Country guide · EUR (€)
19 business ideas in Ireland
TL;DR
Ireland combines a young, tech-literate workforce, strong tourism and a food-and-craft identity that travels well. Small businesses here do well by serving the Dublin commuter belt, rural communities and the Wild Atlantic Way visitor trail. An easy route in is registering as a sole trader with Revenue or forming a company with the CRO and selling locally or across the EU single market.
The market in Ireland
Irish consumers pay by contactless card and phone, and Revolut is very popular, so Stripe, SumUp, Square and Zettle are common for traders. Online sales run through Etsy, eBay, Vinted, DoneDeal and Adverts.ie, with An Post and DPD Ireland handling most parcels. Being part of the EU makes it easy to sell to customers across Europe, though VAT rules for online sales apply.
Housing shapes demand. Dublin and the other cities face a tight rental market and high costs, which increases demand for property maintenance, cleaning and short-term lets, while rural areas rely on tradespeople, farm-related services and local food producers. Many workers commute long distances, so mobile services and delivery have a real edge.
The weather is mild but wet. Gutter cleaning, power washing moss and algae from patios, and mould treatment are almost year-round tasks. Tourism peaks from May to September with festivals, GAA matches and music events, and heritage tourism around Galway, Kerry, Cork and the Wild Atlantic Way supports guides, food experiences and accommodation hosts.
The Irish language and culture add a distinctive element, and bilingual or Gaeltacht-focused products appeal to a niche market. An ageing rural population, a large tech-sector workforce in Dublin and a growing immigrant community also influence where services are needed.
Best businesses to start in Ireland
01Gutter, moss and patio cleaning
€1,500–€6,000Wet weather leaves moss and green slime on roofs, driveways and patios across the country. A pressure washer and gutter vacuum let you offer a seasonal package, and before-and-after photos sell well in local Facebook groups.
02Window cleaning rounds in commuter towns
€600–€3,000Estates in places like Navan, Naas and Swords have long rows of similar houses, which makes efficient rounds. Offer four-weekly service paid by bank transfer or card.
Full launch plan →03Garden maintenance and hedge trimming
€2,000–€9,000Mild, wet weather grows grass and hedges for much of the year, and busy commuters seldom have the time. Bundle mowing, strimming and green waste removal in a monthly plan.
04Handyman for landlords and busy families
€800–€4,000Landlords with rental properties and families with flat-pack furniture need quick fixes. Be clear about what jobs require a registered electrician or gas installer under Irish regulations.
Full launch plan →05Short-let hosting in tourist towns
€500–€3,000Dingle, Galway, Kinsale and Westport draw visitors, and owners need someone to turn over rooms and handle guests. Short-term letting rules are tightening, so confirm planning and registration requirements with the local authority and Fáilte Ireland.
Full launch plan →06Food stall at farmers’ markets
€1,500–€8,000Markets in Dublin, Cork and smaller towns support artisan baked goods, preserves and cheese. Food businesses register with their local authority or the Food Safety Authority of Ireland, depending on activity.
Full launch plan →07Coffee van at beaches, sport grounds and events
€8,000–€30,000GAA matches, surf spots and summer festivals create queues for hot drinks even in light rain. A converted trailer lets you move between locations with a pitch permission.
Full launch plan →08Artisan baking for café wholesale
€3,000–€15,000Independent cafés want fresh bakes without running a kitchen. Start with scones, brownies and sourdough, and register your premises with the local authority.
09Handmade soap and candles for tourist gift shops
€500–€3,000Visitors look for locally made gifts using Irish themes such as seaweed, peat scent or Celtic design. Sell wholesale to gift shops and through Etsy to the Irish diaspora overseas.
Full launch plan →10Wool and craft items for diaspora gifts
€300–€3,000Irish diaspora in the US, UK and Australia buy cultural items, jewellery and knitted goods. Etsy lets you reach them with clear shipping information and proper customs paperwork.
11Walking and food tours
€500–€3,000Historic tours of Dublin, literary walks and pub trails with music draw international visitors. Sell through Viator and GetYourGuide, and carry public liability insurance.
