This week almost 4,000 people will be conferred with Irish citizenship at special ceremonies in Killarney, Co Kerry.
The Summer Citizenship Ceremonies at the INEC involve applicants from 139 countries.
Our reporter Jennie O'Sullivan has been speaking to some those taking part about what it means to them to become an Irish citizen.
Ines McGee is originally from Brazil but has been living in Co Galway with her husband for many years.
For her, today is very special.
"I love Ireland. I have a beautiful family here. My Irish family is my heart. I am very proud to be Irish with them."
The last time security guard Folarin Akintola from Nigeria was in Killarney it was 23 years ago when he first came to Ireland.
He now lives in Dublin with his wife and family and is delighted to be an Irish citizen.
"I love football and I love the Irish people and the Irish song, 'The Boys Are Back in Town', Thin Lizzy. I'm into the Irish culture.
"Killarney was the first place I was 23 years ago so it is ironic that I am back here today for this. I am very grateful to God."
Carine Mambou is originally from Camaroon and now lives here with her 13-year-old daughter and her mother.
She is very proud to be an Irish citizen.
Carine campaigns around the country on issues of gender violence on behalf of the CAD AID FOUNDATION in Dublin.
Pete 'the vet' Wedderburn has lived in Bray in Co Wicklow with his wife for the past 30 years.
Born in Scotland, he decided to seek dual citizenship in the wake of Brexit but also because it means he will be able to vote.
Rose Jones is originally from Chicago but now lives in Dublin with her husband.
Both work in the Civil Service.
She said being Irish means being part of a global family.
"Being Irish means you can come from a different place, but we are all part of this giant global family. And it is just great that I can finally be, like, I am putting down roots in the place that is my future home."
Evgeny Shtorn is an LGBTQ+ activist who lives in Co Galway. Evgeny sought international protection here from Russia in 2018.
For him, today was a very emotional occasion. He said he was born 40 years ago, but today he became a citizen because up to now he has been stateless.
He said he was also very grateful that it has happened in June, which is the PRIDE month.
"As a gay man I feel I am in a very right island (sic), I am in a very right place to be a gay man today and I am very proud of Irish people to be so accepting of our sexuality and to everyone who is trying to live its life, his or her or their life in the best possible way."
