Sign in. It’s quick, free and it’s up to you.
An account is an optional way to support the work we do. Find out more.
Bunreacht na hÉireann
Quiz: How much do you know about Irish referendums?
Test your knowledge here.
WE’VE HAD A fair few referendums in the past decade – and on 24 May, you’ll be able to vote in another one.
Ahead of that we’re taking a look back at referendums over the years. Let’s see how much you know…
Let's go back to the very start: The first referendum (in this case, technically a plebiscite) in the history of the State was held in 1937 on whether or not to adopt the Constitution. What percentage of the public voted in favour?
PA Images
Between 50% and 60%
Between 60% and 75%
Between 75% and 100%
How many referendums have been rejected by the public in the history of the State?
PA Images
0
11
24
Just two changes to the Constitution were passed without a vote. One consisted of minor changes, mostly to the Irish text. What prompted the other?
PA Images
The X Case
World War II
The public reaction to the 1971 contraceptive train
A small village in Cork being overrun with pine martens in 1958 (a clause in the Constitution banning their culling had to be overturned to save the villagers)
We voted on the 21st Amendment, and the 23rd Amendment... but what happened to the 22nd Amendment, which would established a body to investigate judges?
PA Images
The government angered opposition parties with how they attempted to pass it through the Dáil, lost the necessary cross-party support, and had to abandon the referendum.
It was deemed unconstitutional the day before the referendum.
The United States government warned it could severely impact trade with Ireland if the referendum was passed, and so the referendum was scrapped.
The turnout was too low for the poll to be valid.
The 36th Amendment led to the constitutional ban on abortion being overturned. What wording did it insert into the Constitution?
PA Images
The State may regulate for the termination of a pregnancy up to 12 weeks gestation, and further cases may be permissible as outlined in legislation.
Provision may be made by law for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.
The Oireachtas may legislate for the regulation of termination of pregnancy.
The termination of pregnancy will be permissible under law.
Is there anything to be said for holding another referendum? We've been asked to vote twice on the same subject a few times - what was the first instance of this happening?
The Nice Treaty
The Lisbon Treaty
The Single European Act
Changing Ireland's system of voting from single transferable vote to First Past The Post.
We changed our mind a lot when asked to vote on the Lisbon Treaty the second time around. What was the final percentage Yes vote?
PA Images
67.1%
89.1%
51.1%
What number amendment will the upcoming divorce referendum be?
Shutterstock
37
38
39
40
The Irish public passed a referendum to allow all third-level graduates, not just those who attended University of Dublin and the National University of Ireland, to vote in Seanad elections.
RollingNews.ie
True
False
The Catholic Church was previously referred to in the Constitution as having a "special position" in Irish society. In what year did we vote to remove that?
Shutterstock
1955
1973
1989
Which of these has the government said publicly it plans to put to the public in future?
RollingNews.ie
State explicitly in the Constitution that Ireland is a neutral country.
Make the Leaving Certification mandatory.
Make it an offence to play Christmas songs on the radio before 1 December.
Lower the voting age to 16.
Finally - how does the preamble of the Irish Constitution begin?
RollingNews.ie
In the Name of the Most Holy Trinity...
We, the people of Éire...
Sinne Fianna Fáil, atá faoi gheall ag Éirinn,
We're all part of Jackie's army, We're all off to Italy, And we really shake them up, When we win the World Cup, Cause Ireland's are the greatest football team
Wikimedia
You scored out of !
You are the mortal embodiment of Bunreacht na hÉireann
Seriously, that's the only way you scored as high as that.
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
Top dog!
Ah impressive showing! You must be looking forward to the next vote on May 24.
RollingNews.ie
You scored out of !
Ouch - referendums aren't your strong suit.
Poor Leo wouldn't be impressed at all.
PA Images
You scored out of !
What are ewe doing?
Your knowledge of referendums is lacking a bit, isn't it? Time to brush up ahead of May 24.
Shutterstock
You scored out of !
Ah here.
You need to brush up on your referendums.
have your say