Full launch plan →12Mobile bar for weddings and farm venues
€8,000–€30,000Outdoor and rural wedding venues often allow outside bar services. Check licensing under Irish law, including the need for a special exemption or arrangement with a licensed supplier.
Full launch plan →13Wedding photography and videography
€2,500–€9,000Weddings are a significant spend for Irish families, with demand peaking from May to September. Build a portfolio with venues in your county and secure public liability and equipment insurance.
Full launch plan →14Grinds and exam prep for the Leaving Cert
€100–€800Many families pay for grinds in the Junior Cycle and Leaving Certificate years. Subject specialists in maths, Irish and sciences can fill a timetable by word of mouth.
Full launch plan →15Online English lessons for international learners
€200–€1,200Ireland is a popular destination for English learners, and tutors can teach remotely to students overseas. Specialise in business English for tech employees working in Dublin.
Full launch plan →16Home care companionship in rural areas
€1,500–€10,000Many older people live alone in rural homes far from family. Non-medical companionship and driving to appointments help, while regulated home support requires HIQA-aligned standards, so seek advice before offering personal care.
Full launch plan →17Virtual assistant for EU-based tech firms
€100–€1,000Ireland hosts many tech and pharma firms, and small companies in the sector need part-time admin help. Work remotely and invoice in euro, collecting VAT where required.
Full launch plan →18Podcast production for tourism and cultural brands
€500–€3,000Heritage sites, festivals and local councils produce audio and video content. Offer a package covering recording, editing and publishing.
Full launch plan →19Small-scale craft brewery or gin brand
€20,000–€150,000Irish craft spirits and beer have a growing audience at home and with visitors. Regulation is significant, including excise licensing with Revenue, so many start as contract brewers or distillers.
Full launch plan →
How to start a business in Ireland
- 1
Choose your structure
Many people start as a sole trader, while others form a private company limited by shares. A company is registered with the Companies Registration Office (CRO). Compare options with an accountant.
- 2
Register as a sole trader with Revenue
Sole traders register for income tax with the Revenue Commissioners using the myAccount and ROS services. Check Revenue’s website for current registration timelines and tax obligations.
- 3
Or register a company with the CRO
Companies are formed through the CRO, which requires a constitution, directors, a registered office and a company secretary. Confirm current filing fees and requirements on the CRO website.
- 4
Register for VAT when you reach the threshold
Value-Added Tax registration with Revenue is required above set thresholds that differ for goods and services. Check the latest rates and thresholds on the Revenue site.
- 5
Get local authority permissions and sector licences
Food premises register with the HSE or local authority, trading on the street requires a casual trading licence, and alcohol requires a licence through the courts or relevant authority. Ask your local council which permits apply.
- 6
Open a business account and arrange insurance
A separate business account makes tax and VAT easier. Public liability insurance is commonly requested by venues and markets. Use bookkeeping software to prepare for Revenue filings.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Fees, forms and requirements change — confirm with the official agencies named above before you file. Updated 2026-10-20.
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Frequently asked questions
What business can I start with €2,000 in Ireland?
Window cleaning, gutter and moss cleaning, handyman work, grinds, freelance services or craft selling on Etsy fit this budget. Include insurance and any local permits in your plan.
Do I need to register for VAT?
You must register once your turnover passes the threshold set by Revenue, which is different for goods and services. You can register earlier if it benefits you. Check the current figures on the Revenue website.
Can I sell food from home?
Small-scale home food businesses are possible, but you must register with the relevant food authority and meet hygiene rules. Contact the Food Safety Authority of Ireland or your local environmental health office.
Is it better to be a sole trader or a company?
Sole trader is simplest and common for start-ups. A limited company limits personal liability and can be useful as profits grow, but involves more reporting. Speak with an accountant to compare tax outcomes.
Can I start a business in Ireland if I am from outside the EU?
Immigration permission and business registration are separate. Check the Department of Justice and the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment for the permissions that apply to your situation.
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