Key industry sectors

Dublin’s economy is diverse and globally connected, making it a perfect location for companies at every stage of growth, from startups to established multinationals. Its highly supportive, business-friendly environment is designed to help enterprises scale with confidence.

While Dublin welcomes businesses across all industries, several sectors consistently attract the highest levels of foreign direct investment (FDI). These include:

Companies operating in these priority sectors benefit from tailored supports, including access to a skilled talent pool, specialised service providers, collaborative networks, and purpose-built infrastructure.

Startups continually succeed and grow with an ecosystem of accelerators, mentors, and R&D centres, while multinationals can use the efficient supply chains, global connectivity, and Dublin’s reputation as a trusted European base.

How does the future look for these key industries?

Economic expansion in Ireland remains strong, driven in large part by sustained investment from international companies, and Dublin sits at the heart of this continued growth. The city was recently ranked first for Economic Potential in fDi Intelligence’s Major European Cities of the Future 2025, rising from second place the year prior. It also ranked third for Business Friendliness, seventh for FDI Strategy, and second overall.

These rankings continue to affirm Dublin’s standing as one of the most attractive and forward-looking investment destinations in Europe.

If your business operates in one of Dublin’s six key sectors, explore the resources below to discover the advantages and success stories tied to your industry

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Tech: Why companies invest in Dublin

Dublin is most definitely a tech hub. And its reputation is well-deserved since efforts have been made to attract leading tech companies for decades. Way back in November 1956, IBM was the first American tech company to set up an Irish subsidiary in Dublin. (It still has a large presence here today.) The following year, Swedish multinational Ericsson invested in facilities here too. Then, in the decades that followed, big names like Hewlett Packard, Dell, Microsoft and SAP followed suit. Today, the industry employs over 37,000 people throughout Ireland and generates €3

brick and glass skycrpaer buildings in the irish financial services centre in dublin's docklands

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Financial services in Dublin

Dublin is a major global hub for fund administration, aircraft leasing, insurance and a range of wholesale banking activities. Many financial services firms have made the city their home. Overall, Ireland is the fourth largest provider of wholesale financial services in the EU. The country’s robust regulation and skilled workforce attracts them here. Excellent investment and tax incentives help too. The combination of a 12.5% corporate tax and an exceptionall

image of waterfront and trees at dublin's business services district

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Professional services

As international investment in Dublin grows, so does the city’s need for professional services. Since the early 90s, demand has consistently increased as large companies bringing FDI to the city began to centralise their functional support activities here. As a result, law, accounting, R&D, marketing, real estate and management consulting are all well represented in the city. Today, Dublin is considered a centre of excellence for global business services. Demand continues to grow as more gl

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Life sciences

Ireland is a global centre for life sciences. In fact, it is one of the top three global exporters of pharmaceutical products in the world. Significant investments are made in pharma, biotechnology, medical devices and diagnostic operations on a country-wide basis. Dublin itself has a proven track record for nurturing its world-leading science, engineering and health sectors. That’s because our pool of well-educated STEM professionals attracts the world’s most cutting-edge multinationals. Links with local universities also helps boosts investment in R&D. As a result, our exports in this sector are worth a phenomenal €80 billion each year. What companies have i

fedex transport plane on runway

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Transport and logistics

As an export-driven economy on the periphery of Europe, transport and logistics is a significant sector in Dublin. It is hugely important for the increasing number of global players that base their European and EMEA headquarters in the city too. Exceptional connectivity with Europe, the UK and the US is one of many considerations which drive foreign investment in Dublin. Over the coming decade, as the e

the sand coloured building of the national library of ireland which is a leader in the arts and recreation sector

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Arts and recreation

While Dublin’s art and recreation sector doesn’t draw much FDI itself, it is a key aspect of what makes the city so appealing to investors. Dublin has long been famed for its rich culture, vibrant arts scene and never-ending choice of enjoyable events. From world-class museums and galleries, through to original