Ireland continues to be a strategic hub for some of the world’s most powerful multinational corporations, thanks to its favorable corporate tax regime, highly skilled workforce, and strong ties to the European market. In 2024, the country’s business landscape was dominated by a blend of technology giants, pharmaceutical leaders, financial institutions, and indigenous firms that have scaled globally. This article ranks the top 25 companies in Ireland by sales, offering insight into the economic impact, global roles, and operational scope of each entity. From Apple and Google to CRH and Kerry Group, these companies represent the backbone of Ireland’s corporate ecosystem, collectively generating hundreds of billions in revenue while employing tens of thousands of professionals.
1. Apple Operations International Limited (€218.9 billion)
Apple Operations International Limited leads the Irish corporate landscape with an extraordinary €218.9 billion in sales for 2024, accounting for more than one-third of the top 10. Headquartered in Cork, the company oversees Apple’s non-U.S. sales, particularly across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA). It employs over 6,000 people in Ireland, contributing to key functions such as global logistics, supply chain coordination, and multilingual customer support. This entity is also central to Apple’s intellectual property licensing and hardware distribution strategy outside the Americas. By leveraging Ireland’s corporate tax framework, Apple maximizes global profitability, though its structure continues to face significant scrutiny from European regulators. Despite the controversies, the Cork operation remains pivotal to Apple's international success.
2. Google Ireland Limited ( €77.27 billion)
Google Ireland Limited reported €77.27 billion in sales in 2024, positioning it as the second-largest company by sales in Ireland. Functioning as the European headquarters for Google's advertising operations, it serves millions of advertisers and app developers across the EMEA region. Located in Dublin's Silicon Docks tech district, the company employs over 9,000 professionals working in engineering, sales, marketing, finance, and regulatory compliance. This entity is chiefly responsible for handling Google Ads and YouTube advertising sales throughout Europe, contributing significantly to Alphabet Inc.'s global revenue. Google Ireland also plays a major role in regional policy, legal affairs, and privacy management, particularly in the context of the EU's evolving digital regulations
3. Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited (€69.92 billion)
Microsoft Ireland Operations Limited reported €69.92 billion in sales in 2024, ranking as the third-largest company by sales in Ireland. This entity oversees the sales, marketing, and distribution of Microsoft’s software products and cloud services across the European market. Employing over 3,500 people, it plays a pivotal role in supporting enterprise clients, government institutions, and public sector organizations throughout Europe. Key offerings managed from Ireland include flagship platforms such as Azure cloud services and Microsoft 365 productivity solutions. Beyond sales and client servicing, Microsoft has made significant investments in data center infrastructure in Ireland, strengthening its regional presence and enabling sustainable, low-latency cloud computing.
4. Accenture Public Limited Company (€64.9 billion)
Accenture Public Limited Company, a global consulting powerhouse headquartered in Dublin, reported €64.9 billion in sales in 2024. While the majority of its revenue stems from international clients, the Irish base plays a strategic role in supporting global operations. Accenture employs over 6,000 people in Ireland, contributing to a worldwide workforce exceeding 740,000 employees. The company provides a wide range of services including strategy, consulting, technology, and operations, serving a diverse client portfolio that includes many Fortune 500 companies and major government agencies.
5. Microsoft Ireland Investments Unlimited Company (€38 billion)
Microsoft Ireland Investments Unlimited Company generated €38 billion in sales in 2024, serving as a key financial and intellectual property hub within Microsoft’s global operations. Although it has a relatively small workforce—estimated to be in the low hundreds compared to other Microsoft entities—this investment arm plays a crucial role in managing intellectual property rights and collecting royalty payments for software products distributed throughout Europe. By centralizing licensing income and channeling profits efficiently across multiple jurisdictions, it significantly supports Microsoft’s global tax strategy and overall profitability.
