Includes web links to local trade fair or show authorities and local newspapers, trade publications, radio/TV/cable information.
Last Published: 8/6/2019

Ireland does not host any major international trade fairs.  In international terms, Irish trade fairs are small-scale events that attract local trade and consumer audiences.  Thus, they principally offer sales and promotional opportunities for Irish manufacturers, agents, and distributors. In general, the international element of these events is limited to local representatives promoting international brands.

Due to the proximity of Ireland to major trade fairs in European cities, most Irish manufacturers, agents, distributors, and end users attend the major European exhibitions in their industry sectors.  The U.S. Commercial Service in Dublin promotes U.S. pavilions at European tradeshows to the Irish business community to ensure that U.S. exhibitors can take advantage of business opportunities in the Irish market.

  • There are eight national Sunday newspapers, of which The Sunday Business Post is directed at corporate executives. British newspapers and tabloids are widely available in Ireland.
  • There is increased competition in the broadcasting sector with independent national broadcasting organizations, Newstalk and Today FM (radio),  Virgin Media  and UTV Ireland (television) now challenging the state-controlled Radio-Telefis Eireann (RTE) organization. There are also a large number of independent radio stations operating in local areas.
  • Pay-TV households account for over 71% of the 1.59 million TV households in Ireland.  Digital TV services dominate across 98% of households.
  • There are numerous advertising agencies with a wide range of services in Ireland.  Advertising agencies utilize every medium available to advertisers including direct mailings, press, radio, television, point-of-sale advertising, posters, public transportation vehicles and all social media channels.
    • Other promotional techniques such as loyalty schemes, coupons, samples, premiums, and prizes are also used.
    • Companies that advertise and sell goods and services should obtain local professional advice regarding provisions of the law and consumer acceptance of promotional or marketing techniques.

    Major organizations engaged in market research provide the usual range of services, including store audits, consumer surveys, product field-testing, and attitude and motivation research.  There are differences, however, in spending habits and preferences for goods and services, and local opinion should be obtained in advance of creating specific strategies that call for a major commitment of resources.

    Prepared by our U.S. Embassies abroad. With its network of 108 offices across the United States and in more than 75 countries, the U.S. Commercial Service of the U.S. Department of Commerce utilizes its global presence and international marketing expertise to help U.S. companies sell their products and services worldwide. Locate the U.S. Commercial Service trade specialist in the U.S. nearest you by visiting http://export.gov/usoffices.