Dublin has emerged as one of the most dynamic technology capitals in Europe. For decades, Ireland has cultivated an environment that not only welcomes global tech firms but also enables them to scale. Today, the results speak for themselves: 16 of the top 20 global tech giants, including Apple, Amazon, Google (Alphabet), Meta, Microsoft, and Intel, have a strategic presence in Ireland, with many choosing Dublin as their European base of operations.

This is not a recent phenomenon. In fact, the foundations were laid over half a century ago. IBM became the first American technology firm to establish an Irish subsidiary in Dublin in November 1956, and was swiftly followed by Sweden’s Ericsson the very next year. Since then, an ecosystem of innovation has taken root.

Today, more than 106,000 people are employed in Ireland’s ICT sector. Over 50% of tech firms have been operating in the country for more than 10 years, with one-third established here for over two decades. This long-term commitment to Ireland underscores the country’s competitiveness and resilience.

What tech companies have invested in Ireland?

• 9 of the top ten US technology companies
• Top 3 global enterprise software companies
• 4 of the top 5 IT services companies

(Source: IDA Ireland)

Many of these firms have located European headquarters, innovation labs, and customer support centres in Dublin. And for good reason. Dublin is agile, adaptable, and positioned for long-term growth.

Why Dublin continues to attract global tech investment

Dublin’s value for technology businesses is multifaceted. For both established multinationals and high-growth scaleups, Dublin offers a uniquely advantageous base with a vibrant culture and business-friendly tax infrastructure:

• A skilled workforce - Ireland has one of the youngest populations in Europe, with a steady pipeline of graduates in STEM disciplines. Dublin, in particular, is home to a high concentration of multilingual and highly skilled digital professionals.
• The city is home to a rich tech startup ecosystem – The city supports a cluster of tech startups, scaleups, and R&D centres. Numerous incubators and accelerators and co-working spaces, including Dogpatch Labs, NovaUCD, and the Guinness Enterprise Centre, create an ecosystem where emerging ventures collaborate alongside established players.
• Government commitment to future growth – Enterprise Ireland, the IDA, and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment have consistently prioritised the tech sector in national economic strategies. Robust investment in R&D, as well as tax incentives for innovation, underpin Dublin’s competitiveness.
• Global connectivity – Dublin offers seamless access to both EU and global markets. Its status as an English-speaking capital city within the EU adds further strategic relevance.

In a world where digital transformation is reshaping every industry, Dublin is more than just a location, it is a strategic enabler of global success. Whether it’s cloud computing, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, fintech, or data analytics, the city continues to attract and retain the businesses shaping tomorrow’s digital landscape.

As tech firms look to future-proof their operations and tap into global talent networks, Dublin stands out as a city of substance, with a proven record of delivery and a dynamic vision for what’s next.

Large companies in this sector

Dublin Technology Map