In a global environment defined by economic volatility, geopolitical tensions, and rapid technological change, nations increasingly depend on trusted partnerships to navigate uncertainty.
For Ireland, few relationships have been as strategically important — or as enduring — as its bond with the United States. Built on shared history, deep cultural ties, and decades of economic exchange, the Ireland–US partnership has long served as an anchor of stability and a catalyst for growth on both sides of the Atlantic.
As global trade faces turbulence and investment flows fluctuate, Ireland’s connection to the world’s largest economy continues to provide stability to investors. This reality is underscored dramatically by IDA Ireland’s exceptional performance in 2025, which saw record-breaking investment, sustained job creation, and deepened collaboration across critical innovation sectors.
Together, these outcomes speak to a transatlantic partnership that remains strong, relevant, and primed for the future. US companies continued to invest in future-focused areas with companies such as Tricentis, Proofpoint, Qualcomm, Quest Software, and Sanmina announcing significant investments in Cork in 2025.
Ireland’s relationship with the United States is far more than diplomatic; it is cultural, personal, and economic. Millions of Irish emigrants built new lives in America, and today, US firms form the backbone of several of Ireland’s most advanced and globally competitive industries. In turn, Ireland has become one of the top global investors in the United States, with more than 770 Irish companies employing over 200,000 people across all 50 states.
This two-way corridor of talent, innovation, and investment has enabled Ireland to punch far above its weight economically. American multinationals have transformed Ireland’s industrial and research landscape, supporting high-value employment and fuelling growth in sectors such as technology, life sciences, financial services, and advanced manufacturing. Meanwhile, Irish companies continue to expand into the US market, gaining scale while contributing to local economies nationwide.
The past decade has reshaped the world’s economic order. Persistent inflationary pressure, supply chain fragmentation, energy insecurity, and geopolitical conflict have created an environment in which certainty is scarce and long-term planning is more challenging. Ireland, in this evolving world, offers proven stability, agility and strategic partnerships required for future growth.
2025 emerged as one of the most successful years in IDA Ireland’s history, reinforcing Ireland’s reputation as a proven, trusted world-class location for investment. IDA Ireland secured 323 total investments, the highest on record and a 38% increase compared to 2024. The scale and diversity of these projects illustrate Ireland’s growing importance across several advanced industries, from digital technologies to life sciences and semiconductor-related research.
Investment commitments made during 2025 are expected to generate more than 15,300 new jobs, marking another strong year of employment expansion within IDA-supported sectors. Overall employment in IDA client companies reached 312,400, highlighting the continued strength and stability of multinational operations in Ireland.
Ireland’s appeal to first-time investors also strengthened, with 78 new name companies establishing operations in 2025. Many of these were US-based firms seeking a foothold in the EU market or expanding research, engineering, and innovation functions.
One of the most notable 2025 achievements was the completion of 80 research, development, and innovation (RD&I) projects, contributing to a record €2.5 billion in R&D client expenditure. This reflects an accelerating shift within Ireland’s multinational base toward advanced research and high-value innovation.
Ireland’s regional development strategy also delivered strong results. Of the 323 investments, 183 were regional projects, representing 57% of the total. This balanced distribution remains essential to Ireland’s long-term competitiveness, ensuring economic opportunity reaches communities throughout Ireland.
Talent development featured prominently, with IDA clients investing €307 million in workforce upskilling. More than 33,000 employees will participate in skills programmes aligned with future-focused areas such as AI, digital transformation, advanced manufacturing, and leadership. This aligns strongly with Ireland’s broader national strategy to future-proof its labour force.
As we enter the second year of IDA Ireland’s strategy, Adapt Intelligently, these results underscore the agency’s commitment to future-focused growth. Its four strategic growth drivers — AI and digitalisation, semiconductors, health, and sustainability — mirror global industry trends and align strongly with US investment priorities.
The record achievements of 2025 reaffirm Ireland’s position as a preferred location for foreign direct investment, one where partnership and longevity are key elements of our value proposition. Together, Ireland and the United States are shaping the future of transatlantic economic cooperation and prosperity.
