Irish passport design

Ireland’s story has long been written in its landscapes - in the rhythm of the sea, the quiet life of hedgerows and fields, and the turning of the seasons.

The landscapes of Ireland are not only places; they are part of our cultural memory, carrying stories that stretch back thousands of years. The new Irish passport draws on that story, reflecting an identity rooted in place and shaped by the natural world.

The design takes holders on a journey through the Irish year, celebrating the habitats, wildlife and seasonal rhythms that have influenced life on the island for generations.

The design also draws inspiration from Ireland’s rich artistic and archaeological heritage. At its heart are the spirals of Newgrange, whose ancient carvings influenced many of the passport’s symbolic motifs and security patterns.

These influences sit alongside Celtic knotwork, historic craftsmanship, hand-drawn illustrations and seasonal poetry, creating a visual language that is distinctly Irish. These designs speak to continuity, heritage and the enduring relationship between people and place.

Migration is a defining feature of Ireland’s story and the inclusion of non-native and migratory animals is a tribute to this significant feature of Irish life.

From swallows returning each spring, to the return of species such as the red kite and the arrival of species such as the hedgehog. And from people building lives here from abroad and the vast Irish diaspora spread across every continent, movement has continually shaped who we are.

The passport also incorporates some of the most advanced security technologies ever included in a travel document. Several features included in this passport are being used in a passport for the first time anywhere in the world.

These include highly advanced dynamic imaging technologies, innovative antenna designs embedded within the document itself, sophisticated holographic protections and enhanced personalised imagery that make counterfeiting extraordinarily difficult.

The new passport brings together Ireland’s story with sophisticated security technologies and modern production techniques, creating a book that is both a secure travel document and a reflection of the island itself.

All passports issued from 26 June 2026 will feature the new design, imagery and security features.

This project was delivered through collaboration between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Passport Service, and Irish-based companies Smurfit Westrock Security Concepts, Toppan Security and AG2, together with artists Denise Nestor and Ailbhe Cronin.