Yes, you can apply for irish citizenship by descent. Millions of american and british citizens have irish ancestry and a wide family history. Surnames video Surnames, Family history, History Return to citizenship home page contact the department of foreign affairs and trade for all questions about citizenship based on a connection to an irish relative if you were born outside ireland. How to get irish citizenship by descent . Irish citizenship can be acquired through birth, descent, marriage, or through naturalization. Diplomatic support for irish people abroad. To apply for registration in the foreign births register you will need to submit a completed and witnessed foreign birth's registration form (available from your local consulate ) along with supporting original documentation outlined below. The irish government welcomes the descendants of its nationals to apply for citizenship, but only if they meet the outlined criteria. It is also possible to apply for the ir...