Business & Finance has released the annual Top 100 Index, recognising the leading companies operating in Ireland in 2024.
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The full list is available to download here
ABP Food Group
Founded in 1954, the award-winning beef processing group operates with a network of over 35,000 farmers, and contributes an estimated €1.3bn each year into the rural economies in which it operates, turning over €3bn. The core business—ABP Beef—is supported by its renewable, pet food and protein divisions, which combine to ensure the value of by-products is maximised and the environmental impact is minimised. It operates across 51 locations in 9 countries across Ireland, the UK and Europe. ABP won 29 awards at the World Steak Challenge 2018, including World’s Best Fillet Steak, and repeated the win for World’s Best Fillet Steak at the World Steak Challenge 2019. They were awarded 13 gold, 14 silver and 13 bronze accolades across a number of different categories, reaffirming ABP’s position as the leading beef processor in the EU. These awards are an endorsement of the unique Ultra Tender Process that the company utilises. Last year ABP Foods announced a ground-breaking deal with Chinese online retailer JD.com one of the largest B2C online retailers in China by transaction volume and revenue, with 301.8 million active users recorded in the first quarter of 2018.
AerCap
AerCap is the global leader in aviation leasing, distinguished by one of the most attractive order books in the industry. With a diverse portfolio, AerCap serves approximately 300 customers across the globe, offering comprehensive fleet solutions that cater to the unique needs of airlines and aviation operators. Headquartered in Dublin, AerCap also maintains offices in strategic locations including Shannon, Miami, Singapore, Memphis, Amsterdam, Shanghai, Abu Dhabi, Seattle, Toulouse, and several others worldwide. The company is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol AER. AerCap focuses on delivering high-quality services in aircraft leasing and trading, as well as asset management, with a commitment to optimising operations through sustainable practices and innovative advancements in aviation technology.
Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus is the national airline of Ireland, founded in 1936. It operates 65 aircraft on over 70 destinations in the UK and Europe and 12 destinations in North America. Customers travelling to the USA via Ireland can benefit from the Customs and Border Pre-Clearance, allowing customers to save valuable time on arrival into the USA. Aer Lingus is Ireland’s only 4-Star airline, awarded by Skytrax, the international air transport rating organisation. Its mission is to be the leading value carrier operating across the North Atlantic. Its home base is Dublin Airport. Aer Lingus is a member of International Airlines Group (IAG), one of the world’s largest airline groups.
Aerogen
Galway MedTech firm Aerogen is the world leader in acute care aerosol drug delivery, employing over 400 professionals between its headquarters in Ireland and commercial and clinical support teams in regions such as Europe, the Middle East, North America, LATAM, and Asia. With a strong commitment to innovation and excellence, Aerogen has developed a range of multi-award-winning products that are utilised in more than 75 countries worldwide. To date, over 16 million acute care patients, from neonatal to adult populations, have benefitted from Aerogen’s advanced aerosol drug delivery technology. The company is dedicated to improving patient outcomes through its cutting-edge solutions, solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in the medical technology sector and contributing significantly to global healthcare advancements.
AIB
AIB Group is a leading financial services organisation primarily operating in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom. With three core segments, Retail Banking, Capital Markets, and AIB UK, the group provides a comprehensive range of services to personal, business, and corporate customers. AIB holds significant market shares in banking products throughout the Republic of Ireland. The company’s shares are listed on the Irish and London Stock Exchanges, and it is a member of the FTSE4Good Index. In recent years, AIB has restructured its operations to enhance customer focus, profitability, and lower risk, positioning itself to support economic recovery in Ireland while delivering sustainable shareholder returns and embracing a greener future.
AMCS
AMCS, based in Limerick and founded by CEO Jimmy Martin, is the leading provider of integrated software and vehicle technology for the environmental resources and complex logistics industries. With over 3,000 customers across 23 countries, AMCS is committed to enhancing Performance Sustainability, enabling resource-intensive sectors to improve both sustainability and profitability. Headquartered in Limerick, the company operates 13 global offices in locations such as the UK, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, and the US. With over three decades of expertise, AMCS offers specialised solutions for the resources, waste, recycling, transportation, and utilities sectors. With a workforce of over 1,300 skilled professionals, AMCS is dedicated to delivering innovative digital solutions that enhance customer satisfaction, promote sustainability, and drive business growth towards a net-zero carbon future.
