Why Galway

Why Invest in Galway?

Galway and the West region have been continuously endorsed by global brands in Life Sciences, Software Development, Telecommunications and the Games industries. These knowledge-intensive companies are drawn to the area due to the skilled, multilingual workforce and local expertise in Business, Science, Engineering and Management.

From Here Your Business Can Grow Anywhere

In 2016 Galway was the third most popular county for start-ups with just over 1,000 new businesses registered during the year. Several new co-working and incubation spaces have opened since then in the city including the Galway Chamber-backed Porter Shed in the Galway City Innovation District (GCID).

IDA Ireland is the agency responsible for the attraction and retention of inward foreign direct investment into Ireland.


Enterprise Ireland is the government organisation responsible for the development and growth of Irish enterprises in world markets.


Galway Convention Bureau offers free and impartial support to meeting planners, associations, and incentive organisers. Their services include venue finding, bid assistance and introductions to local suppliers and business sector leaders.


Galway City Innovation District is a downtown innovation hub that houses high-potential start-ups, scale ups, innovation-driven entrepreneurs, a coworking space, and an open events area for workshops/talks.


The aim of the Regional Skills West forum is to support and facilitate communication and engagement between education and enterprise in the identification, development and delivery of skills required for the region.


The Sales Professionals Network is a space for those working in sales in the West to connect and build sales expertise, while informing future course development.

Galway Chamber is the premier business organisation in Galway. They work for the interests of businesses, and for the economic development of the City and Region.


Western Development Commission is the Irish government agency established to promote the economic and social development of the Western region.


American Chamber of Commerce Ireland (AmCham)  is the leading international business organisation in Ireland and the leadership voice of US companies in Ireland. Their key activities are advocacy and networking. Their advocacy work clearly demonstrates the strength and depth of the two-way US-Ireland trade and economic relationship that has benefited the United States, the EU and Ireland.


Tech community of innovators and influencers. itag companies drive technology innovation along the AtlanTec Gateway. itag provides networking opportunities for members to foster creativity, deepen relationships and build connections. itag Skillnet delivers up-skilling for leadership and future skills development through bespoke enterprise-led training; ensuring a skilled, diverse and inclusive technology talent pool.


Galway Executive Skillnet is a regional, multi sector business network for companies operating in County Galway and the surrounding counties of Clare, Mayo and Roscommon.


The Manufacturing Excellence Network collaborates in identifying and resolving skills gaps and issues and converting knowledge into best practices, for the manufacturing sector in the West Region.