II.People and Population The total population of Ireland experienced a reduction due to the Great Famine:from 6.5 million (1841)to 4.5 million (1851) The population of the Republic of Ireland remained just above 2.5 million until late 1980s;its present population is 4.6 million (2014) From 1990s to 2005,Europe witnessed and an economic boom in the Republic of Ireland,known as the Celtic Tiger. The boom of Ireland attracted immigrants,mostly from Eastern Europe (Poland,Lithuania and Latvia)and China (mostly students).II. People and Population • The total population of Ireland experienced a reduction due to the Great Famine: from 6.5 million (1841) to 4.5 million (1851). • The population of the Republic of Ireland remained just above 2.5 million until late 1980s; its present population is 4.6 million (2014) • From 1990s to 2005, Europe witnessed and an economic boom in the Republic of Ireland, known as the Celtic Tiger. • The boom of Ireland attracted immigrants, mostly from Eastern Europe (Poland, Lithuania and Latvia) and China (mostly students)