Trends in religious composition of population in Republic of Ireland 1946-71

Abstract

Compared with 1946 there were more Catholics in the Republic in 1971 but 24 per cent fewer in the main Protestant denominations. More strikingly the number returning 'no religion' or 'no statement' has risen sharply. The age structure of the Protestant population results in their experiencing a high death rate and helps explain in part their low birth rate. Together these factors account for much of the decline. Emigration by Church of Ireland members is lower at all ages than that of Catholics or other Protestants. The increase in numbers returning 'no religion' or 'no statement' would appear to be due mainly to changes in returns made by Catholics. Evidence also suggests that a significant proportion of Church of Ireland members marry in Catholic ceremonies.