Average Height in Ireland (2026 Data)
The average height in Ireland is approximately 5'10" (179 cm) for men and 5'5" (165 cm) for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Ireland ranks above the global and US averages.
Average Height in Ireland: Men and Women
Adult height in Ireland reflects centuries of Celtic genetics combined with modern improvements in nutrition, healthcare, and living standards. The most recent pooled population studies provide the best estimates for current average stature among adults.
For men, the population mean is about 179 cm (5'10"); for women, about 165 cm (5'5"). These figures represent adults aged 18 and older and are typically measured barefoot in health surveys.
Height varies by region and birth cohort within Ireland. The averages below describe the national picture; individual heights span a wide range above and below these means.
Average Height by Age Group in Ireland
| Age Group | Men (cm / ft-in) | Women (cm / ft-in) |
|---|---|---|
| 18–25 | 181 cm (5'11") | 166 cm (5'5") |
| 26–35 | 180 cm (5'11") | 166 cm (5'5") |
| 36–50 | 179 cm (5'10") | 165 cm (5'5") |
| 50+ | 177 cm (5'10") | 164 cm (5'5") |
Age-group estimates derived from NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Younger cohorts typically measure slightly taller than older groups due to secular height trends.
How Ireland Compares to the World and the US
Globally, the approximate mean adult height is about 171 cm (5'7") for men and 159 cm (5'2.5") for women, based on NCD-RisC pooled estimates. Compared to this, Irish men are 8 cm taller and women are 6 cm taller.
The United States averages about 175 cm (5'9") for men and 162 cm (5'4") for women (CDC/NHANES). Irish men are 4 cm taller than US men on average; Irish women are 3 cm taller than US women.
Ireland's position relative to global and US averages reflects its combination of Celtic genetics with a traditionally dairy- and meat-rich diet, making it one of the tallest populations in Western Europe.
Why Heights Differ: Genetics, Nutrition, and Trends
Height is roughly 80% genetic and 20% environmental, but nutrition in the first years of life matters enormously at the population level. Ireland's average stature is shaped by Celtic genetics and a traditionally dairy- and meat-rich diet that supports growth during childhood.
Ireland is one of the tallest nations in Western Europe, with average heights that have risen steadily since the mid-20th century as economic conditions improved and dietary protein intake increased.
Comparing your personal height to Ireland's average is informative, but percentile rankings depend on which reference population you use. Our calculator compares against US CDC/NHANES data, which may differ from Ireland's national distribution.
Data source: NCD-RisC pooled estimates. For US percentile comparisons, see our methodology page.
Frequently Asked Questions
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