How has Dublin’s religious population become more diverse since the late 20th century?

While Dublin remains overwhelmingly Roman Catholic, it is the most religiously diverse city in Ireland, with its diversity increasing significantly since the late 20th century.1

This shift has been driven by several key factors:

• Immigration: Increased migration from Africa, Asia, and other parts of Europe since the late 20th century has contributed to a more pluralistic religious landscape.21
• Growth of Other Faiths: Early 21st-century censuses recorded a marked increase in the number of Muslims and Protestants living in the city.1
• Christian Diversification: Beginning in the 1970s, there was a notable rise in evangelical and charismatic Christian groups.1
• Secularization: There has been a growing trend of individuals, particularly among the youth, who profess no religion.1

These changes coincide with a broader national decline in regular church attendance, which accelerated during the 1990s and following revelations of child abuse by Catholic clergy in the early 21st century. Despite these shifts, the Roman Catholic Church maintains a prominent role in Irish society, particularly through its management of many schools and hospitals.23