Once a historic port, the Dublin Docklands has evolved into one of Europe’s most sophisticated business districts.

Encompassing the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), North Wall Quay, and Grand Canal Dock, this strategically located area has emerged as a top destination for foreign direct investment. The district is now home to leading global firms in finance, technology, and professional services, many of which have established their European headquarters in the heart of Dublin.

Why the Docklands?

Dublin has consistently ranked as a top global destination for business and investment. Dublin has been ranked number one for Economic Potential in the Major European Cities and Regions of the Future 2025 report by fDi Intelligence. This sustained upward trajectory highlights Dublin’s expanding influence as a leading player on the global business and investment stage.

The Docklands has become a base for global industries in technology, finance, law, and real estate investment. With an annual return on foreign direct investment in Ireland reaching 18.1% in Q4 of 2024, which is three times the rate of return on investments abroad, Ireland continues to offer value for global investors.

Ireland’s globally competitive talent pool, favourable time zone, and reputation as Europe’s second-largest exporter of IT services further enhance the Docklands’ appeal to global enterprises.

Some of the world’s most successful companies have set up here, including:

• Salesforce (North Wall Quay) – This company is a global leader in cloud computing and has opened Salesforce Tower Dublin, their European headquarters, which is also one of Ireland’s most sustainable buildings.
• Walkers Global (IFSC) – This top international law firm specialises in financial services. Walkers Global serves major clients from its Irish base in the IFSC, which has won multiple international awards for its aviation finance deals, proving Dublin is becoming a major name in aircraft leasing and finance.
• Google (Silicon Docks) – As one of Dublin’s largest employers, Google has based its expansive tech campus in Grand Canal Dock, an area now widely known as ‘Silicon Docks’. Amid a global restructuring of its finance operations, the company has designated Dublin as a strategic growth hub, alongside India and Mexico. This reinforces the city’s status as a critical part of its international network.
• J.P. Morgan (IFSC) – One of the world’s biggest financial services firms has grown its Irish presence, especially post-Brexit. It has made Dublin its top EMEA location outside the UK.
• State Street (IFSC) – Since establishing its presence in Ireland in 1996, State Street has become the country’s largest international financial services employer. Today, it stands as the leading provider of fund administration services and plays a central role in the custody of investment funds across the Irish market.

How the Docklands meets business needs

Infrastructure and connectivity

• Easy international travel with Dublin Airport, which offers direct flights to the US, Europe, and Asia.
• Dublin’s public transport ecosystem continues to evolve with reliable options including the DART, Luas, and an expanding bus network. The city is currently undergoing a major transformation under the National Transport Authority’s BusConnects programme, which is significantly increasing frequency, capacity, and connectivity. These enhancements are delivering more evening and weekend services, boosting commuter convenience, and ensuring sustainable, high-frequency access across greater Dublin.
• Fast broadband and 5G, perfect for tech and finance businesses.
• Top-tier office spaces, including smart and sustainable buildings designed to attract big-name companies.

Access to talent

The Docklands is close to Ireland’s top universities, including Trinity College Dublin (TCD) and University College Dublin (UCD), giving businesses access to skilled graduates and cutting-edge research.

It’s also home to innovation hubs including:

• Dogpatch Labs – A top startup accelerator based in the Docklands. Dogpatch Labs’ Founders programme gives €100,000 in pre-seed funding, mentorship, and a chance to pitch at Demo Day. The programme has already produced successful start-ups like Inspeq AI (€1.1m raised) and Glitch Ads (€750k secured).
• The Digital Hub – A government-backed centre for digital innovation, the campus has 56 companies and organisations operating from its Dublin 8 location, reinforcing its position at the forefront of Ireland’s digital innovation ecosystem.
• Trinity’s Tangent – An entrepreneurship hub with an open-access platform connecting Ireland’s leading innovators with experienced mentors. This culminates in a showcase event that offers selected participants the opportunity to pitch directly to investors.

Government support

With Ireland’s low corporate tax rate of 12.5%, plus research and development tax credits, grants, and investment incentives, the Docklands continues to attract global enterprises seeking strategic growth opportunities.

Quality of life

The Docklands offers more than a business environment; it delivers a high quality of life, with modern infrastructure and waterfront views.

The area features:

• Scenic waterfront living, enhanced by generous green spaces and outdoor amenities for relaxation and recreation.
• Residents and visitors can enjoy kayaking on the River Liffey, paddleboarding in Grand Canal Dock, or a boat cruise around Dublin Bay.
• Adding to this outdoor offering is the newly opened Quayside Project, Dublin’s first public water sports centre, a landmark development that cements the Docklands as a destination for active urban living.
• Cultural and leisure experiences from world-class performances at the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre to boutique retail and dining in the historic CHQ Building also abound.

The future of the Docklands

Dublin’s Docklands continues to be a driving force of economic growth, with new commercial developments attracting an increasing number of global enterprises. The area has firmly established itself as a prime location for international business and investment.

In a single recent year, Dublin brought in €675 million in investment, with 28 new FDI projects and 2,513 new jobs created.

With foreign direct investment per capita reaching €590, now surpassing London, and an average project value of €25 million, it’s no surprise that leading global companies are choosing Dublin’s Docklands.

The area continues to evolve as a centre of innovation, where multinational corporations, startups, and research institutions increasingly collaborate. As Dublin sustains its strong global FDI rankings, the Docklands is firmly positioned as one of Europe’s most prominent business destinations.