THE LATEST EMIGRATION figures showed one in six people born in Ireland were still living abroad.
When the recession hit, emigration levels soared, especially in the younger groups in society.
Though some have since returned, many still think there is not much here for them to come back to apart from their families and friends.
Here are the top destinations for the ones who left:
The highest proportion move to Britain, with Australia, the US, Spain and Germany also featuring prominently.
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Research earlier this year found most Irish emigrants (98%) in Australia believe the government is not doing enough to encourage them to come home. Despite that, 58% still plan to return.
Read: Irish emigrants in Australia feel Irish Government not encouraging them home>
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