Eamon Gilmore, An Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs & Trade. The Certificate is signed by the Minister on behalf of the Government of Ireland

I am delighted to welcome you to the website for the Government of Ireland’s official Certificate of Irish Heritage.

At current estimates, over 70 million people worldwide currently claim Irish ancestry.  In my role as Ireland’s Tánaiste (Deputy Prime Minister) and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, I have the privilege of meeting people of Irish descent throughout the world, and of hearing about their particular relationship with Ireland.

Some of these connections are recent, others go back hundreds of years.  However, what they all have in common is a desire to strengthen the bonds between their home and their heritage and to celebrate Ireland’s history, culture, language and sport.  To all I extend a traditional homecoming greeting, is é do bheatha abhaile – you are always welcome, you’re home.

The Irish government is committed to enhancing our relationship with the Irish people and people of Irish descent worldwide and to promoting what is best about our country.  In working together, we will ensure the continued respect and admiration in which Irish people and our culture are held worldwide.

The new Certificate of Irish Heritage is an important acknowledgement and appreciation by the Irish State of the strong and enduring connection to Ireland felt by millions of people around the world.

The Certificate designs, which take their inspiration from our history and our land, provide the backdrop to a wonderful expression of your heritage and the legacy of your ancestors.

I hope that in applying for this Certificate, you have the opportunity to discover more about your history, your heritage and Ireland.

Eamon Gilmore

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade