Ireland’s investment landscape is more accessible than ever in 2025, with opportunities tailored for both seasoned investors and those just getting started. Whether you’re looking to grow your wealth steadily with investment in Ireland or aim for long-term financial independence, knowing where to place your money is key.
Here are the two best investment options in Ireland for 2025:
1. Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)
What It Is
ETFs are baskets of stocks or bonds that are traded on stock exchanges, just like individual shares. They track specific indexes (like the S&P 500, MSCI World, or Euro Stoxx 50), giving you exposure to a wide range of companies with a single investment.
How to Invest
In Ireland, you can invest in ETFs through online brokers such as:
- DEGIRO
- Revolut (Premium/Metal plans)
- Interactive Brokers
You’ll typically need to:
- Open a brokerage account
- Fund it via bank transfer
- Choose an ETF based on your risk appetite (e.g., iShares MSCI World, Vanguard S&P 500)
- Place a buy order
Risk Profile
- Risk Level: Moderate
- Volatility: Medium — value can rise or fall with the market
- Diversification: High — spreads risk across many assets
Possible Return
- Annual Return: Historically 6–8% over the long term
- Compounded over time, this can significantly grow your wealth
How to Get Started
- Choose a low-cost ETF like iShares MSCI World UCITS ETF (Acc) for global exposure
- Set up a monthly contribution (even €100/month)
- Consider tax implications: ETFs are subject to Exit Tax (currently 41% on gains every 8 years)
2. Real Estate Investment via REITs
What It Is
Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) are companies that own or finance income-producing property. By investing in REITs, you gain exposure to the property market—residential, commercial, or industrial—without buying physical property.
How to Invest
Irish investors can access REITs through:
- Irish Stock Exchange-listed options like Green REIT (IRE) or Hibernia REIT
- Global REITs (e.g., from the UK or US) via platforms like DEGIRO or eToro
Risk Profile
- Risk Level: Moderate to High (varies by sector and geography – such as offshore investment)
- Market Sensitivity: Affected by interest rates, housing demand, and the economy
- Liquidity: High — unlike physical property, REITs can be sold quickly
Possible Return
- Dividend Yields: Typically 3–5% annually
- Capital Gains: Depending on property market performance
How to Get Started
- Research Irish REITs on the Irish Stock Exchange (Euronext Dublin)
- Use a broker like DEGIRO or Davy Select
- Start small with fractional shares or low-cost REIT ETFs (e.g., iShares Developed Markets Property Yield UCITS ETF)
Best Alternative Investment Options in Ireland for 2025: Diversify Your Strategy
If you’re looking beyond the Irish stock market or property to grow your money in 2025, Ireland offers some solid alternative investment options. These are perfect if you want to diversify, lower your risk, or simply try something new that aligns with your financial goals.
Here are two smart alternative investments in Ireland for 2025:
3. State Savings Bonds (An Post)
What It Is
Offered through An Post and backed by the Irish government, State Savings Bonds are one of the safest ways to invest in Ireland. You earn a fixed interest return over a set term, making them ideal for risk-averse investors or long-term savers.
How to Invest
- Visit your local post office or go online to StateSavings.ie
- Choose a product (e.g., 10-Year National Solidarity Bond)
- Start with as little as €50, and invest up to €120,000 per person (or €240,000 for joint accounts)
Risk Profile
- Risk Level: Very Low
- Security: 100% backed by the Irish State
- Liquidity: Low — money is locked in, or penalised for early withdrawal
Possible Return
- Fixed Interest: e.g., 16% return over 10 years (equivalent to ~1.5% compound annually)
- No income tax or DIRT (Deposit Interest Retention Tax) on gains
How to Get Started
- Visit your nearest An Post branch
- Bring ID and proof of address
- Open a State Savings account and start investing directly
4. Peer-to-Peer Lending (P2P)
What It Is
Peer-to-peer lending lets you lend money directly to individuals or small businesses via regulated online platforms. You earn interest as they repay the loan, effectively becoming the bank.
How to Invest
Use regulated Irish and EU platforms like:
- Linked Finance (focused on Irish SMEs)
- Mintos or Bondora (more international exposure)
You’ll need to:
- Create an account
- Choose loans manually or use auto-invest
- Start with as little as €10
Risk Profile
- Risk Level: Medium to High
- Defaults Possible: Borrowers may miss repayments
- Diversification: You can spread your money across many loans to reduce risk
Possible Return
- Interest Rates: Typically 5–12% per year
- Returns vary depending on borrower risk rating and loan duration
How to Get Started
- Sign up on a P2P platform
- Verify your identity
- Start lending and earn interest monthly
5. Southern Cross Investments
What It Is
Property backed loans, providing a diversified asset backed investment for investors looking to geographically diversify their portfolio. You earn interest monthly and can have it paid directly to you or have it build over time.
How to Invest
Reach out and have a chat with us.
Risk Profile
- Risk Level: Low to Medium
- Asset Price Drop Possible: If the real estate market value drops >20%
- Diversification: Your investment is pooled and spread across multiple loaners
Possible Return
- Interest Rates: 9.8% per year
- Returns can be taken monthly or left to build
How to Get Started
- Just reach out and have a chat with us.
Quick Comparison: All Five Options at a Glance
| Investment Option | Risk Level | Return (Est.) | Liquidity | Minimum to Start | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ETFs | Medium | 6–8%/year | High | ~€50–€100 | Diversified market exposure |
| REITs | Medium–High | 3–5% yield + capital gains | High | ~€50–€100 | Real estate exposure without owning property |
| State Savings Bonds | Very Low | ~1.5%/year (fixed) | Low | €50 | Tax-free; backed by the Irish government |
| Peer-to-Peer Lending | Medium–High | 5–12%/year | Medium | €10 | Higher yield but default risk |
| Southern Cross Investments | Low to Medium | 9.8% | Medium | €30,000 | Real estate exposure without owning property |
Each of these investment options suits a different type of investor — whether you’re risk-averse, looking for passive income, or eager to grow wealth over the long term. The best approach? Mix and match to build a well-rounded portfolio.