As Ireland’s tech industry continues to evolve, so too do the requirements for roles in the sector. For example, the incredible growth of artificial intelligence has seen employers looking to fill positions that didn’t even exist a few years ago.
This means that improving your existing skills or learning new ones could help you cast a wider net in your search for a new position.
From hard skills in areas like AI to soft skills like critical thinking, we’re taking a closer look at exactly what you need to land the best tech jobs in Ireland.
Technical Skills in High Demand
AI and Machine Learning (ML)
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into products and services is reshaping industries. Irish tech employers are prioritising candidates who can design, train, and deploy AI/ML models.
Applications: Chatbots, predictive analytics, and personalised recommendations.
Specific Roles: Data Scientists, AI Engineers, and ML Developers.
Key Tools: Python, TensorFlow, PyTorch, and Scikit-learn.
According to LinkedIn’s Emerging Jobs Report 2024, AI specialists have seen a 32% year-on-year growth in Ireland.
Cloud Computing and DevOps
Cloud computing remains a cornerstone of modern IT infrastructure, and the integration of DevOps ensures faster, more efficient software development cycles.
Applications: Cloud-native applications, serverless architectures, and containerisation.
Specific Roles: Cloud Engineers, DevOps Specialists, and Site Reliability Engineers (SREs).
Key Tools: AWS, Azure, Google Cloud, Kubernetes, and Docker.
Gartner projects that the global cloud market will exceed $832 billion by 2025, with Ireland contributing significantly due to its tech ecosystem.
Cybersecurity Expertise
With increasing cyber threats, organisations are prioritising security measures, creating a surge in demand for cybersecurity professionals.
Applications: Risk assessment, incident response, and threat detection.
Specific Roles: Cybersecurity Analysts, Ethical Hackers, and Security Architects.
Key Tools: Splunk, Wireshark, Kali Linux, and security frameworks like NIST and ISO 27001.
A report by Cyber Ireland indicates a 40% growth in cybersecurity job postings between 2023 and 2025.
Data Engineering and Analytics
As data volumes grow, the need for professionals who can build data pipelines, maintain infrastructure, and generate actionable insights is increasing.
Applications: Business intelligence, predictive analytics, and machine learning.
Specific Roles: Data Engineers, Data Analysts, and BI Specialists.
Key Tools: SQL, Apache Spark, Hadoop, and Tableau.
The Irish data analytics market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% between 2023 and 2025, according to a report by IDA Ireland. This is bolstered by the fact that there are 47 data centres in Ireland and 18 data centre providers.
Full-Stack Development
Full-stack developers remain critical for startups and large enterprises alike, given their ability to handle both front-end and back-end development.
Applications: Web applications, mobile app development, and e-commerce platforms.
Specific Roles: Full-Stack Developers, Front-End Developers, and Back-End Developers.
Key Tools: React, Angular, Node.js, and Django.
Indeed reports that full-stack developers in Ireland are among the top five most in-demand tech roles in 2024, with this trend expected to continue into 2025.
Soft Skills in High Demand
Adaptability
The fast-paced nature of the tech industry requires professionals who can adapt to changing technologies and workflows. It comes as no real surprise that Irish employers value candidates who can quickly learn new tools and methodologies.
Why It’s Important: Enables seamless transitions during tech upgrades or shifts in business strategies.
Collaboration and Communication
With the rise of remote and hybrid work models, the ability to collaborate effectively across distributed teams is critical.
Why It’s Important: Clear communication fosters better teamwork, especially in agile environments. As many as 46% of the Irish workforce works some part of their working week remotely.
Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
Tech professionals must approach challenges analytically, particularly in fields like data science and cybersecurity, where rapid decision-making is crucial.
Why It’s Important: Facilitates innovation and efficient troubleshooting.
Leadership and Project Management
As tech teams grow in size and complexity, leadership skills are becoming increasingly valued, even for junior and mid-level roles.
Why It’s Important: Effective project management ensures timely delivery and resource optimisation.
Insights for Specific Roles
Software Development
Key Skills: Proficiency in languages like Python, JavaScript, and Rust (rising in popularity for systems programming). Knowledge of CI/CD pipelines and Agile methodologies.
2025 Focus: Developers with experience in microservices architecture and serverless computing are highly sought after.
Data Science
Key Skills: Advanced statistical analysis, natural language processing (NLP), and deep learning.
2025 Focus: Skills in data ethics and responsible AI are becoming essential as companies strive to build fair and transparent AI systems.
Cybersecurity
Key Skills: Proficiency in ethical hacking, network security, and cryptography.
2025 Focus: Knowledge of quantum-resistant encryption as quantum computing gains traction.
As we move into 2025, the tech industry in Ireland is prioritising a blend of advanced technical expertise and essential soft skills. Candidates who invest in continuous learning and adapt to emerging trends will position themselves as valuable assets in a highly competitive job market.
If you’re unsure of your next steps in the Irish tech jobs market, feel free to get in touch with us here at Software Placements. We’re always happy to help candidates find their perfect role or give advice on the best skills to acquire before applying.