Irish suicide rates, classified according to gender, age, & urban-rural location, were compared with the results of a national survey conducted during 1999 on religious belief & practice. Suicide rates were higher for males than for females & for younger than for older age groups. Religiosity was, in contrast, higher among females & in rural areas. Suicides were more frequent in rural areas, which also had greater religiosity. External, social dimensions of religiosity differed more than core beliefs. Possible reasons for these findings are discussed. (15 refs.)