Until the 1990s, Ireland was experiencing high inflation, high poverty, high unemployment, and low economic growth.
With the help of foreign direct investment, Ireland rebounded in the next decade with a period of rapid economic growth referred to as the “Celtic Phoenix.”
Unfortunately, Ireland took a hit during the 2008 economic downturn, just like many countries around the world. However, improvements in exports have brought back certain gains.
Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
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Irelands’ current economy is built on technology, food and beverage, services, and pharmaceuticals that should remain strong contributors to Ireland’s GDP throughout the 21st century.
One of Ireland’s main natural resources is its large, open pastures that facilitate the cattle and dairy industries. Steadily increasing numbers of workers and companies from the U.K. are also expected to set up shop in Ireland as Brexit brings about changes to the way EU nations do business.
Ireland remains one of the most profitable places for U.S. corporations to do business because of its low corporation tax of 12.5%.
Foreign-owned multinational companies contribute significantly to Ireland’s economy, making up 14 of the top 20 Irish firms (by turnover), employing 23% of the private sector labor-force, and paying 80% of the corporation tax collected in the country.
Here are some basic Ireland economic statistics:
| Information Type | Notes |
|---|---|
| GDP (purchasing power parity) | US$564 Billion (est. 2024) |
| GDP per capita | In 2024 $92,885 |
| Real annual growth rate | 2024 1.2% but estimated in 2025 at 3.6% |
| Inflation | 0.5% in 2024 |
| Unemployment | As of October, 2024 steady at 4.7% |
| Agriculture | In 2024, the top products are beef, potatoes, grains, and dairy products |
| Labor force | 2,885,400 in 2024 |
| Labor force by occupation | 2020 statistics show services 82%, industry 13%, and agriculture 5% |
| Industries | In 2024 the top industries are pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware, software, food products, beverages and brewing, and medical devices |
| Natural resources | Topping the list in 2024 are zinc, lead, natural gas, petroleum, peat, silver, and copper |
| Exports | The top exports in 2024 are Health and pharmaceutical items, organic substances, professional and research equipment, essential oils, scent materials, hygiene products. |
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Ireland offers great public transportation in the larger cities while buses and trains carry passengers around the countryside with many destinations to choose from.
Ireland is also a great launching pad to explore most of Europe and it’s one of the closest European countries to the United States and Canada.
The cost of living is higher than most of the EU, but major expenses like housing go down the further you travel from large city centers.
Fuel taxes are expensive, making up more than half the cost of a tank of gas at times. Expect to pay twice the cost you might see in the States for a gallon of gas.
It is relatively easy to open a bank account, but you need to be present in the country.
It is more difficult to buy property as a foreigner, and mortgages are not easy to find. Interest rates and other mortgage terms are not favorable in Ireland, and foreigners will have additional requirements to qualify for a loan.
Public education is free and very high quality. Parents must pay for school uniforms, lunches, and school supplies. Private education is available, but you can expect to pay more than US$10,000 per year per child.
Overall, Ireland is fairly conservative in its economy, religious practices, with a strong sense of family and community.
While it is not a low-cost option for retirement, the natural beauty and the friendly people are enticing for many.
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Kathleen is the Live and Invest Overseas Founding Publisher. She has more than 30 years of hands-on experience traveling, living, and buying property around the world.
We Value Your Privacy! We will not share your email address with anyone else, period.
Ireland is known for its open economy, sitting at third place on the Economic Freedom Index, and it is the top country for high-value foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows.
Key growing sectors in Ireland’s economy include Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Financial Technology (FinTech), as well as Accounting, Financial Services, Pharmaceuticals, and Biomedical Sciences.
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