From baby boom to bust: Why women in Ireland are having fewer children and what it means for the futureBirth rate collapses from almost four in 70s just 1.47 nowIreland has dropped well below replacement birth rate levels. Stock image: GettyEilish O'Regan Today at 06:30The average number of children born to a woman in Ireland in her lifetime has dropped to 1.47 – the lowest in more than 50 years.

Source: Irish Independent March 11, 2026 19:34 UTC