Strategically positioned between Dublin Bay and the Dublin Mountains, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) offers a rare combination of commercial opportunity and liveability. Just a short Luas journey from Dublin City Centre, this region is home to key business districts including South County Business Park, Sandyford, Leopardstown, and Pottery Road.

As part of the Greater Dublin Area, which accounts for more than 42% of Ireland’s GDP, DLR has become a magnet for foreign direct investment (FDI), with a diverse ecosystem that spans technology, life sciences, digital media, and financial services.

From high-growth start-ups to global corporate leaders, companies are choosing Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown for its connectivity, talent, infrastructure, and quality of life.

An area of global influence

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown (DLR) is home to some of the world’s most recognisable companies, each choosing this strategic location not only for its proximity to Dublin’s business core, but also for its world-class infrastructure, skilled talent pool, and exceptional quality of life.

Microsoft

At One Microsoft Place in Leopardstown, over 2,000 employees are engaged in everything from engineering to cybersecurity and AI. This €134 million smart campus represents one of Microsoft’s most advanced developments globally, featuring cutting-edge amenities including five restaurants, a yoga suite, wellness rooms, and a bespoke coffee blend. It also houses DreamSpace, a dedicated innovation centre for youth STEM engagement. In line with its continued expansion in Ireland, Microsoft announced 550 new roles focused on artificial intelligence and cybersecurity in 2024.

Amgen

A global leader in biotechnology, Amgen has a major manufacturing and research facility on Pottery Road, which has become a critical part of its international supply chain. The Dún Laoghaire site received a $100 million investment in 2021 to develop a state-of-the-art vial filling line, one of Amgen’s most advanced production facilities outside North America. Following its $27.8 billion acquisition of Horizon Therapeutics in 2023, Amgen’s Irish footprint is now even more integral to its global growth.

Mastercard

Since 2008, Mastercard has built a significant presence in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, with a growing team of 650+ professionals working across innovation, product development, and cybersecurity. The One and Two South County campus in Leopardstown offers premium facilities including a rooftop terrace, wellness programmes, secure parking, and digital integration, reflecting Mastercard’s commitment to employee experience and operational excellence.

Bank of America

Operating from Central Park in Leopardstown, Bank of America has firmly established Dublin as its post-Brexit EU headquarters. The site now employs approximately 1,200 people, playing a pivotal role in managing the bank’s European operations across banking, technology, and finance. In 2023, the Irish division reported a 158% increase in pre-tax profits, reaching €1.73 billion, signalling continued growth and strategic importance in the firm’s global network.

Connected and ready for business

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown offers connectivity for businesses operating locally, nationally, and globally. With premium transport infrastructure and excellent commuter options, the region ensures efficient access for talent, trade, and travel.

• Luas Green Line
  Direct light rail access from South County Business Park to Dublin City Centre in under 30 minutes, offering fast, reliable transport.
• M50 motorway network
  Immediate access to Dublin Airport, Dublin Port, and Ireland’s wider motorway system.
• Integrated public transport
  Multiple Dublin Bus routes, park-and-ride facilities, and strong rail connections support sustainable commuting and reduce reliance on car travel, contributing to the region’s green business credentials.

This multi-modal connectivity ensures that companies based in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown can operate with efficiency across Europe and beyond.

A talent-rich region

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown offers direct access to one of Europe’s most highly educated workforces. Ireland ranks 11th globally for talent competitiveness, ahead of the United Kingdom, Canada, Germany, and New Zealand, and this region exemplifies the consistency of talent available.

More than 95,000 professionals are employed across commercial hubs such as Sandyford Business District, Blackrock, Dún Laoghaire, Dundrum, and Stillorgan, all contributing to a business ecosystem.

According to the 2022 Census, an exceptional 65% of residents over 15 in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown hold a third-level qualification, well above the national average of 52%.

The region is also home to University College Dublin (UCD), Ireland’s largest university, and Institute of Art, Design and Technology (IADT), a national centre of excellence in creativity and digital media. Together, they host over 32,000 students annually. Nearby, Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) provide further access to world-class graduates in STEM, business, and health sciences.

• NovaUCD, UCD’s centre for new ventures, connects global enterprise with start-ups.
• The Innovation Academy supports entrepreneurial thinking and commercialisation, bridging academia and industry with real-world impact.

This steady pipeline of top-tier talent, from graduates to seasoned professionals, makes Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown one of Ireland’s most future-ready locations for foreign direct investment.

Built for business and for life

Ireland continues to lead Europe in attracting foreign direct investment, driven by a business-friendly ecosystem that includes a competitive 12.5% corporate tax rate, generous R&D tax credits, and targeted government grants and incentives. Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown harnesses these national advantages with local infrastructure and a commitment to sustainable growth.

The region benefits from ongoing investment by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, which is enhancing transport links, supporting green infrastructure, and ensuring future-ready public services that meet the needs of international businesses and their workforces.

Business supports are readily available through the Local Enterprise Office (LEO DLR) and the Dún Laoghaire Business Improvement District (BID). These agencies offer tailored assistance across every stage of growth, from site selection and planning to grant applications, export readiness, and investment promotion.

But Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is more than a business destination, it’s also a lifestyle destination.

• Quality of life – Bordered by the Dublin Mountains and the Irish Sea, the area offers immediate access to hiking, cycling, and sea swimming, ideal for supporting employee wellbeing.
• Culture – Whether enjoying an evening in Dún Laoghaire’s coastal restaurants, shopping at Dundrum Town Centre, or exploring the villages of Blackrock and Stillorgan, the region mixes work-life balance.
• Family-friendly environment – With top-rated schools, excellent healthcare, and safe, connected communities, it’s easy for international talent, and their families, to thrive here.

This combination of pro-business policies and high quality of life makes Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown perfect for sustained investment and global talent retention.

A forward-thinking investment destination

Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown stands at the intersection of innovation, talent, and opportunity, within a capital city consistently recognised for its economic performance. In fDi Intelligence’s Major European Cities of the Future 2025, Dublin ranks #1 for Economic Potential.

At a regional level, the area also earned top honours in the Small European Regions category, ranking first for both Economic Potential and Business Friendliness. These accolades reflect a commitment to supporting enterprise, enabling innovation, and attracting high-value foreign direct investment.