Modern Ireland — SESE Social Studies (5th & 6th Class)

Modern Ireland — key turning points

1. 1 The Celtic Tiger (c.1995–2007) A period of extraordinary economic growth. Ireland transformed from one of Europe's poorest countries to one of the richest within a decade. Driven by foreign direct investment, EU membership, low corporation tax, and education. e.g. GDP per capita rose from below EU average to above it
2. 2 The 2008 crash Ireland's property bubble burst spectacularly. The banking system collapsed; the government guaranteed the banks, taking on enormous debt. IMF/EU bailout in 2010. Severe austerity for several years. One of the worst economic crashes in modern European history.
3. 3 Immigration Ireland went from a country of emigration to one of net immigration during the Celtic Tiger. By 2022, approximately 20% of Irish residents were born outside Ireland. Ireland is now a genuinely multicultural society.
4. 4 The EU Ireland joined the EEC (later EU) in 1973. EU membership has been transformative — structural funds, single market, freedom of movement. Ireland voted to remain in EU when the UK voted to leave (2016).
5. 5 Same-sex marriage referendum (2015) Ireland became the first country in the world to legalise same-sex marriage by popular vote. 62% voted Yes. A significant cultural moment in a country with a strong Catholic tradition.
6. 6 Ireland in 2024 Population: 5.1 million. One of EU's fastest-growing economies. Significant debate about housing, immigration, and the future of rural communities.