An agreement between Ireland and the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) strengthens Dublin’s position as a hub for international dispute resolution.

Though the PCA is not a permanent court, its role in facilitating ad hoc arbitration between states, and increasingly, commercial parties, has grown. Ireland, a signatory since 2002, has now nominated leading legal figures to the PCA’s panel, including Mr Justice David Barniville and Professor Siobhán Mullally.

International arbitration in Dublin

As the EU’s only English-speaking common law jurisdiction, Ireland offers neutrality, legal expertise, and procedural familiarity, positioning Dublin as a compelling alternative to Paris, Zurich, or Stockholm for cross-border arbitration.

What is arbitration?

Arbitration is a widely used method of dispute resolution in which parties agree to have their dispute determined by a neutral third party, known as an arbitrator, outside of the traditional court system. The decision, or award, is binding on both parties.

Commonly used in sectors such as construction, infrastructure, and international commerce, arbitration offers a flexible, efficient, and private alternative to litigation. In cross-border disputes, parties may either designate a specific national court to have exclusive jurisdiction or opt for arbitration as the sole means of resolution.

There are several strategic advantages to arbitration, especially in international contexts:

• Confidentiality – Proceedings can be designated as private, safeguarding sensitive commercial information.
• Expertise – Parties can appoint arbitrators with deep industry knowledge, ensuring informed and sector-relevant outcomes.
• Flexibility – Arbitration processes are often less rigid than formal court proceedings.
• Finality – The scope to appeal or overturn an arbitral award is typically limited, providing certainty and finality.
• Global enforceability – Arbitration awards are generally easier to enforce internationally under instruments such as the New York Convention, compared to domestic court judgements.

Dublin as a centre for international arbitration

Dublin offers a mix of legal integrity, political neutrality, and seamless access to the European Union. Spearheaded by Arbitration Ireland, the city is underpinned by a modern legal framework, high-quality infrastructure, and a deep pool of legal and commercial expertise.

Dublin applies the UNCITRAL Model Law (2006 version), ensuring best-practice standards for cross-border dispute resolution. Irish courts are notably arbitration-friendly, providing procedural support such as mandatory stays of court proceedings and strictly limited grounds for challenging arbitral awards.

There are several advantages of choosing Dublin as an arbitration seat:

• Ireland maintains a reputation for geopolitical neutrality and is perceived as a balanced, independent jurisdiction.
• Dublin is highly connected, with frequent short-haul flights across Europe and direct transatlantic routes from major U.S. and Canadian cities.
• The city offers modern arbitration venues equipped with professional stenography, real-time translation, and advanced audiovisual and broadband capabilities.
• Ireland is a signatory to the New York Convention, allowing for straightforward enforcement of Dublin-seated arbitral awards in more than 170 jurisdictions worldwide.
• An expanding community of arbitrators, legal advisors, and ADR specialists.

1. The Arbitration Act 2010

The Arbitration Act 2010 provides Ireland with a clear, modern, and internationally recognised legal framework for arbitration. Based on the UNCITRAL Model Law, originally developed by the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, it aligns Irish arbitration law with global best practice and reinforces the country’s commitment to promoting arbitration as a preferred method of dispute resolution.

The Act ensures that Ireland maintains a strong pro-arbitration legal environment, characterised by supportive court procedures and a guiding principle of minimal judicial intervention.

2. The Irish judiciary’s reputation

Ireland’s judiciary has a strong international reputation for independence, impartiality, and commercial expertise which enhance its role as a venue for international dispute resolution.

Located in Dublin’s legal quarter beside the Four Courts, the Dublin Dispute Resolution Centre (DDRC) is a purpose-built facility offering round-the-clock access for arbitration, mediation, and hybrid hearings. It features four large, fully equipped hearing rooms, private breakout spaces for parties and counsel, advanced audiovisual and communications technology, secure document storage, and discreet private access to ensure confidentiality.

The DDRC delivers a professional environment for both domestic and international clients seeking efficient, secure, and high-quality dispute resolution in Ireland.

3. The reputation of Ireland’s legal sector

Ireland’s legal profession is internationally respected, with highly skilled, English-speaking, common law practitioners who play a role in supporting international business that flows through the country.

With decades of experience advising global companies, Ireland’s legal sector has developed significant strength across core industries such as technology, pharmaceuticals, and financial services. Since the rise of foreign direct investment in Dublin during the early 1990s, legal and professional services have remained integral to the city’s economic fabric.

Dublin, in particular, offers a legal ecosystem with specialised arbitration expertise across commercial, investment, and sports law.

4. A history of enforcing arbitration decisions

Ireland’s legal system offers a highly effective framework for the enforcement of arbitral awards and court judgements. This provides parties with legal certainty and procedural efficiency.

As a member of the European Union, Ireland also benefits from mutual recognition mechanisms that allow Irish court judgements to be enforced across all other EU member states, an advantage for international parties seeking enforceability within a unified legal framework.

5. Ireland’s common law system

Ireland is the EU’s only fully common law, English-speaking jurisdiction which makes Dublin an optimal venue for arbitration in disputes governed by English law, particularly those involving parties from both the UK and EU member states.

The same advantage applies to disputes between European entities and parties from other common law jurisdictions, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, or Singapore.

Government Support for arbitration in Ireland

The Irish Government has taken active steps to promote Irish law and legal services internationally. The Ireland for Law initiative aims to position Ireland, and Dublin in particular, as a preferred jurisdiction for international legal transactions and dispute resolution.

Dublin’s international arbitration market continues to expand, supported by a strong legal infrastructure, government backing, and increasing global awareness. Over the past 15 years, numerous positive developments, including legislative reform, institutional growth, and increased international engagement, have significantly enhanced Dublin’s appeal as a seat for arbitration.

The region’s combination of legal excellence, neutrality, and global access ensures it is well placed to meet growing international demand.

For more information on Dublin’s arbitration sector, visit Arbitration Ireland’s website.