An Post
An Post is a major commercial organisation in Ireland, providing a diverse range of services that encompass postal, communication, retail, and financial sectors. As one of the country’s largest employers, An Post directly employs over 10,000 individuals through its extensive national network of retail, processing, and delivery points. The organisation has achieved three consecutive years of profit and growth, positioning itself as one of the best-performing postal entities worldwide. Originally projected to incur a loss of €150 million in 2019, An Post is now on track to make a profit of €40 million. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, An Post is committed to enhancing its services to meet customer needs, playing a vital role in connecting communities and supporting local economies across Ireland
Arachas Corporate Brokers Ltd
As Ireland’s largest nationwide insurance broker, they provide comprehensive coverage and support throughout the insurance journey. With over 50 years of experience, they have established trusted relationships with clients and insurance partners, delivering reliable insurance solutions tailored to a wide range of needs. Their commitment to investing in and supporting their people ensures that clients receive knowledgeable and dependable service. By partnering with high-quality insurance providers, they offer peace of mind, allowing clients to focus on their daily lives with confidence in their coverage
Ardagh Plc
Ardagh Group is a global leader in sustainable, infinitely recyclable metal and glass packaging, serving brand owners worldwide. The company’s commitment to market-leading innovation, quality, and customer service is supported by significant investments in its people and processes. Operating 57 production facilities in 12 countries, Ardagh employs over 16,000 individuals and achieves sales of approximately $7 billion. Ardagh Metal Packaging (AMP), 76% owned by Ardagh Group, is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Additionally, the group holds a 42% interest in Trivium Packaging, a prominent supplier of sustainable metal packaging for the food, specialty, and personal care sectors. Recently, Ardagh completed the acquisition of Consol Holdings Proprietary Limited, the leading producer of glass packaging in Africa.
ATA Group
The Cavan-headquartered precision engineering toolmaker operates in over 90 international markets and has operating facilities in Ireland, the UK, Germany, Switzerland and the US. The business has been built up over 50 years, serving industries including aerospace, automotive, shipbuilding, steel fabrication and power generation. Backed by London private equity, acquisitions in the US in 2012 and the UK in 2014 expanded the companies’ position in the manufacturing of tungsten carbide burrs. In 2016, an MBO funded by AIB and Bank of Ireland exited private equity. Further equity fundraising led by BDO Development Capital in 2017 and ISIF in 2019 helped the groups’ expansion plans. The 2019 acquisition of cutting tools specialist Karnasch in Germany and the 2021 acquisition of the micro tool manufacturer Napflin in Switzerland positions the business with a broad range of performance tools serving major industrial sectors across the globe. ATA employs over 330 people worldwide.
Avolon
Avolon is a significant player in the global aviation leasing industry, enhancing Ireland’s position as a leader in this sector. As the largest funded startup worldwide, Avolon raised $750 million in equity and is currently the third-largest lessor globally, featuring the youngest fleet. In 2018, the company opened its new global headquarters at One Ballsbridge, Dublin, with other offices in the US, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Shanghai. Avolon’s success is rooted in its ambitious team, multi-cycle experience, and commitment to maintaining a fleet of young, fuel-efficient aircraft. Guided by corporate values embodied in the acronym TRIBE, Avolon fosters strong stakeholder relationships and invests in local communities, ensuring a collaborative and inclusive work environment.
Bank of Ireland
Bank of Ireland’s core purpose is to enable its customers, colleagues, and communities to thrive in a rapidly changing financial landscape. Established by Royal Charter in 1783, the Bank has a rich heritage and offers a comprehensive range of banking and financial services tailored to meet the diverse needs of its clients. In the UK, the Group maintains long-standing partnerships with the Post Office and the AA, providing accessible consumer financial services that enhance customer experiences. The Group’s international operations are managed by its Corporate Banking and Global Markets teams, which are strategically located in Dublin, London, and various offices across continental Europe and the United States. With a strong commitment to customer service and innovation, Bank of Ireland aims to support economic growth and improve the financial wellbeing of its customers.
Bimeda
A global leader in animal health, Bimeda is a prominent manufacturer, marketer, and distributor of animal health products and veterinary pharmaceuticals. The company has established markets in more than 80 countries worldwide and has R&D, manufacturing, and distribution capabilities across Europe, North America, South America, Africa, Asia, and Australasia. With a workforce of over 1,000 employees globally, Bimeda’s headquarters is located in Carrickmines, Dublin, Ireland, with U.S. operations based in Oakbrook Terrace, IL.
Bimeda is focused on providing a comprehensive, customer-driven service, and selling consistently high-quality products, at a market-conscious price level. Within Ireland, Bimeda focuses primarily on the categories of parasite control, nutrition, cattle production and equine health; providing high quality, cost-effective products to vets, animal health professionals and farmers around the country.
