The economic activities in Ireland show services at 60.2% of GDP, industry at 38.6%, and agriculture at 1.2%. What are the main economic activities in Ireland? Multinational and intellectual-property activity, manufacturing, and dairy farming shape the economy. The 2024 GDP was about $577.39 billion, though headline GDP is inflated and GNI* better reflects domestic output.
As of 2024, Ireland’s economy is robust, with a GDP of approximately $577.39 billion (World Bank), ranking among the larger economies in Europe. The GDP per capita is approximately $107,007, one of the highest in the world. (Note: Ireland’s headline GDP is significantly inflated by the accounting of multinational and intellectual-property activity; modified gross national income, or GNI*, is widely regarded as a more accurate measure of the domestic economy.)
The country’s economic position reflects a strong and stable financial foundation, with a high GDP and GDP per capita, positioning it well among global economies.
What are the economic activities of Ireland?
- Primary activities: 1.2% of GDP.
- Secondary activities: 38.6% of GDP.
- Tertiary activities: 60.2% of GDP.
Primary Sector of Ireland
In Ireland, the primary sector, particularly agriculture, thrives due to its mild climate and rich natural resources. With 62.96% of the land dedicated to agriculture, the country produces a diverse range of products such as milk, barley, wheat, beef, potatoes, pork, oats, chicken, rapeseed, and lamb/mutton.
Despite contributing only 1.2% to the GDP, agriculture plays a crucial role in the economy. The variety of crops and animal products highlights the sector’s importance, providing employment and sustaining rural communities.
Ireland’s diverse geology contributes to a rich array of natural resources, including natural gas, peat, copper, lead, zinc, silver, barite, gypsum, limestone, and dolomite. These resources play a significant role in the country’s economy, supporting industries such as mining, energy production, and construction.Ireland’s natural gas production in 2020 reached 132 million m³, ranking 81st globally. This production significantly contributes to the country’s economic activity, particularly in the energy sector.Secondary Sector of Ireland
What is the secondary sector or what are secondary activities?The secondary sector involves industries that create finished products ready for consumption. They take raw materials from primary activities and manufacture new goods for domestic sale or export. In Ireland, the main industrial products include pharmaceuticals, chemicals, computer hardware and software, food products, beverages, brewing, and medical devices.Manufactures play a crucial role in Ireland’s total exports, accounting for 89.84% in 2023. This highlights the significant contribution of the manufacturing sector to the country’s economy and global trade.Tertiary sector of Ireland
Military Activities and Economic Sectors of Ireland
The military is a good example of how different economic activities work together. In the primary sector, resources are extracted for military use. The secondary sector involves the manufacturing of military equipment. The tertiary sector includes various services provided by the military. The quaternary sector focuses on research and development, while the quinary sector deals with high-level decision-making and strategy.
As of 2024, Ireland’s military expenditure was approximately $1,330.5 million, equating to about 0.23% of its GDP — among the lowest defence-spending ratios in Europe. The active military force is around 7,500 personnel.
Biggest company in Ireland
Which is the biggest company in Ireland? Accenture, the Dublin-headquartered global professional-services firm, is the largest Irish-domiciled company, with a market capitalisation of approximately 85 billion USD (As of 2026). It operates in the IT and consulting services industry, contributing significantly to the tertiary economic sector.International Trade of Ireland
Import Activities of Ireland
As of 2024, Ireland imported approximately €134.7 billion (about $146 billion) worth of goods, according to the Central Statistics Office (CSO, As of 2024).Ireland’s key import activities involve a diverse range of commodities including aircraft, nitrogen compounds, refined petroleum, natural gas, and vaccines. The country’s major import partners are the UK (26%), US (16%), Germany (9%), China (6%), and the Netherlands (6%). These partnerships play a crucial role in sustaining Ireland’s economy and meeting its domestic demand for various goods and services.Exports Activities of Ireland
As of 2024, Ireland’s goods exports reached a record €223.7 billion (about $242 billion), producing a goods trade surplus of around €89 billion (CSO, As of 2024). Export activities play a crucial role in driving the country’s economic growth and stability.Ireland’s export activities are diverse, with key partners like the US, Germany, UK, Belgium, and China. The country exports vaccines, medicine, nitrogen compounds, integrated circuits, and scented mixtures.Ireland economy challenges in 2024
In 2024, Ireland faces challenges with an aging labor force and maintaining social equity. Despite a strong economy and high living standards, the country must address these issues to sustain its growth and resilience in the face of global disruptions.Sources
- World Bank Data: Ireland
- IMF: Ireland
- CIA World Factbook: Ireland
- UN Comtrade Plus: Trade Flow
- Ireland Central Statistics Office (CSO)
- SIPRI Military Expenditure Database
Last updated: June 20, 2026
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