EXPLAINER: Everything you need to know ahead of the 2025 presidential election

Ireland is gearing up for a historic ballot this autumn, as the nation gets ready to choose a new President.

The beloved and treasured Michael D Higgins will be stepping down from his integral role after a monumental run since he was inaugurated as the ninth President of Ireland back in 2011.

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October 24, 2025, has been confirmed as the day voters across the country will head to polls and cast their very important vote.

More than a few names have been thrown into the ring in the run-up to this year's highly-anticipated election including Bob Geldof, Joanna Donnelly, and a certain Irish sports star who shall remain nameless, but one things for sure, they will need a lot of intellectual presence, calm and dignified leadership qualities and a ferocious poetic spirit to fill the boots of Michael D!

So here's everything you need to know:

Where to vote

Polling stations across the country are expected to open their doors at 7am sharp and stay open until 10pm. Exact times will be printed on the voting card that will land in your letterbox in the run-up to the big day.

Counting will not begin until the following morning, so an instant declaration for who will be our next President. However, if past elections are anything to go by, the winner will likely be announced on Saturday. If the race is tight, it could run into Sunday before Ireland's next Áras an Uachtaráin resident is confirmed.

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How to register?

The cut-off to register or update your details is Tuesday, October 7, 2025.

For those applying for postal or special voting, the deadline is even earlier: Monday, September 29, 2025.

Registering is simple. Just head to checktheregister.ie, pop in your details (name, PPS, Eircode, DOB, and email) and you're all set.

Qualifiers for a postal vote include those in the Defense Forces, a diplomat overseas, a student studying abroad. Alternatively, you may qualify if you have an illness/disability or your job keeps you from accessing a polling booth on the day.