March 14, 2026 — Dublin Ireland becomes 5th-largest investor in US with $389B, according to data from Enterprise Ireland cited in recent analyses, marking Ireland as a top source of foreign direct investment (FDI) into the United States with cumulative investments supporting over 200,000 American jobs.
The American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham Ireland)’s “2026 US-Ireland Business Report: A Partnership that Delivers”, launched around March 12-13, confirms Ireland’s position as the fifth-largest FDI source, with Irish companies investing $390 billion (€338 billion) through 781 firms across all 50 US states. Data draws from Enterprise Ireland, the US Bureau of Economic Analysis (as of Jan. 15, 2026), Ireland’s Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) 2025 survey, and the Irish government’s “Ireland and the USA: a shared economic story.”
Investment Scale and Job Impact
Enterprise Ireland reports $389 billion in Irish FDI stock in the US for 2024, noting Ireland as the largest source of new US investment spending that year at $30.1 billion. The top 10 Irish investors employ more than 125,000 Americans, including Glanbia (over 4,000 jobs), Applegreen, Aerogen, and Shorla Oncology.
“Ireland is now the fifth largest source of foreign direct investment into the US, with investment by Irish companies worth $390bn.”
— Mark Cockerill, AmCham 2026 President
Ireland becomes 5th-largest investor in US with $389B, a ranking echoed in coverage by the Irish Examiner, which details over 200,000 US jobs from Irish firms.
Reciprocal US Investments in Ireland
The relationship is mutual: US FDI stock in Ireland reached $467 billion in 2024, surpassing investments in China, Germany, and France combined. Over 1,002 US companies employ approximately 245,000 people directly in Ireland.
“US foreign direct investment remains a key element of our economic progress. Meanwhile, Ireland is investing in the US at scale. This two-way partnership is creating jobs, prosperity and opportunity across both our countries with over 200,000 people in the US employed by more than 780 Irish companies.”
— An Taoiseach Micheál Martin
Recent Pledges and Developments
Ahead of Taoiseach Micheál Martin’s meeting with US President Donald Trump, Irish firms pledged €5.1 billion in new US investments, per Business Post reporting on Enterprise Ireland data. Examples include Smurfit Westrock ($1 billion annually over five years), Kingspan ($1 billion over five years), Applegreen ($70 million in Colorado, creating 400 jobs), and Tines (100 jobs in Boston).
Irish Prime Minister Micheál Martin stated:
“Irish investment in the United States has reached historic levels,” adding that “Irish companies are supporting jobs and innovation across American industries.”
Ireland becomes 5th-largest investor in US with $389B underscores a 20% increase in Irish FDI in 2024, per Minister Helen McEntee. AmCham Ireland promoted the findings on X, linking to the Irish Examiner article.
This transatlantic partnership emphasizes innovation in AI, life sciences, and manufacturing, with Ireland’s 2026 EU Presidency poised to strengthen ties.