Cork, Limerick, Galway: 3 Lesser-known Tech Cities of Ireland

When it comes to tech companies in Ireland, Dublin usually takes center stage. But beyond the capital, we want to draw your attention to three other lesser-known cities: Cork, Limerick, and Galway that also have an important impact on the country's tech industry.

Let’s explore together what makes each of these cities unique, pointing out:

• Important Facts
• IT Talent Pool
• Tech Professional Salaries
• Cost to Hire an IT Company
• Startup Ecosystem

Cork

Important Facts

Cork is the second-largest city in Ireland, with about 210,000 people living there. It is known as the “Rebel City” because of its strong history and independent spirit. Cork City is also a known leader in cybersecurity. Thus major cyber and tech-focused companies like Intel, IBM, Trend Micro, and  FireEye have chosen it for their operations. Cork has a lively culture and beautiful landscape, which create a relaxed atmosphere and make it a great alternative to Dublin.

Cork’s IT Talent Pool

A new report by Accenture shows that Cork is a top city for tech workers outside Dublin, with more than 10,000 of Cork's employees being skilled tech workers. The city has good universities, such as University College Cork (UCC), which is one of the best universities in Ireland, known for its research in business and engineering; it has over 20,000 students. And Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) is also known for its important technical education and training in software development, engineering, and data analytics.

The quality of Cork's talent pool continues to grow, as many professionals upgrade their skills in their current jobs, on the one hand, and on the other, many technology professionals move to Cork from other parts of Ireland and even abroad, thus Cork gains access to a skilled and diverse workforce without the intense competition and high costs of Dublin.

How Much Does a Tech Professional Make in Cork?

According to Glassdoor, the average salary for a tech worker in Cork, Ireland is €27,001 per year. This figure represents the median salary, which means it's the middle point of salaries. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an IT Company in Cork?
According to TechBehemoths data, the hourly rates for IT services in Cork show that approximately 71% of companies charge between $70 and $150 per hour, while 29% charge between $150 and $250 per hour.

The Startup Ecosystem in Cork

There are excellent resources for startups in Cork, including co-working spaces, networking events, and mentorship programs.

According to the Startupblink database Cork has 89 startups, which is about 8% of all startups in Ireland. It is the second-best startup ecosystem in the country. 

According to the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2024, Cork dropped 39 places in its global ranking. However, it has maintained its position as the second-best startup city in Ireland since 2023.

Explore IT companies in Cork

Republic of Work is a popular co-working space that offers flexible workspace, networking events, and ‘lunch and learn’ sessions for skills development and community engagement. In partnership with the NDRC (National Digital Research Centre), they organize the annual DeeptechFest.  Grind Cork Startup hosts regular events where entrepreneurs can connect, learn, and find potential collaborators.

Limerick

Important Facts

Limerick has a population of 102,287, making it the third-largest urban area in Ireland. It is a relatively affordable place to live, with rent prices up to 30% lower than in Dublin, Galway, and Cork. There are 63 local technology companies, and it is important to note that 12 of them are founded by women, according to TechIreland.

The city’s focus is on enterprise, green energy, the Internet of Things, and MedTech. Notable companies include Arralis, Teckro, BHSL Hydro, and Altra Tech, along with major companies like Dell and Intel have chosen Limerick for their operations. 

In 2018, Limerick earned the title of European City of the Future in its population category, recognized for its business-friendly environment and strong foreign investment strategies.

Limerick’s IT Talent Pool

The city has key institutions like the University of Limerick (UL) and the Technological University of the Shannon (TUS), which are well-known for their IT and engineering programs. UL focuses on research in areas like artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software engineering.

 It has over 16,000 students and strong connections with industry, providing one of the highest placement rates in Ireland. Many students go on to work for major companies like eBay and Yahoo. TUS supports this by offering practical, career-focused training.

As a result, Limerick is becoming an attractive option for technology companies looking for well-trained talent without the high costs.

How Much Does a Tech Professional Make in Limerick?

