Published July 2026
Global Diaspora Report 2026
Founded in 2009, Ireland Reaching Out is one of Ireland's leading Diaspora organisations. A registered Irish charity with 100,000 members worldwide, this survey was largely conducted in 2025 and completed in early 2026. We intend to conduct this survey on a bi-annual basis going forward.
For further information about the survey, to comment, or to contact Ireland Reaching Out about any matter relating to the survey, please email info@irelandxo.com.
Initial Findings
Strong Global Demand to Deepen Diaspora Engagement with Ireland
The Irish Diaspora has a clear desire to deepen its relationship with Ireland. Findings from this large-scale survey (n = 2,709) reveal strong, consistent demand for enhanced community infrastructure, expanded cultural exchange opportunities, meaningful place-based heritage connections, and practical pathways for sustained engagement. The scale and diversity of the sample lend significant weight to the results, positioning them as both compelling and broadly representative of a highly motivated international Diaspora audience.
The data highlights a strong appetite for digital connection. A notable 81% of respondents expressed a desire to connect online with like-minded people of Irish ancestry, both in Ireland and within their local communities. This underscores the importance of creating accessible, well-designed platforms that facilitate meaningful interaction across borders.
Place-based connection is a key priority. Three-quarters (75%) of respondents stated that it is important to connect with Irish people linked to the specific locality of their ancestors, pointing to a desire for more personalised, geographically rooted engagement with Ireland.
In addition, 68% of respondents indicated an interest in sharing cultural content online with fellow members of the Irish Diaspora. This strong inclination toward cultural exchange reinforces the role of digital spaces as not just networking hubs, but as platforms for storytelling, identity expression, and community building.
Beyond connection, there is significant interest in contributing to Ireland's cultural and economic life. Respondents expressed strong intent to support Irish culture, purchase Irish products and services, and invest in Irish businesses, highlighting The Diaspora's potential as an active partner in Ireland's ongoing development.
Together, these findings point to a vibrant and actionable demand for deeper digital community-building, richer cultural exchange, and structured pathways for sustained, mutually beneficial engagement with Ireland.
Demographic
Age
| Response | Total |
|---|---|
| 0 to 18 | 3 |
| 19 to 29 | 7 |
| 30 to 55 | 165 |
| 55+ | 461 |
| 65+ | 2,073 |
| Total | 2,709 |
Summary
The age profile of survey respondents is heavily weighted towards older age groups, with the 65+ cohort dominating the sample by a considerable margin - accounting for 2,073 of the 2,709 total respondents, or approximately 77% of the total. A further 461 respondents (17%) fell into the 55+ category, meaning that those aged 55 and over collectively represent over 93% of all respondents. Younger age groups were notably underrepresented, with just 165 respondents aged 30 to 55, and a negligible number under 30. This demographic profile is an important contextual factor in interpreting all other findings from the survey.
Key Learning
The survey data shows that the majority of respondents belong to the Baby Boomer generation (born 1946-1964) or older, a demographic cohort that is widely documented as the wealthiest and most financially secure retiree generation in modern history. While this is particularly pronounced in the United States - the same generational wealth and lifestyle characteristics are broadly evident across other key Diaspora markets, including the UK, Australia, Canada, and beyond. This age group possesses the disposable income, leisure time, and personal motivation to actively engage with their Irish heritage in meaningful and economically significant ways. A Diaspora strategy designed to engage this cohort - through heritage tourism, ancestral community connections, and cultural programmes - represents a substantial and time-sensitive opportunity that warrants prioritisation.
Gender
| Response | Total |
|---|---|
| Male | 985 |
| Female | 1,703 |
| N/S | 21 |
| Total | 2,709 |
Summary
Of the 2,709 survey respondents, the majority were female, accounting for 1,703 responses (63%), compared to 985 male respondents (36%), with a negligible 21 (1%) declining to specify. This significant female majority is a notable characteristic of the survey sample and is consistent with broader research indicating that women tend to be the primary drivers of genealogical research and family heritage interest within the Irish Diaspora.
Key Learning
Women are the primary drivers of Irish heritage and genealogical interest within The Diaspora, and any engagement or outreach strategy should reflect this - both in terms of how programmes are designed and how they are communicated. At the same time, the strong male minority (36%) is too significant to be overlooked, and a well-designed Diaspora strategy should ensure it is inclusive of both. The gender profile of this survey should inform everything from content development to marketing channels and tone of communication.
Membership Duration in Years
| Response | Total |
|---|---|
| Not a member | 183 |
| Less than one | 154 |
| 2 to 3 | 505 |
| 3 to 5 | 528 |
| 5+ | 850 |
| Don't know | 489 |
| Total | 2,709 |
Summary
The graph illustrates the membership duration of survey respondents, providing an indication of how long they have been engaged with the platform. The largest single group - 850 respondents - have been members for five years or more, suggesting a strong core of long-standing, committed members. A further 1,033 respondents have been members for between 2 and 5 years, indicating a substantial mid-term membership base.
Key Learning
The data demonstrates that Ireland Reaching Out commands a deeply loyal and committed membership base, with the majority of respondents having been members for two years or more, and the single largest cohort maintaining membership for five or more years. This level of long-term commitment is remarkable for a voluntary organisation and speaks to the strength of Ireland Reaching Out's mission - connecting the Irish Diaspora with their ancestral homeland - and the personal resonance it holds for its members. This sustained engagement is a powerful indicator that Ireland Reaching Out has successfully cultivated a community of genuine and dedicated advocates for Irish heritage, providing a strong and credible foundation upon which a broader national Diaspora strategy could be built.