Ireland is the 4th largest insurance hub in the EU and one of the most important reinsurance centres globally. The overall industry has grown considerably in recent years, with gross written premiums increasing from €73 billion in 2017 to €109 billion in 2024. This is despite a reduction in the number of insurers over the period – as of 2025, there were 178 insurance and reinsurance companies based in Ireland.

The sector also makes a substantial contribution to the Irish economy, both socially and economically. Contributions by the insurance industry to the Exchequer have grown to €3 billion annually in 2024, up from €2.7 billion recorded in 2023. Employment in the sector has also increased by over 20%, with over 43,000 people now employed in the Irish insurance industry, many of whom are in high-value international roles. This compares to 35,000 roles at the time of our last report on the industry in 2023.

This report, commissioned by Insurance Ireland (the representative body for Irish insurers), provides an overview of the Irish insurance industry and highlights the central role it plays within the Irish economy. The report also considers the merits of Ireland as a location for international insurers as well as the future outlook for the industry, both domestically and internationally.