Irish Citizenship Process 1: Info Dump

The goal.

Ireland is one of I believe eight countries that offer dual citizenship options to the grandparents of Irish citizens. It's a five step process with Ireland that involves a lot of paperwork that amateur genealogists are probably all geared up to go get.

Before we get to the official process, the first question is "why do I want dual citizenship?"  For me there are three reasons:

1. Ease of travel: Enter Ireland (or anywhere else in the European Union) on my green passport, reenter the United States on my blue passport. Though, I'm going to have to do some reading on how that actually works.

2. Opportunities: In my youth I had the very romantic fantasy of moving to Ireland and single handedly building a professional baseball league to rival if not Major League Baseball, certainly Korean Baseball Organization. But now, with Amazing Librarian, the plan to move mid-career to Ireland is unlikely. But, with our careers building momentum, long vacations, a second home or retirement option.

3. It's cool. And isn't that the only motivation that matters?

Steps to Citizenship

1 - Check eligibility
According to the guidelines, citizenship is available to children and grand children of Irish citizens. 

2 - Documentation
This is where the research - and the benefit of being engaged to a research librarian - comes in handy.  

Personal documentation:
- Original civil birth certificate (with parents' details)
- Certified copy of state-issued ID
- Two proofs of address (photocopies not permitted)
- Four passport photos 

Documents relating to the grandparent:
- Original civil birth certificate
- Original marriage certificate
- Certified copy of death certificate
(same documents for child of grandparent)

3 - Online form
There is a form online at the Department of Foreign Affairs & Trade website (link). When the form is complete, it gets submitted electronically with a signed hardcopy submitted.

4 - Render unto Caesar.
The application fee is €278. But, shipping and handling fees are included.

5 - Have your form, photographs and documents witnessed
A notary public to the rescue. The witness must certify the copy of applicant's state ID, sign & verify 2 of the 4 passport photos, stamp the form with their official stamp or include a business card. 

Right now I'm at step 2.  My documents are handled. Getting Greg and Kate's documents may be a little more difficult. But the challenge is half the fun. Unless Amazing Librarian and I move to Ireland, in which case that would be the most fun. But I'm ready to take on the challenge of dealing with the DFA and tracking down these documents.