Irish Start-Up Numbers Reach Record Levels in 2026

• 21,921 new startups so far in 2026, the highest on record
• 8% increase year-on-year for Irish startups
• 18 counties saw an increase in startups year-on-year
• 13 sectors saw an increase in startups in Q3 this year vs Q3 2025, including IT, motor, manufacturing and construction
• Commercial Judgments fell: Value down by 21% to €31M, Volume also fell 20% year on year
• Number of consumer judgements also saw a fall, representing a 24% decrease
• CRIFVision-net MD Christine Cullen: “The figures show that company start-ups remained robust during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting the resilience of the Irish business landscape. A record 21,921 new companies were registered during the period, up 8% year-on-year. Importantly, this growth was not confined to the main urban centres, with increased start-up activity recorded across the entire country” 

Our latest figures reveal 21,921 company startups have been recorded so far this year, the highest number on record. This represents an eight percent year-on-year increase in the number of company start-ups recorded for the first nine months of 2026, (21,921 in 2026 vs 20,206 in 2025). 

County by County Breakdown 

18 counties saw an increase in startups for Q3 2026 compared to Q3 2025, led by Sligo (21%), Kilkenny (20%), Laois (19%), Offaly (18%) and Wicklow (16%). Counties with large urban populations including Dublin (13%), Limerick (10%), Galway (11%) and Cork (7%) also experienced a positive first half of the year in new start-ups. 

Key Sectors See Growth 

A broad range of key economic sectors recorded an increase in new company formation during Q3 2026, highlighting continued entrepreneurial activity across both emerging and more established areas of the Irish economy. 

The IT sector recorded the strongest growth, with new company formation increasing by 54% year-on-year, reflecting continued activity within Ireland's technology and digital economy. The motor sector also saw significant growth, with startups increasing by 23%, while construction recorded a 15% increase and manufacturing rose by 11%. 

July was the busiest month for new company startups in the last quarter, with 2,800 new companies registered in the month. 

Irish Economy Shows Signs of Greater Financial Resilience 

The increase in new company formation comes alongside a significant reduction in recorded commercial and consumer judgments, providing a further indication of resilience across the Irish business and consumer landscape. 

The value of commercial judgments fell by 21% year-on-year to E31 million, while the volume of commercial judgments declined by 20% over the same period. The volume of consumer judgments also recorded a substantial decline, falling by 24% year-on-year. 

The simultaneous increase in new business formation and decline in judgments presents an encouraging picture of the current trading environment. While startup numbers reflect entrepreneurial activity and confidence to establish new businesses, judgment data provides an important indicator of financial pressure and the ability of businesses and consumers to meet their obligations. 

The reduction in both the number and value of commercial judgments is particularly notable, suggesting that the level of financial distress being captured through this measure has eased compared with the same period last year. 

Insight 

Commenting on the figures, Christine Cullen, Managing Director of CRIFVision-net, said: 

“The figures show that company start-ups remained robust during the first nine months of 2026, reflecting the resilience of the Irish business landscape. A record 21,921 new companies were registered during the period, up 8% year-on-year. Importantly, this growth was not confined to the main urban centres, with increased start-up activity recorded across the entire country 

What is particularly encouraging is the spread of this growth. Sectors including IT, motor, manufacturing and construction all recorded increased levels of company formation, while 18 counties saw year-on-year growth. This points to healthy entrepreneurial activity across a diverse range of industries and regions, extending well beyond the major urban centres. 

While startup numbers alone do not provide a complete picture of the health of the economy, the combination of record company formation and falling judgment activity provides an important snapshot of business resilience. 

It suggests that, despite the cost pressure, uncertainty and challenges facing many businesses, the Irish entrepreneurial ambition remains as strong as ever. We are seeing record numbers of entrepreneurs continuing to invest, expand and pursue opportunities for growth and innovation.”