Ah, retirement. The golden years. The time when you finally swap the 9-to-5 grind for golf, gardening, or gallivanting around Europe in a campervan. But before you start planning your farewell party at the office, it’s worth asking — when exactly can you retire in Ireland? And how does our retirement age compare to the rest of Europe?
In this post, we’re taking a closer look at the Irish retirement age: when it came in, whether it’s changing, how it stacks up against our European neighbours, and whether you can retire early if you fancy clocking out a bit sooner. Let’s dive in.
What is the Retirement Age in Ireland?
Currently, the State Pension age in Ireland is 66. That’s the age at which you become eligible to claim the State Pension (Contributory) — provided you’ve made enough PRSI contributions over your working life. This means that even if your job has a retirement age of, say, 65, you might have to wait a year before the State steps in with a regular pension payment.
This age hasn’t always been set in stone, though. In fact, the retirement age used to be 65, but it was increased to 66 in 2014. And while there were plans in place to bump it up to 67 in 2021 and 68 by 2028, those changes were shelved after, shall we say, a less-than-enthusiastic response from the public.
Instead, the government introduced a bit more flexibility. More on that in a second.
Is the Irish Retirement Age Set to Change?
Yes — and no.
In 2022, the government published a report from the Pensions Commission which recommended gradually increasing the retirement age from 2028 onwards, based on rising life expectancy. But they also recognised that not everyone wants — or is able — to work into their late 60s.
So, rather than enforcing a strict hike, the current approach is to give people options. As of 2024, you can choose to defer your State Pension up to age 70. In return, you’ll get a higher weekly pension rate the longer you delay claiming it. Think of it like a financial thank-you for hanging on a bit longer.
Here’s how it works:
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Claim at 66 → standard rate
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Claim at 67 → slightly higher rate
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Claim at 68, 69, or 70 → progressively higher rates
It’s worth noting that you don’t have to work until 70. You can retire whenever you like (more on early retirement below), but your State Pension won’t kick in until you claim it — which could impact your income if you’re not topping it up with personal or occupational pensions.
How Does Ireland Compare to the Rest of the EU?
Good question. At 66, Ireland is pretty much bang in the middle of the European pack when it comes to retirement age.
Here’s a quick look at a few of our EU neighbours:
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Germany: Gradually increasing to 67
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France: Recently changed from 62 to 64, and not without protests!
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Italy: Currently 67
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Spain: Also moving towards 67
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Sweden: Flexible retirement from 63–69, with incentives for delaying
So we’re not the youngest retirees, nor the oldest — but we’re certainly part of a broader trend across Europe where governments are nudging retirement ages upward in response to longer life expectancy and the pressures of an ageing population.
Can You Retire Early in Ireland?
Absolutely — if you plan it right.
Retiring early (before 66) is possible, but you’ll need to fund those extra years yourself, either through:
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Personal savings
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Private pensions
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Occupational pensions (if your job includes one)
For example, many public sector workers have schemes that allow them to retire as early as 60 with full or partial benefits. In the private sector, it depends on your pension contract and your employer’s policy.
But here’s the catch: the State Pension won’t kick in until you hit 66, so if you leave work at 60, you’ll need a plan to cover that six-year gap.
That’s why financial planning is so important. The earlier you start saving, the more freedom you’ll have down the line — whether that means retiring at 60, 66, or working part-time into your 70s while sipping cappuccinos in the Algarve.
How Much Should You Be Saving?
This is the million-euro question (not literally, unless you have very expensive retirement plans).
Everyone’s retirement needs are different — it depends on your lifestyle, your health, your housing situation, and whether you see yourself cruising around the Med or just pottering around the garden.
Luckily, you don’t need to guess. You can use tools like the National Pension Helpline’s Pension Calculator to get a personalised idea of how much you should be saving.
It’s quick, free, and surprisingly eye-opening. You’ll input your age, income, and when you’d like to retire — and it’ll crunch the numbers to show you if you’re on track or need to give your pension pot a bit of a boost.
Even if retirement feels like a distant dot on the horizon, it’s well worth checking in now and again. The sooner you know where you stand, the better.
Final Thoughts
Retirement in Ireland is a bit like a build-your-own-adventure book. The official starting point is age 66, but with the right planning (and a solid pension), you can finish up sooner — or hang on a little longer for a bigger payout.
Compared to other EU countries, we’re fairly average — which in this case isn’t a bad thing. But the landscape is changing, and staying informed is the best way to stay in control of your financial future.
If you’re unsure where you stand, don’t stress. Grab a cup of tea (or something stronger) and check out the National Pension Helpline’s pension calculator. Your future self will thank you.
Need help figuring out your pension options?
The National Pension Helpline offers support and guidance for workers of all ages — whether you’re in your 20s and just starting out, or in your 60s and wondering if you can retire early without resorting to beans on toast every night.
