List of Presidents of Ireland: Past and Present

Last updated November 2026

This page lists the presidents and heads of state of Ireland from 1938 to the present, with the years each leader was in office and a short summary of their time in power. Use it to find the current president of Ireland, former presidents, and key dates in the country's political history.

Current president of Ireland: Catherine Connolly (in office since 2025).

Presidents of Ireland in order, with years in office

Douglas Hyde

Served: 1938–1945

First president of Ireland, an Irish-language scholar.

Seán T. O'Kelly

Served: 1945–1959

Served two terms.

Éamon de Valera

Served: 1959–1973

Taoiseach three times before becoming president; served two terms.

Erskine Childers

Served: 1973–1974

Tánaiste from 1969 to 1973; died in office on 17 November 1974.

Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh

Served: 1974–1976

Former Chief Justice who resigned on 22 October 1976 after a dispute with the government over an emergency powers bill.

Patrick Hillery

Served: 1976–1990

Former European Commissioner who served two terms.

Mary Robinson

Served: 1990–1997

First woman president of Ireland, at age 46.

Mary McAleese

Served: 1997–2011

Served two terms.

Michael D. Higgins

Served: 2011–2025

Former culture minister who served two terms.

Catherine Connolly

Served: 2025–present

Independent who was inaugurated as the tenth president on 11 November 2025.

Frequently asked questions about the presidents of Ireland

Who is the current president of Ireland?

The current head of state of Ireland is Catherine Connolly, in office since 2025.

Who were the previous presidents of Ireland?

The presidents and heads of state of Ireland listed on this page, in order, are: Douglas Hyde, Seán T. O'Kelly, Éamon de Valera, Erskine Childers, Cearbhall Ó Dálaigh, Patrick Hillery, Mary Robinson, Mary McAleese, Michael D. Higgins, Catherine Connolly.

Who was the first president of Ireland?

Douglas Hyde was the first president of Ireland, in office 1938–1945.

Sources: President of Ireland (president.ie); RTÉ and Wikipedia reports on the 2025 election and inauguration (checked Nov 2026). Ireland has had ten presidents since 1938.. Last reviewed November 2026.

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