Ireland’s economy continues to punch above its weight on the global stage. With a pro-business environment, strong tech and pharma sectors, and a strategic position in the EU, the country offers a diverse array of investment opportunities for both domestic and international investors. Even with economic changes in the US impacting the EU there remains to be a number of high return investment opportunities in Ireland.
Whether you’re looking for a quick turnaround, high investment returns, stable mid-term gains, or a long-term wealth-building strategy, Ireland has options across sectors and asset classes. Here’s how to think about putting your money to work across different time horizons.
Short-Term Investment Opportunities (0–2 Years)
1. High-Yield Savings Accounts and State Savings
For risk-averse investors, Irish banks like AIB and Bank of Ireland now offer competitive savings accounts, especially with ECB rates still elevated. While not huge earners, they’re liquid and secure.
Alternative: The State Savings Fixed Term Products (such as the 4-Year National Solidarity Bond) offer state-backed interest with favourable tax treatment (no DIRT).
2. Short-Term Government Bonds (Irish Treasuries)
The NTMA offers bonds that can provide low-risk, short-term returns, suitable for conservative investors or those preserving capital ahead of a longer-term move.
3. Peer-to-Peer Lending
Platforms like Linked Finance and Flender let investors lend to Irish SMEs for fixed short terms (typically 6–36 months). Yields are attractive (6–10%), though with more risk. Best suited to a diversified portfolio.
4. Short-Term REIT or Property Funds
If you want quick exposure to property but don’t want to own a house, consider Irish REITs (like IRES) or property ETFs focused on Ireland. These can move with market sentiment, offering trading opportunities over months.
Ireland Medium-Term Investment Opportunities (2–5 Years)
1. Irish Property Investment (Residential & Commercial)
Despite some cooling off in prices, Ireland’s housing shortage remains acute—especially in Dublin, Cork, and Galway meaning that it remains one of the high return investment opportunities in Ireland. Buying property to rent (especially in undersupplied areas) can provide solid rental yields and capital growth.
Tip: Consider investing in new-builds under rent-a-room schemes or student housing—both benefit from strong demand.
2. Equities in Strategic Sectors
Ireland is home to multinational giants and fast-growing startups. Look at sectors like:
- Pharma & Life Sciences (e.g., Pfizer, AbbVie, and local suppliers)
- Tech & Data Infrastructure (e.g., Amazon, Microsoft data centres)
- Green Energy (wind farms and solar are booming under government targets)
You can invest via Irish-focused ETFs or selectively through ISEQ stocks.
3. SME Investments or Startups
With a growing startup scene, there are opportunities for angel investors. The Employment Investment Incentive Scheme (EIIS) allows tax relief for investing in qualifying Irish businesses.
Platforms like Spark Crowdfunding provide access to vetted startup investments with mid-range liquidity horizons. Keep an eye out for angel investment groups such as HBAN for high return investment opportunities in Ireland as well.
4. Southern Cross Investments
With growing investment uncertainty in the US and European stock markets options to diversify investment need to be viewed from both a geographic and asset class lens. Southern Cross Investments allows investors in Ireland to gain high returns on investment from Australian based peer to peer loans.
By diversifying into other geographies such as Australia and different asset classes you increase your portfolio’s resistance to shocks such as those coming out of America in 2025.
Ireland Long-Term Investment Opportunities (5+ Years)
1. Real Estate (Build-to-Rent & Farmland)
Long-term investors continue to benefit from Ireland’s chronic housing undersupply. Building or holding property over a 5–10 year horizon in high-demand areas will likely yield strong returns.
Farmland, especially in the west and midlands, is gaining value steadily and can be leased for passive income.
2. Renewable Energy Projects
Ireland has a long-term government mandate to decarbonise. Investing in wind farms, solar arrays, or even community-owned energy cooperatives can offer long-term returns aligned with national policy and EU funding.
Private funds and crowdfunding platforms are increasingly open to retail investors.
3. Pension-Linked Investments
Using a self-directed pension (PRSA or SSAS) to invest in Irish assets (property, ETFs, even certain private equity) offers tax-deferred compounding over decades. Ideal for long-term wealth builders.
4. Education & Healthcare Infrastructure
Ireland’s growing and ageing population means rising demand for schools, care homes, and clinics. Infrastructure funds or private investment partnerships targeting these sectors offer long-term stability and impact potential.
How to Choose the Right Investment Mix
Your investment horizon will likely depend on your risk tolerance, liquidity needs, and goals. Here’s a simplified breakdown:
| Timeframe | Risk Profile | Ideal Investments |
|---|---|---|
| Short | Low | State savings, bonds, REITs, P2P lending (like Southern Cross Investments) |
| Medium | Medium | Southern Cross Investments, Residential property, Irish ETFs, SME funds |
| Long | Moderate–High | Farmland, renewables, pensions, infrastructure |
Diversification across asset classes and timeframes is key to managing risk while building a strong portfolio in Ireland’s dynamic market. And remember—tax efficiency (especially through pensions or EIIS) can significantly enhance your returns.
Southern Cross Investments does not give investment advice. The above is not provided as investment advice in any way, shape or form.