Why has Dublin’s Muslim population grown so fast?

Ireland, often seen as predominantly Christian, is a mosaic of various cultures, backgrounds, and faiths. While Christianity remains the largest religion, Islam is now the third-largest, with a rapidly growing community since the Quran was first introduced to the country.

Arriving in Dublin last month, I expected a city where Guinness flows freely, humor is ubiquitous, and Catholicism prevails. While my first two assumptions were confirmed in a neighborhood pub, my perception of Dublin as uniformly Catholic was quickly shattered. I observed people wearing Taqiyahs and Hijabs throughout the city, Muslim families visiting landmarks, and a vibrant Islamic presence in what I had thought to be a Catholic-dominated city.

Today, over 83,000 Muslims live in Ireland, with at least two mosques in each province. Although making up only 1.62% of the population, the Muslim community has grown by about 20,000 since 2016. This exponential growth, from a community that began in the 1950s, intrigued me, leading me to explore Dublin’s Islamic community further.

Early Islamic Presence

To understand Dublin’s current Islamic community, it’s essential to know its history. The first Muslims in Ireland were 12th-century Arabic cartographers, like Muhammad al-Idrisi, who mapped ‘Irlanda’ and documented their encounters. However, significant Muslim immigration didn’t begin until the 18th and 19th centuries, when British colonization opened doors for Muslims from India and South Africa to seek education and careers in Ireland.

Mid-20th Century Immigration

The 1950s saw a notable influx of Muslims from South Africa, India, Malaysia, and Arabia, primarily for educational opportunities at Irish universities. Ireland offered political stability, economic opportunities, and a tolerant society, making it an attractive destination for Muslims. The Dublin Islamic Society, now the Islamic Foundation of Ireland (IFI), was founded by Muslim students in 1959, leading to the establishment of Ireland’s first mosque.

Recent Growth

The community continued to expand, especially during the 1990s when refugees from Somalia, Kosovo, Bosnia, and other countries arrived. From 1991 to 2002, the Muslim population grew from about 3,873 to 19,147. Today, the IFI represents Muslims in Ireland, encompassing 40 nationalities and 50 mosques across the country.

Dublin Mosque

To gain deeper insight, I visited the Dublin Mosque on South Circular Road. Originally a Presbyterian church, it was converted into a mosque by the IFI in 1983. The mosque welcomes people from all backgrounds, symbolizing inclusivity and community support. Imam Yahya Al-Hussein, the mosque’s leader since 1983, highlighted the rapid growth and diverse nature of the community.

The mosque holds various services, celebrations, marriages, burials, and activities, fostering a strong sense of community. It reflects the Irish cultural epithet ‘céad míle fáilte’—the land of a thousand welcomes—where people from different walks of life support each other.

A Welcoming Community

Ireland’s historical tolerance towards different religions has allowed the Muslim community to flourish. Dubliners’ acceptance of Muslims has ingrained a sense of inclusivity within the community. Whether seeking education, safety, or a better life, Muslims worldwide find what they need within Dublin’s warm, welcoming environment. While Catholicism may be the first thought when imagining Ireland, Dublin’s Muslim community illustrates the country’s diverse and complex religious tapestry.