Irish start-up numbers accelerate in Q1

Company start-ups rise 3.9% year on year, with record number of start-ups (6,340) post pandemic.

Ireland has seen a surge in the number of businesses being started with strong activity in particular in regional areas.

According to new figures from CRIFVision-Net, the overall number of start-ups founded in the first quarter of 2025 amounted to 6,340, reflecting a growth of 3.9% compared to Q1 2024.

This level of start-up activity in the Q1 period has not been seen since before 2020. Suggesting that despite inflationary pressures, rising interest rates, and global uncertainty, Irish entrepreneurs are identifying new opportunities and moving forward with confidence.

Regional and sectoral start-up growth

Key economic sectors including education (28%), motor (18%), agriculture (11%) saw positive double-digit growth.

The highest Q1 increases in startups compared to 2024 were found in Laois (100%), Meath (25%), Roscommon (24%), Limerick (23%) and Tipperary (15%).

Counties with large urban populations including Dublin (4%), Cork (3%) and Galway (2%) experienced a minimal increase in first quarter new start-ups. Limerick, meanwhile, recorded a 23% year-on-year growth rate.

January was the busiest month for new company startups in the quarter, with 2,254 new companies registered in the first 31 days of the year.

The uncertainty surrounding the upcoming tariff implications due on April 2nd and its potential impact on business and consumer confidence adds another layer of complexity to the economic outlook. While it remains difficult to predict the full implications, it is a factor that businesses will be monitoring closely in the months ahead.

Sectors including Real estate (-12%), manufacturing (-12%), wholesale and retail trade (-5%) and hospitality (-2%) experienced year-on-year quarterly decreases in company start-ups.

“This is the strongest first-quarter performance for start-ups since before the pandemic, proving that Irish entrepreneurship is not only recovering but thriving,” said Christine Cullen, managing director of CRIF-vision-Net.

“In every economic cycle, we see moments of challenge and opportunity—what stands out in these latest figures is that businesses are emerging at a steady pace across multiple sectors and regions.

“With strong fundamentals in place, Ireland will continue to adapt to the global economic challenges, while maintaining a supportive business environment where companies can thrive will be critical, as we navigate the month ahead. Financial distress indicators do warrant close monitoring but the continued appetite for entrepreneurship highlights that our innovation and resilience remain at the heart of Ireland’s story.”

“It’s particularly encouraging to see double digit growth in sectors like education and motoring. More broadly, the increase in start-ups across 14 counties also suggests that opportunities remain, and businesses are finding ways to innovate and thrive despite economic pressures.

“While we are navigating a challenging economic landscape, the rise in startups and continued investment in various sectors suggest that the Irish business community remains proactive and forward-looking. This continued dynamism—across sectors, regions, and industries—will be crucial in driving sustainable economic growth in the years ahead.”