Irish holidaymakers have been urged to check their passport expiry dates before travelling, as the busy summer season continues and hundreds of thousands of passports have already been issued this year.
Figures from Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs show that more than 500,000 Irish passports were issued during the first six months of 2026. A total of 367,471 passports were issued across the island of Ireland during the period.
More than 50,000 passports were issued in Northern Ireland, with Antrim recording 17,986 applications. That was the third-highest figure among the 32 counties.
Down accounted for 13,004 passports, followed by Derry with 8,019, Tyrone with 5,769, Armagh with 5,021 and Fermanagh with 1,935.
Dublin recorded the highest number of passports issued between January and June, with 93,223. Cork followed with 35,257.
Several other counties recorded more than 10,000 passports during the first half of the year. Kildare accounted for 17,571, Galway for 16,543, Meath for 14,774, Limerick for 12,524 and Wicklow for 10,736.
The figures have prompted Foreign Affairs Minister Helen McEntee to remind travellers to check their documents before booking or starting their journeys.
“Over half a million passports were issued in the first half of 2026,” Ms McEntee said.
“Our passport service is world class and processes applications rapidly.”
She advised Irish citizens to make sure their passports remain valid well ahead of their departure dates.
“To avoid turning up at the airport with an out-of-date passport, please check your passport is in date well in advance of your departure date and ideally before you book your flights,” she said.
Passport requirements can vary between destinations, with some countries requiring travellers to have several months of validity remaining beyond their planned departure date. Holidaymakers are therefore being encouraged to check the entry requirements for their destination before travelling.
Ms McEntee said the Passport Online service remained the quickest and easiest way for Irish citizens to apply for or renew their documents.
“Passport Online is available to 100% of citizens worldwide,” she said.
The department has also introduced a newly designed passport book and passport card. Anyone who has applied for a passport since the end of June will receive the updated documents.
The reminder comes during one of the busiest periods of the year for international travel, when delays caused by expired or unsuitable travel documents can disrupt holiday plans.
Travellers planning trips in the coming weeks are being encouraged to check their passport details early and allow sufficient time for renewal where necessary.