Skip to main content
Join the eurozone's fastest growing economy

Ireland's Economy

Ireland's Economy

An enduring location for investment

  • Stable, competitive, secure and pro-business, Ireland is a committed member of the EU single market

  • The fastest growing economy in the Eurozone, with sustainably managed public finances and an ‘A’ grade from all major credit rating agencies

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us

Source the skills you need to make your investment in Ireland a success

Connect with us

An exporting powerhouse

Ireland is connected to the world through our transport links to Europe, the UK and beyond. Overseas companies are significant exporters from here, serving global markets in pharmaceuticals, technology services, medical devices, food and beverages, and financial services.

  • 2nd for exports of commercial services (IMD)
  • 72% of total national exports (2020) were from multinationals in Ireland

Committed EU member

You’ll find us among the most outward looking and internationally engaged countries in the world. We’re the only English-speaking Eurozone country. Our Government and citizens overwhelmingly support EU membership.

  • 83% of Irish people are positive about EU Membership
  • 88% believe that Ireland has benefitted from EU membership

Committed FDI base

Some 1,700 multinationals call Ireland home . They make a positive contribution to Irish society and the economy through direct investment, capital expenditure, job creation, and payroll spending. Many have been here for a decade or more.

  • 72% of national exports and 70% of corporation tax receipts from IDA client companies
  • 25% of private sector direct and indirect employment at multinationals

Enduring economic strength

Ireland’s resilient economy made us one of the best performing advanced economies in the world, even during COVID-19. Our underlying structural strengths and capital investment plans mean we’re well positioned for future growth.

  • 13.5% GDP growth in 2021, driven largely by exports Business environment, demographics, and talent support growth
  • Business environment, demographics, and talent support growth

Pro-business environment

Ireland consistently ranks among the top countries in the world in which to do business, supporting FDI growth. Successive governments have maintained this pro-business outlook: we favour green lights over red tape.

  • 4th most competitive economy in the EU, 12th globally
  • 3rd ranked globally for high-value FDI projects

Success Stories: Hear from leaders calling Ireland home

A proven path

See all Success Stories
NetApp
Pfizer
Analog Devices
State Street
Zendesk
Shutterstock
Company set up European HQ in Cork in 2022

Company set up European HQ in Cork in 2022

Cork has become the global hub of choice for international headquarters of technology companies, home to over 100 technology companies. With over 40,000 students across Cork’s two universities, NetApp’s decision to base its international headquarters in Cork provides access to a talent pool that is truly worthy of supporting the robust and evolving technology market. As well as being a part of the vibrant emerging business scene in Cork, NetApp’s hybrid working model means there are opportunities for technical and non-technical candidates across Ireland.

Leading global player has invested $9 bn+ in Irish operations

Leading global player has invested $9 bn+ in Irish operations

Pharmaceutical manufacturing in Ireland continues to perform very well contributing strongly to exports and economic growth and provides excellent career opportunities.

1500 employees across three sites in Ireland (Limerick, Cork and Dublin)

1500 employees across three sites in Ireland (Limerick, Cork and Dublin)

Since 1976, Ireland has been a critical innovation centre for ADI, thanks to its strong academic and research organisations, business ecosystem, and progressive government leadership. This next-generation semiconductor manufacturing facility and expanded R&D team will further extend ADI Limerick’s global influence.

Continued expansion at four Irish sites over 20+ years

Continued expansion at four Irish sites over 20+ years

Ireland’s tech ecosystem and financial services credentials alongside Kilkenny’s central location and access to talent from third level institutions in Dublin, Carlow, Waterford and beyond were all compelling factors in our location decision

Dublin site is a regional hub for product development

Dublin site is a regional hub for product development

Dublin is such a hub for big tech companies that you might think ‘if we come to Dublin, we’re going to be competing with all of them, we won't be able to get good staff’. But I think the opposite is true. Because we’ve got such a base of well recognised brands in Dublin, that actually brings qualified people from all over Europe here.

Technology and language skills an attractive mix for US business

Technology and language skills an attractive mix for US business

We are grateful to have found a home in Dublin for Shutterstock, and the city’s innovative and tech-forward culture makes it the perfect fit for our engineering and research and development teams. Our Ireland hub connects us to key players around the world and helps us drive our business forward relentlessly.

Reasons to invest in Ireland

Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Resilient and flexible infrastructure to support your business

Read more
Quality of life

Quality of life

Work and life. Balanced.

Read more
Talent

Talent

Find and nurture the people you need to make your business thrive here in Ireland

Read more
Ireland's Economy

Ireland's Economy

An enduring location for investment

Read more