irish public to check their passports before heading off on their summer holidays.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Helen McEntee launched Ireland’s newly redesigned passport in June“To avoid turning up at the airport with an out-of-date passport, please check your passport is in date well in advance of your departure date and ideally before you book your flights,” she urged.
“Our Passport Online service is the quickest and easiest way to apply for your passport,” she added.
“It is extremely efficient, with applicants able to apply 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and Passport Online is available to 100 per cent of citizens worldwide.
“In addition, anyone applying for a passport since the end of June this year will receive the newly designed passport book and card.”
Minister McEntee launched the new look Irish passport at the end of June. Anyone who has applied for a new passport since then will receive the newly designed version.
“I am delighted with the reception that the next generation passport has received,” she said.
“The redesign was the culmination of years of dedicated work from our Passport Service staff, working closely with Irish companies and artists.
“Extensive public consultation influenced the new design, and in addition to the beautiful visuals, there are world-leading security features incorporated throughout the book, ensuring the Irish passport is one of the most advanced in the world.”
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