Record number of hate crimes reported to gardaí in 2025 as incidents rise 15%

Anti-race (40%) and anti-nationality (23%) incidents were recorded as the predominant motivating factors behind the incidents. File picture: iStock

There were almost 40 more anti-race hate crimes reported to An Garda Síochána in 2025, as a record number of hate crimes and hate-related incidents were reported to the force.

Around 780 incidents were reported to gardaí in 2025, a 15% increase from the previous year. It is the highest number of incidents reported since figures were first collated in 2021.

Anti-race (40%) and anti-nationality (23%) incidents were recorded as the predominant motivating factors behind the incidents.

Around 16% of hate crimes consisted of assaults committed by minors, while another 4% related to murders or threats to murder.

Almost half of all incidents took place across the Dublin Metropolitan Region. There were 65 incidents reported across Cork City and County.

Gardaí say increased reporting may explain rise

Jane Humphries, Chief Superintendent of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, said the sharp increase in reported incidents could be linked to more people feeling comfortable reporting hate crimes.

“While we note that these figures do represent an increase in reporting of hate-related matters, An Garda Síochána does welcome the fact that more people feel confident to make contact with us and make a report,” Ms Humphries said.

“It is acknowledged that Hate Crime and Hate Related Incidents are under-reported in Ireland, and this is why we encourage victims and those who witness such incidents to engage with us,” said Garda Humphries.

"When a person or group is targeted because of a fundamental characteristic, it has a very deep impact on that individual or group and as such cannot, and should not, be tolerated in Irish society as it tarnishes our values and what we stand for.” 

Cases reported across the country

Case studies highlighted by gardaí included a male and female in their early 20s in Dublin who were sentenced to prison terms following a robbery and assault that was motivated in part by the victim’s gender identity.

In April 2025, in the Louth, Cavan and Monaghan Division, an individual reported that a derogatory name relating to skin colour had been etched on their car overnight.

A juvenile female was identified and referred to the Garda Youth Diversion Programme following the incident, and a caution was administered.

In the same month, two males aged in their 40s used derogatory language and made derogatory gestures towards a same-sex couple at a licensed premises in Cork City.

The men were arrested and charged with public order offences and were fined a total of €850.