6. United Airlines (€37.86 billion)
United Airlines, Inc. reported €37.86 billion in sales through its Irish entity in 2024, reflecting its significant use of Ireland as a strategic hub for aircraft leasing and financial management. Though its core operational activities and majority workforce are based in the United States, the Irish subsidiary is central to fleet financing, leasing contracts, and intercompany transactions that help optimize global capital deployment. Ireland’s favorable tax regime and established aviation leasing infrastructure make it an attractive base for such activities, enabling United to reduce costs and improve cash flow. This leasing model supports fleet flexibility, allowing United Airlines to efficiently manage aircraft acquisition, maintenance schedules, and fleet modernization efforts critical for maintaining competitiveness. Furthermore, the Irish operations facilitate compliance with international aviation regulations and financial reporting standards.
7. P.M.I. Trading Designated Activity Company (€36.58 billion)
P.M.I. Trading Designated Activity Company, a key subsidiary of Philip Morris International, recorded €36.58 billion in sales in 2024. The Irish entity manages global distribution rights and sales of leading tobacco products, including IQOS and Marlboro, and plays a central role in the company’s intellectual property and licensing strategies. While it does not operate large-scale production facilities in Ireland, the company leverages the jurisdiction for financial management, licensing arrangements, and strategic coordination of international markets. This setup highlights how Ireland is utilized by companies in heavily regulated industries to optimize tax efficiency and maximize global profitability.
8. CRH Public Limited Company (€34.95 billion)
CRH Public Limited Company is the only major indigenous Irish firm among the top companies, generating €34.95 billion in sales in 2024. As a global leader in construction materials, CRH operates in over 30 countries and employs more than 75,000 people worldwide, with strong market positions in North America and Europe. The company’s Irish operations focus on corporate governance, finance, and strategic management, supporting its extensive global footprint. CRH’s growth has been fueled by numerous acquisitions, enabling it to meet the increasing global demand for infrastructure development, sustainable building solutions, and climate-resilient construction materials.
9. Eli Lilly Ireland Holdings Limitedy (€34.72 billion)
Eli Lilly Ireland Holdings Limited is a crucial part of the American pharmaceutical giant’s global operations, generating €34.72 billion in sales in 2024. Headquartered in Ireland, the company operates key production facilities in Kinsale and a biologics manufacturing plant in Limerick, which employs over 700 people. These sites play an essential role in Eli Lilly’s global manufacturing, research and development, and supply chain management. The company focuses on developing and distributing innovative treatments for cancer, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and other serious medical conditions. Eli Lilly’s Irish operations also contribute significantly to financial planning and strategic coordination for its European markets, making Ireland a vital hub in its worldwide pharmaceutical network.
10. Meta Platforms Ireland Limited (€34.33 billion)
Meta Platforms Ireland Limited serves as the European headquarters for Meta, generating €34.33 billion in sales in 2024. Based in Dublin, this entity oversees the operations of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), acting as the primary hub for advertising sales and user engagement in the region. The company employs over 3,000 professionals in Ireland across departments such as legal, advertising, content moderation, product development, and regulatory affairs. A significant portion of Meta’s international revenue flows through the Irish subsidiary, driven primarily by digital advertising services to a vast client base ranging from multinational corporations to local small businesses. Meta Ireland is also a key player in addressing European data privacy regulations, particularly GDPR compliance, as scrutiny from EU regulators continues to intensify.
11. Medtronic (€30.77 billion)
Medtronic plc is a global medical technology leader headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with operational headquarters in Minneapolis, Minnesota. In 2024, the company reported €30.77 billion in sales, derived from a diverse portfolio of medical devices and therapies used in over 150 countries. It employs more than 95,000 people worldwide, including thousands across Europe and in Irish operations, where key finance, legal, and corporate functions are based. Medtronic serves a broad range of clients including hospitals, surgical centers, and healthcare systems, offering solutions in areas such as cardiovascular, diabetes, neuroscience, and minimally invasive therapies. Its success is driven by continuous investment in R&D—nearly €2 billion annually—and strategic acquisitions that expand its product lines and innovation capabilities. The company’s Irish presence is central to its global tax and regulatory structure, helping it maintain competitive margins and a strong financial position.
