Please see our section on Adoptions from the United States for more information on the process for adopting a child from the United States. We urge prospective adoptive parents residing abroad who are considering adoption of a child from the United States to consult with Ireland’s Central Authority, for its determination as to whether it considers the adoption to be subject to the Convention.
Ireland is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption (Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Convention countries must be done in accordance with the Convention; the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); the IAA’s implementing regulations; and all applicable legislation and regulations of Ireland.
Ireland is considered to be a receiving country, rather than a country of origin of children adopted through intercountry adoption. Only one Irish orphan has been adopted by a U.S. citizen during the past five years. The information provided is intended primarily to assist in rare adoption cases from Ireland, including adoptions of Irish children by relatives in the United States, as well as adoptions from third countries by Americans living in Ireland.
Below is the limited adoption information the Department has obtained from the Adoption Authority of Ireland. U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from Ireland should contact the Central Authority of Ireland to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in Ireland who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact Ireland’s Central Authority. See contact information below.
Please visit the Department of State’s country page for more information on traveling to Ireland and the U.S. Embassy in Dublin’s website for information on consular services.