Boylesports
BoyleSports is Ireland’s second-largest bookmaker, with a significant retail presence of 231 branches throughout the country. Founded in 1989 by John Boyle, the company has its headquarters in Dundalk, County Louth. BoyleSports has grown into a leading provider of sports betting and gaming services, offering a wide range of betting options both in-store and online. Known for its commitment to customer service, innovation, and responsible gambling, BoyleSports continues to expand its footprint across Ireland and the UK while maintaining its roots in Irish sports culture.
Buymie
Buymie is Ireland’s largest same-day grocery e-commerce platform, enabling consumers to order groceries and household items from their favourite retailers via mobile devices, with deliveries in as little as one hour. The platform partners with major retailers such as Dunnes Stores, Lidl, and Woodies in Ireland, as well as Asda in the UK. Buymie connects customers to a fully trained network of personal shoppers who pick, pack, and deliver orders efficiently. Committed to convenience and customer satisfaction, Buymie has established itself as a leading choice for quick and reliable grocery delivery services.
BWG
BWG Group is a leading Irish-based retail and wholesale business operating in the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, with annual revenues of approximately €1.7 billion. BWG Foods operates the Group’s substantial retail, wholesale and wines & spirits business in Ireland. In partnership with independent retailers, BWG’s expansive retail portfolio comprises more than 1,000 SPAR, EUROSPAR, MACE, LONDIS and XL symbol stores across the Republic of Ireland, in addition to a further +300 SPAR stores through its UK based Appleby Westward business. BWG Foods Wholesale Division owns and operates 21 cash and carry locations across Ireland trading under the Value Centre, 4 Aces and Better Deal brands. It also comprises BWG Foodservice, along with Corrib Foods and Heaney Meats, which together service over 14,000 customers across the hotel, restaurant, pubs and catering sector, as well as a number of Gala stores. The Group has a separate property division, BWG Properties (Triode Newhill), which owns a portfolio of retail stores.
Cairn Homes
Cairn Homes is Ireland’s largest self-build apartment developer and homebuilder, committed to creating sustainable foundations for the future. With a mature and scaled end-to-end operating platform, Cairn Homes has the resources and capabilities to deliver a wide choice of new homes in desirable locations across Ireland. Driven by a vision that prioritises people, progress, and prosperity, Cairn Homes is focused on more than just construction; it’s about building communities where connection and belonging flourish. Every development is designed with the long-term future in mind, ensuring that the homes and communities built today will thrive for generations to come. At Cairn Homes, every project is “Built For Good,” reflecting a deep commitment to creating lasting value and supporting an Ireland where everyone can thrive.
Carberry
Carbery is a global leader in providing premium nutritional ingredients, flavours, and natural cheeses to customers across 50 countries. Owned by farmers of West Cork, Carbery is committed to crafting delicious and nutritious products that meet the highest quality standards. The company’s cooperative heritage is central to its mission: to deliver value while ensuring a stable and sustainable future for its shareholders. Carbery is owned by 1,220 farmer suppliers who provide milk to the group, reflecting a deep-rooted connection to its agricultural community. With a focus on innovation and sustainability, Carbery continues to grow and thrive in the international food industry.
C&C Group
Best known internationally for its Magners cider brand (Bulmers in Ireland), C&C Group operates production facilities in Ireland, the UK, and the US. The company traces its origins back to a Belfast chemist business, Cantrell & Dyas, which began manufacturing mineral waters, ginger ale, lemonade, and soda water in the 1850s. A significant milestone in its history occurred when Cantrell & Dyas merged with the soft drinks business of Henry Cochrane, leading to the formation of Cantrell and Cochrane. This merger established the foundation for today’s C&C Group, which continues to thrive in the beverage industry.
Chanelle Pharma
Chanelle Pharma is Ireland’s largest indigenous generic pharmaceutical manufacturer, specialising in both medical and veterinary products. With a strong commitment to quality and innovation, Chanelle Pharma serves customers in 96 countries worldwide. The company has established itself as a partner of choice for the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical products, collaborating with the world’s leading human generic and animal health multinationals and distributors. Chanelle Pharma are passionate about understanding and addressing the unique challenges facing their medical and veterinary customers, striving to deliver innovative and effective products and solutions that meet their needs and improve health outcomes for patients and animals alike.