12. Eaton Corporation (€24.88 billion)
Eaton Corporation plc is a global power management company headquartered in Dublin, Ireland, with operational centers across North America, Europe, and Asia. In 2024, the company reported €24.88 billion in sales, driven by its core segments in electrical systems, aerospace components, and industrial hydraulics. Eaton employs over 85,000 people worldwide, with a growing presence in Ireland focused on finance, governance, and strategic planning. Its clients include manufacturers, data centers, utilities, and government infrastructure projects. Eaton’s emphasis on energy efficiency and sustainable technologies has helped it gain contracts in renewable power and electric vehicle systems. The Irish headquarters also plays a key role in managing its global tax footprint and facilitating cross-border investments.
13. Johnson Controls International (€22.28 billion)
Johnson Controls International plc is a global leader in smart building technologies and integrated infrastructure solutions, officially headquartered in Cork, Ireland. In 2024, the company reported €22.28 billion in sales, stemming from its broad portfolio that includes HVAC systems, building automation, fire and security solutions, and energy storage products. The company employs approximately 100,000 people worldwide, serving clients in over 150 countries—from commercial real estate developers to government and industrial sectors. While most manufacturing and engineering operations are based in the U.S. and Asia, the Irish entity manages high-level corporate functions, financial governance, and regulatory strategy. Johnson Controls continues to capitalize on demand for smart, energy-efficient infrastructure, positioning itself at the forefront of global sustainability and climate-focused innovation.
14. Smurfit Kappa Group (€21.11 billion)
Smurfit Kappa is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of paper-based packaging, with its global headquarters in Dublin. In 2024, it recorded €21.11 billion in sales, driven by strong demand across consumer goods, e-commerce, and industrial sectors. The company operates in 35 countries and employs over 48,000 people, with significant production capacity in Europe and the Americas. Smurfit Kappa emphasizes sustainable packaging solutions, using renewable and recyclable materials, and is a leader in environmental stewardship in the packaging industry.
15. Trane Technologies (€19.84 billion)
With its European headquarters in Dublin, Trane Technologies is a global climate innovation company focused on HVAC systems and sustainable cooling solutions. The company posted €19.84 billion in sales in 2024, serving industries such as commercial real estate, transportation, and manufacturing. Employing over 37,000 people globally, Trane is known for brands like Trane® and Thermo King®. The Irish entity coordinates European financial strategy, product innovation, and ESG reporting.
16. Aon (€12.19 billion)
Aon plc is a global professional services firm providing risk, retirement, and health solutions, with its global headquarters relocated to Dublin in 2020. In 2024, Aon generated €12.19 billion in sales. The company employs over 50,000 professionals in more than 120 countries, delivering insurance brokerage, HR consulting, and data analytics services to multinational corporations, insurers, and public institutions. The Irish HQ provides corporate oversight, treasury, and global client coordination.
17. Seagate Technology (€11.97 billion)
Seagate Technology, headquartered in Dublin, is a leading provider of data storage solutions, including hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). It posted €11.97 billion in sales in 2024, supplying customers across cloud computing, consumer electronics, and enterprise IT. The company employs around 40,000 people globally, with manufacturing sites in Asia and R&D operations in the U.S. and Ireland. The Dublin office oversees financial structuring, IP rights, and international sales logistics.
18. Flutter Entertainment (€8.33 billion)
Flutter Entertainment, headquartered in Dublin, is a global sports betting and gaming company, operating major brands like Paddy Power, Betfair, PokerStars, and FanDuel. In 2024, the group recorded €8.33 billion in sales across its online and retail platforms. With over 20,000 employees across Europe, North America, and Australia, Flutter continues to expand through acquisitions and technology-driven customer experiences. The Dublin HQ leads corporate governance, strategy, and compliance functions.
