Positioned in the centre of Fingal, just minutes from Dublin Airport and north of the capital, the Swords Business District has evolved into one of Ireland’s most dynamic commercial locations. Over the past two decades, the town has nearly doubled in size, reflecting its strong population growth, economic momentum, and long-term potential.
Now recognised as a rising hub for foreign direct investment (FDI), Swords offers connectivity, infrastructure, and scalability. Anchored by commercial centres such as Airside Retail Park and Airside Business Park, the district continues to attract both international enterprises and ambitious Irish companies seeking proximity to talent, transport links, and a pro-business environment.
With continued investment in transport, housing, and strategic planning, Swords is fast becoming a preferred location for global businesses looking to establish, grow, and scale within the Dublin region.
A prime location for business and investment
Swords also serves as the administrative capital of Fingal and plays a role in driving economic growth across the wider Dublin region. With its strategic location, expanding infrastructure, and growing population, Swords is now a central hub for commercial services and enterprise. It continues to attract a diverse range of companies investing in Dublin.
Fingal County Council, in partnership with agencies such as LEO Fingal, IDA Ireland, and Enterprise Ireland, plays an active role in supporting both domestic and international businesses. From advisory services and funding support to networking opportunities, these organisations work collaboratively to ensure companies can scale with confidence and efficiency.
A series of Masterplans are also guiding the development of Swords into a business destination. These strategic frameworks are designed to enhance commercial capacity, improve infrastructure, and support long-term economic resilience. These include:
- Barrysparks & Crowscastle – A mixed-use development with provision for up to 180,000 sq.m of commercial floorspace and the potential to generate 14,500 to 15,500 new jobs over the next two decades.
- Estuary West – A strategic site with plans for 18,000 to 20,000 sq.m of commercial space, projected to support an additional 1,500 to 1,600 workers, further reinforcing Swords as a centre of employment and enterprise.
One of Swords’ advantages is its connectivity. Strategically located along the Dublin-Belfast economic corridor, Swords offers direct access to Ireland’s key transport arteries, including the M1 and M50 motorways, enabling efficient travel across the island.
Just 4km from Dublin Airport and within easy reach of Dublin Port via the Dublin Port Tunnel, Swords offers access to international markets, customers, and supply chains. For companies with global operations, the proximity to air and sea transport links makes Swords an ideal base for trade, logistics, and international business expansion.
A proven location for global industry leaders
Swords has established itself as one of Dublin’s fastest-growing business destinations, attracting diverse global enterprises across life sciences, logistics, digital media, and aviation. Its location, skilled workforce, and infrastructure have made it a natural choice for international investment. Leading companies operating in Swords include:
- MSD Biotech (Merck & Co.)
A global healthcare leader, MSD has invested over €1 billion in its Swords operations since 2018. The site plays a critical role in the global production of Keytruda, one of the world’s leading cancer immunotherapies, and supports MSD’s international supply chain. The newest facility, opened in 2022, created 350 new high-value jobs. - Riot Games
The developer behind League of Legends and Valorant, Riot Games has established a key European operations centre at Airside Business Park. With an €18.5 million investment, this hub employs 120 people and supports live game broadcasting and community engagement across Europe, Asia, North and South America, and Australia. - DHL Express
DHL’s Irish headquarters, located in central Swords since 2000, supports global logistics operations and plays a vital role in enabling Irish businesses to scale internationally. Through tailored solutions, DHL helps SMEs such as Pestle & Mortar expand into global markets. - Ryanair
Europe’s largest airline operates its corporate headquarters from Airside Retail Park, adjacent to Dublin Airport. This strategic location supports daily operations across Ryanair’s vast European network and is integral to managing flight logistics, crew coordination, and passenger services at scale. - SK Biotek
A key player in advanced pharmaceutical manufacturing, SK Biotek has operated in Swords since acquiring its facility in 2018. The site specialises in the development of innovative therapies, including cell and gene treatments for serious illnesses. In 2024, the company announced a further investment of up to €35 million to expand with a new manufacturing plant.
