Do Irish Travellers marry their cousins?
Emily Sparks
Updated on April 08, 2026
Consanguinity, or the marriage of first or second cousins, is quite common among Travellers because they have traditionally married within their own 31,000- strong community.
Do Irish marry their cousins?
The data, based on approximately 71% of all marriages in this period, indicate a first cousin marriage rate of about 1 in 720 for all Ireland. Figures for the Republic of Ireland, based on approximately 91% of all marriages, indicate a first cousin marriage rate of about 1 in 625 for this section of the country.Do Irish date their cousins?
The Settled CommunityTherefore most Irish people researching their family history can assume a low level of first-cousin ancestral couples for well over a century. More distant consanguinity, such as third cousins, is more likely to be present due to limitations of travel.