19. Kerry Group (€7.80 billion)
Based in Tralee, Kerry Group is a global leader in taste and nutrition solutions for the food, beverage, and pharmaceutical industries. The company posted €7.80 billion in sales in 2024 and employs over 23,000 people in more than 150 countries. Its clients include leading food manufacturers, retailers, and foodservice providers. Kerry’s operations in Ireland focus on R&D, innovation, and strategic planning for global markets.
20. Kingspan Group (€7.68 billion)
Kingspan Group, headquartered in Kingscourt, is a leading manufacturer of high-performance insulation and building envelope solutions. The company reported €7.68 billion in sales in 2024 and has a workforce of over 22,000 employees across 70 countries. Kingspan plays a major role in energy-efficient construction and sustainable building innovation. Its clients include construction firms, architects, and developers seeking energy-efficient and fire-safe building materials. In 2024, Kingspan continued expanding its global footprint, with acquisitions in North America and the Middle East.
21. ICON (€5.48 billion)
ICON plc is a global provider of outsourced clinical research and commercialization services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. Headquartered in Dublin, the company earned €5.48 billion in sales in 2024. ICON employs over 41,000 people in 50 countries, conducting clinical trials and providing regulatory support. Its clients include 18 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies and hundreds of emerging biotech firms. ICON played a key role in the accelerated development of mRNA therapies and rare disease treatments. In 2024, it expanded its decentralized trial capabilities and AI-driven clinical monitoring tools
22. Bank of Ireland (€4.33 billion)
Bank of Ireland Group plc is one of Ireland’s oldest and most prominent financial institutions, recording €4.33 billion in total income (sales) for 2024. Headquartered in Dublin, the bank provides a comprehensive range of financial services including retail and corporate banking, wealth management, insurance, and investment solutions. With a workforce of approximately 10,845 employees, it operates an extensive branch network across Ireland and the UK. The bank’s client base includes individuals, agribusinesses, SMEs, and institutional investors. In 2024, Bank of Ireland launched new digital platforms to streamline mortgages and enhance small business lending, reflecting its commitment to innovation and customer experience. It also continued to support Ireland’s broader economy by financing key infrastructure, housing, and sustainability-linked projects.
23. Steris (€4.25 billion)
Steris plc, with operations in Galway, is a global leader in infection prevention, surgical equipment, and sterilization products. It reported €4.25 billion in sales in 2024. Steris supports hospitals, laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturers worldwide, and employs more than 17,000 people. Clients include major healthcare providers, surgical centers, and pharmaceutical manufacturing companies. The Galway facility manufactures sterilization equipment for EU and U.S. markets and hosts key engineering teams. Steris continues to invest in smart sterilization technology and robotics to improve procedural efficiency.
24. Allied Irish Banks (€3.33 billion)
AIB is one of Ireland’s top banks, with €3.33 billion in sales in 2024. The bank offers a full range of financial services to personal, business, and institutional clients. With a workforce of over 8,500 employees, AIB is actively investing in digital banking infrastructure and green finance initiatives. Clients include retail customers, SMEs, corporate firms, and real estate developers. AIB has significantly grown its ESG-focused loan book, supporting renewable energy and green building projects.
25. Horizon Therapeutics (€3.23 billion)
Horizon Therapeutics, headquartered in Dublin, is a biopharmaceutical company focused on treatments for rare, autoimmune, and severe inflammatory diseases. In 2024, it reported €3.23 billion in sales. The company is widely recognized for its orphan drug portfolio and robust patient support services. Employing over 2,000 professionals, Horizon’s Irish operations oversee global regulatory affairs, financial functions, and commercial strategy. Its therapies address conditions such as thyroid eye disease, gout, and neuromuscular disorders. Following its acquisition by Amgen in 2023, Horizon has expanded its pipeline and enhanced its R&D capabilities, further solidifying its presence in the global specialty pharma market.