How Americans Can Claim Irish Citizenship Through Their Ancestry
Clear guidance on Irish citizenship by descent, the Foreign Birth Register, and the documentation required to apply

Clear guidance on Irish citizenship by descent, the Foreign Birth Register, and the documentation required to apply

The book was written on behalf of the Immigrant Support Network of Ireland, an initiative intended to provide reliable information and guidance on Irish immigration and citizenship matters.
The aim of the project is to help individuals better understand the legal pathways available to them and to navigate the administrative processes involved.

About the Project
This website was created to accompany the book and to provide additional resources for people researching their eligibility for Irish citizenship.

Claiming Irish Citizenship Through Your Family History
Information and resources for Americans exploring Irish citizenship by descent.

Resources to Find Your Irish Ancestors
Identify Irish ancestors and obtain the official records needed to support a citizenship application
Frank Ryan is an Irish legal professional with experience working in the field of immigration and citizenship in Ireland. Through his work in the Irish immigration system, he has developed a detailed understanding of the processes through which individuals with Irish ancestry can claim Irish citizenship.
Over the years, Frank has encountered many enquiries from people—particularly in the United States—seeking to understand whether they may be eligible for Irish citizenship through their ancestry. While the rules governing Irish citizenship by descent are relatively clear in law, the practical steps involved in establishing eligibility and assembling the correct documentation can often be confusing.
Born to be Irish: How Americans Can Claim Their Irish Citizenship was written to provide a clear and accessible explanation of this process. The book outlines the legal basis for citizenship by descent, naturalisation, Irish associations, explains the Foreign Births Register system, and provides practical guidance on the documentation required to make an application.
Frank holds a postgraduate qualification in law and an LLB degree, and has worked in the Irish Immigration Service. His aim in writing this guide was to make accurate information about Irish citizenship more accessible to those with Irish heritage.


Verified Amazon reviews from readers who have used this guide to better understand Irish citizenship by descent.
★★★★★
Very comprehensive and informative. Easy read and great reference work.If you are looking
Into Irish citizenship or in my case as a literary reference.
Anne P.
★★★★★
What can I say, the title says it all!
Nancy R.
★★★★★
Great book. Really clear and easy to navigate. I feel like I got a better understanding of the process and I feel more confident in proceeding with my application. The step x step process is clearly laid out – exactly what I was looking for. Highly recommend!
Annon
Updates and insights on Irish citizenship law, migration issues, and genealogical research. This section provides news, practical guidance, and commentary for those exploring their Irish heritage or researching eligibility for Irish citizenship.
Researching your Ancestry
Resources for researching your Irish ancestors and finding the documents you need.
Full Book
$12.99
If you are exploring whether you may be eligible for Irish citizenship through your family history, Born to be Irish: How Americans Can Claim Their Irish Citizenship provides a clear explanation of the process and the documentation required.
Document Checklists
Get practical checklists outlining the documents required when applying for Irish citizenship, passports or Foreign Birth Registration.