Circle K Ireland
Circle K Ireland, part of the global fuel and convenience store brand Circle K, is the leading fuel and convenience retailer in Ireland. With over 2,400 employees, its retail network is made up of 420 service stations across the island of Ireland. Of these stations, 160 are owned by Circle K and 250 are owned by independent retail partners. With an ambition to grow our offering in Ireland, Circle K recently added 10 high street convenience and food stores in Dublin to our established and extensive forecourt network. The Circle K forecourt and convenience retail offering covers a range of products and services including Circle K’s own specialty coffee, fresh food ranges, our next generation miles and milesPLUS fuel, EV charging facilities, Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) solutions for the freight and haulage sectors, largest fuel card network in Ireland and extensive carwash facilities. The company also operates a large commercial fuels business, with over 20 depots and two owned terminals across the country.
Coillte
Coillte, Ireland’s semi-state forestry company, is responsible for managing 440,000 hectares of primarily forested lands. It is the nation’s largest forester and producer of certified wood, a natural, renewable and sustainable resource. Coillte is also the largest provider of outdoor recreation space in Ireland, it enables wind-energy on the estate, processes forestry by-products and undertakes nature rehabilitation projects of scale. Coillte delivers the multiple benefits of forestry, including forests for climate, for nature, for wood and for people. For further information visit www.coillte.ie.
Combilift
Combilift Are The Largest Manufacturer Of Multidirectional, Sideloading And Articulated Forklifts Globally. Innovation, Flexibility and Service is the ethos on which Combilift’s success is built and has seen them become the world’s fastest-growing forklift manufacturer. The company announced 200 new jobs in 2018 with the opening of its new €50 million global headquarters in Monaghan. Founded in 1998, Combilift has grown significantly and now employs 550 people in the manufacturing of its wide range of forklifts and material handling products. The company’s innovative solutions have made it a leader in its field, with 98% of its products being exported to 85 countries through an extensive international dealer network of 250 partners. Combilift’s commitment to growth, innovation, and job creation continues to strengthen its position in the global market.
Cpl
Cpl is headquartered in Dublin and is a global provider of talent solutions including specialist recruitment, managed services, outsourcing and strategic talent advisory services through Cpl’s The Future of Work Institute. Cpl employs almost 14,000 people who support their customers globally. They have almost 50 office locations operating in 12 countries world-wide – Ireland, United Kingdom, Germany, Belgium, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria, Switzerland, Tunisia and the United States. This international office network works with Cpl’s clients on a domestic and global markets basis to provide the most impactful talent solutions.
DAA
daa is a global airport and travel retail business headquartered at Dublin Airport with operations in 16 countries. Its principal activities include the operation and management of the state’s two largest airports at Dublin and Cork and has international airport operations and investments in Cyprus, Germany and Saudi Arabia. ARI, its travel retail subsidiary, has outlets in Europe, North America, the Middle East, India and Asia-Pacific. Its aviation consultancy arm, daa International operates Terminal 5 at KKIA Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The Group’s core purpose is to connect Ireland with the world and its vision is to be an airport industry leader.
Dalata Hotel Group
Dalata was founded in 2007 with the acquisition of 11 leasehold and managed hotels. During the financial crash of 2008, Dalata seized an opportunity as banks took control of insolvent hotels, managing 37 properties on their behalf and quickly becoming Ireland’s largest hotel operator. In 2014, the company floated on the London and Dublin stock exchanges, raising equity to acquire hotels across Ireland and the UK. Dalata now owns 29 hotels, leases 15, and manages 3, with almost 10,200 rooms under its two major brands: Clayton Hotels and Maldron Hotels. From 2014 to 2019, revenue grew from €79m to €429m, with EBITDA reaching €162m. Despite challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, Dalata safeguarded its business through strategic partnerships and financial measures, continuing its expansion into the UK and mainland Europe.
Dale Farm
Dale Farm is Northern Ireland’s largest farmer-owned dairy processing cooperative. Dale Farm is made up of more than 1,300 dairy farmers across the North, England and Scotland. The Group’s activities span the food chain, from providing farm inputs and services, to collecting and marketing its members’ milk supplies, manufacturing an extensive range of dairy consumer and food ingredient products, and distributing these to both the domestic and over 40 export markets world-wide.
Dawn Farms
Established in 1985, Dawn Farms is a family-owned company and the largest dedicated supplier of cooked meat and plant-based ingredients and fermented and dried sausage products outside of the US. Dawn Farms is Europe’s leading dedicated multi-species cooked meat ingredients company. Offering the most comprehensive range of fermented and dried sausage products (pepperoni, salami and chorizo) for the pizza, sandwich, snack and prepared meal sectors. Their extensive product range is further complemented by a growing selection of other cooked protein options to meet today’s developing consumer trends. They are a family company with a global reach, exporting to over 44 international markets and are proud to supply many of the world’s leading food brands from our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities in Ireland, Germany and the U.K.
