Why Is Religion Cool Again for Young People? Episode 675

On this episode of The Niall Boylan Podcast, Niall speaks with journalist and founder of the The Iona Institute, David Quinn, about a surprising new report commissioned by the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference which suggests Ireland is still more religious than many people might think.

The report, Turning the Tide? Recent Religious Trends on the Island of Ireland, examined a wide range of data sources including the European Social Survey, research from Amárach Research, the Central Statistics Office and international studies.

One of the key findings is that Irish Catholics rank toward the higher end of religious practice in Europe. Around 31 percent of Catholics in Ireland say they attend Mass at least once a week, placing Ireland fourth overall in Europe alongside Italy and behind countries such as Poland and Slovakia.

Prayer is also relatively common. About one third of Irish Catholic adults say they pray daily, putting Ireland near the top among Western European countries.

However, the report highlights a major generational gap. Mass attendance among young people fell dramatically between 2002 and 2022, dropping from 41 percent of young Catholics attending weekly to just 7 percent. But interestingly, recent data shows a small rebound. Between 2022 and 2024, weekly Mass attendance among young Catholics rose from 7 percent to 17 percent, suggesting what some observers are calling a possible “quiet revival.”

That’s exactly what David Quinn believes may be happening. He argues that religious belief among young people may be stronger than many assume, even in a modern Ireland that is often seen as increasingly secular and independent minded.

The report also notes that immigration has changed the religious landscape, with the proportion of Catholics in Ireland who were born abroad rising from 6 percent in the early 2000s to 18 percent today. Meanwhile, Northern Ireland remains the most religious part of the island, with around 35 percent of adults attending religious services weekly, far higher than the UK average.

But the picture is complex. Many younger believers still disagree strongly with church teachings, particularly around issues such as sexuality and relationships. Surveys suggest large majorities of young people believe the Church’s views on sexuality and homosexuality are outdated.

So what does this all mean?

Is religion quietly making a comeback in Ireland?
Are young people rediscovering faith in a world that often feels uncertain?
Or is Ireland continuing its long move toward a more secular society?

Niall and David Quinn explore the data, the cultural shifts and what belief looks like in Ireland today.

And Niall wants to hear from you.

Do you consider yourself religious?
Do you believe there is a higher power?
Or has modern Ireland moved beyond religion entirely?

📞 Join the conversation and have your say.