Ireland has one of the lowest divorce rates in the world

The divorce rates remain low in Ireland

Ireland continues to outpace Europe with one of the continent’s lowest divorce rates, defying the broader trends across the continent. 

According to a new data analysis by Rayden Solicitors, Ireland boasts one of the lowest divorce rates in the world, with just 0.7 divorces per 1,000 people.

This places it among the countries least likely to see marriages dissolve, alongside nations like Malta (0.5) and Slovenia (0.8).

The report reveals that despite a broader trend of higher divorce rates across the continent, Ireland’s rate stands significantly lower than the European average.

While divorce was only approved in 1995 and signed into law in 1996 in Ireland, cultural ties to Catholicism still shape attitudes toward marriage.

The influence of the Catholic Church and strict legal criteria also contribute to the low rate.

Interestingly, recent data shows that the percentage of unmarried individuals has soared across Europe, signalling a shift in relationship expectations.

In the UK, for instance, over 3.6 million couples were cohabiting in 2020, a significant 144% increase since 1996. 

However, the results show that traditional marriage continues to be a significant institution in Irish society.

In 2023, around 23,000 people tied the knot in Ireland.