According to World Salaries, the average salary for a tech worker in Limerick, Ireland is around 23,400 EUR per year. This makes it an affordable location, offering a good quality of life.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an IT Company in Limerick?

TechBehemoths data shows the hourly rates for IT services in Limerick.  About 25% of companies charge between $30 and $70 per hour. Another 25% charge between $150 and $250 per hour. The majority, 50% of companies, charge between $70 and $150 per hour.

The Startup Ecosystem in Limerick

Limerick’s tech ecosystem is growing rapidly and, like Cork, offers a variety of resources for startups, including co-working spaces, networking events, and mentoring programs.

According to the Startupblink database Limerick has 49 startups, which is about 4% of all startups in Ireland. This makes Limerick the fourth-best startup ecosystem in the country.

 Although Limerick dropped 21 spots in the Global Startup Ecosystem Index for 2024, it kept its stable position as the fourth-ranked startup hub in Ireland since 2023.

Find more IT Companies in Limerick                                                                             

There are multiple startup events happening in Limerick, such as The Limerick Startup Grind aimed at entrepreneurs to share ideas. The Rise Ireland conference brings together leaders to discuss growth strategies. The Limerick Chamber of Commerce also offers workshops and mentoring.

Galway

Important Facts

Galway City has a population of approximately 80,000, with another 60,000 people living within a 30-minute drive. It is known as the Cultural Heart of Ireland because of its historic charm and welcoming atmosphere, hosting around 122 festivals and events each year. Galway is also a global leader in the medical technology industry. Big companies like Medtronic and Boston Scientific have teams based there. 

Galway’s IT Talent Pool

Galway offers unique opportunities for future technology professionals. One of the key institutions is the University of Galway, known for its high-quality programs in areas such as computer science and data analytics. 

Research centers such as the Insight Center for Data Analytics provide an environment where students and professionals can engage in technology projects. This makes the city particularly attractive to major companies such as IBM, SAP, Oracle, and Cisco, all of which have a presence there.

What also sets Galway apart, is its approach to continuous learning and collaboration between education and industry. With nearly half of the population holding third-level qualifications, and a steady stream of 25,000 new graduates each year. For companies, especially those in tech, Galway isn’t just an attractive location—it’s a strategic choice.

How Much Does a Tech Professional Make in Galway?

In Galway, a tech worker can expect to earn an average annual salary of approximately 20,700 EUR, as reported by World Salaries. 

How Much Does it Cost to Hire an IT Company in Galway?

According to TechBehemoths data, the hourly rates for IT services in Galway reveal that approximately 62.5% of companies charge between $30 and $70 per hour, while 37.5% of companies charge between $70 and $150 per hour.

The Startup Ecosystem in Galway

According to the Startupblink database Galway has 83 startups, making up about 7% of all startups in Ireland. It is the 3rd best startup ecosystem in the country and it has kept its stable 3rd place ranking in Ireland since 2023.

Explore IT Companies in Galway                                                                              

Galway has much to offer for both startups and established companies. Many co-working spaces provide flexible office space for startups and entrepreneurs such as The Portershed Galway Technology Centre (GTC), Bank of Ireland Workbench, Bank of Ireland Workbench. 

There are also mentorship opportunities like the Enterprise Ireland Mentoring Programme, Local Enterprise Office (LEO) Galway, or VentureLab Galway. These programs offer mentoring sessions to improve business ideas and find funding.

Summing Up

Every city, whether capital or not, brings its unique strengths and opportunities.

When selecting an IT company from Ireland to collaborate with, consider their skills, salaries, startup communities, and costs.  Whether you are a tech professional or a business searching for new opportunities, these cities provide numerous reasons to look beyond just the capital.

Techbehemoths has also developed an advanced filter to simplify the selection process. This tool allows you to narrow down the results and shortlist companies based on your project requirements.

You can start browsing and selecting companies to work with, or you can submit your project requirements, and we will send you a curated list of tech companies to consider for hiring. 

Cork, Limerick, and Galway are waiting for your inquiries!