Dublin leads, with tech and pharma anchoring the economy

By Equipo Saplic Published on 12/08/2026 Updated on 12/08/2026

And multinational employers concentrated in a few clusters.

In this guide
  1. Dublin
  2. Cork
  3. Galway
  4. Limerick and the Mid-West
  5. Technology
  6. Pharmaceuticals and medical devices
  7. Financial services
  8. Construction
  9. Healthcare
  10. What actually works
  11. The two-year mark
  12. Your PRSI class
  13. Work permits
  14. Watch for scams

Ireland has a small, open economy with employment concentrated in multinational-heavy sectors.

Dublin

The dominant market. Technology, financial services, professional services, pharmaceuticals, government and the European headquarters of many multinationals.

Cork

Pharmaceuticals and life sciences, technology, manufacturing and port operations.

Galway

Medical devices, technology and a substantial third-level sector.

Limerick and the Mid-West

Manufacturing, aviation services, technology and pharmaceuticals.

Technology

A defining sector, with major multinationals maintaining European operations in Ireland alongside a domestic startup ecosystem.

Pharmaceuticals and medical devices

A major export sector with manufacturing sites across Cork, Dublin, Galway and the Mid-West. Regulated roles require specific qualifications.

Financial services

Including funds administration, insurance and banking, concentrated in Dublin's IFSC.

Construction

Demand driven by housing and infrastructure, with trades and professional roles both in demand.

Healthcare

Sustained demand across nursing and allied health, with registration through the relevant professional bodies.

What actually works

  • A complete profile. Recruiters filter on experience and skills.
  • State your work authorisation — EU/EEA national, or the permit you hold.
  • Registration where your profession requires it.
  • Ask about redundancy terms, since enhanced packages are discretionary and vary widely.

The two-year mark

Statutory redundancy requires 104 weeks of continuous service. Worth knowing when weighing a move.

Your PRSI class

Statutory redundancy requires Class A PRSI. If you are engaged as a contractor under a contract for services, you generally will not qualify.

Establish your classification at the outset.

Work permits

EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not require permits. Others need an employment permit, with categories depending on the role and salary.

Watch for scams

No legitimate employer charges you to apply, to interview, or for permit processing.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the biggest job market?
Dublin, covering technology, financial services, professional services, pharmaceuticals, government and the European headquarters of many multinationals.
Which sectors anchor the economy?
Technology and pharmaceuticals, with major multinationals maintaining European operations alongside a domestic startup ecosystem.
Why does my PRSI class matter?
Because statutory redundancy requires Class A PRSI. Contractors engaged under a contract for services generally will not qualify.
When does redundancy entitlement start?
After 104 weeks — two years — of continuous service with the same employer.
Do I need a work permit?
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals do not. Others need an employment permit, with categories depending on the role and salary.

Sources

Put this into practice

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