When people think of the West of Ireland, stunning scenery and vibrant culture often come to mind. But behind the postcard views lies one of Europe’s most dynamic regions for West of Ireland business opportunities – a place where global leaders in MedTech, pharma, technology, and financial services are scaling, innovating, and thriving.
At LSC, we’ve worked closely with life sciences clients and contractors in Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon for many years. We’ve seen first-hand how the region’s combination of talent, infrastructure, and quality of life makes it a strategic choice for both established players and ambitious newcomers.
Long-Term West of Ireland Business Success
The counties of Galway, Mayo, and Roscommon are home to more than 130 multinational companies, employing over 31,000 people. Many of these businesses have been operating here for decades, a testament to the West’s stability and long-term value as an investment location.
Medtech is a standout sector. Galway alone hosts industry giants Boston Scientific and Medtronic, who employ nearly 8,000 people between them, almost half of the West’s 16,000-strong medtech workforce.
Pharma is thriving too. AbbVie in Westport, Vantive (formerly Baxter Healthcare) near Castlebar, and Hollister in Ballina have each built decades-long operations, employing between 1,000 and 1,300 people per site. Roscommon is also attracting major pharma investment, with Novo Nordisk expanding its footprint here.
Emerging Trends in the West
While medtech and pharma remain cornerstones, we’re seeing exciting momentum in:
- Digital health and smart manufacturing, integrating automation and data-driven processes into production lines.
- Sustainable manufacturing practices, with sites investing in carbon-neutral operations and energy efficiency.
- Specialist quality assurance and engineering roles, driven by global regulatory demands.
These trends create fresh opportunities for both technical professionals and the companies ready to hire them.
Rapid Growth Support for West of Ireland Businesses
For companies setting up or expanding, speed matters and the West delivers. Flexible workspaces like the PorterShed and Platform94 in Galway offer immediate desks and facilities while local hiring ramps up.
Galway City’s position in the top three European micro-cities for ‘economic potential’ and ‘business friendliness’ in the fDi Intelligence 2025 report reflects the region’s pro-business environment. With close to 50% of the population under 35 and a strong pipeline of graduates from the University of Galway and Atlantic Technological University, talent is readily available across all levels.
We’ve also noticed a strong returning diaspora trend – highly skilled Irish professionals coming back from overseas to work in the West, often bringing with them international experience and fresh perspectives.
A Connected Regional Ecosystem
One of the West’s greatest strengths is its interconnectedness. Medtech leaders in Galway, pharma operations in Mayo, and manufacturing hubs in Roscommon often collaborate on supplier relationships, shared training programmes, and industry events.
The transport links make it easy to do business globally:
- Shannon Airport – just an hour from Galway – offers direct flights to London and full US preclearance for East Coast connections.
- Dublin Airport – two hours by road – serves hundreds of destinations worldwide.
- Ireland West Airport Knock – in Mayo – offers direct flights to London.
Excellent road, rail, and bus networks ensure smooth connectivity across the country and beyond.
Quality of Life That Retains Talent
Business success here isn’t just about operations, it’s also about people. The West of Ireland offers a work-life balance that keeps employees engaged and committed.
Short commutes, access to mountains, lakes, and coastline, plus a thriving cultural scene in Galway City, mean professionals don’t have to choose between career growth and lifestyle.
From a resourcing perspective, that matters. We see consistently longer tenures in the West compared to high-turnover urban hubs. Stable teams mean stronger technical expertise, lower training costs, and greater organisational resilience.
A Region for Every Sector
While MedTech and Pharma are powerhouses, the West is also seeing growth in technology, fintech, advanced manufacturing, and business services. The combination of a skilled workforce, business-friendly policies, and a high quality of life makes the region a winning choice for companies of all sizes.
At LSC, we work with life sciences leaders who value not only the infrastructure and talent here, but also the community spirit and collaborative mindset that make the West a unique place to grow.
Conclusion:
Whether you’re an established multinational or a high-potential start-up, the West of Ireland offers the ingredients for long-term success: skilled talent, proven industry expertise, global connectivity, and an exceptional quality of life. It’s no wonder this region continues to attract and retain world-class businesses and LSC is here to help them find the people who make it possible.
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