Ireland Captures Record $632 Million in Production Spending

Irish production spending reached $632.7 million in 2025, marking a 26 percent jump from the previous year.

Screen Ireland, the national agency for film and television, reported the record high as Los Angeles production volumes fell to historic lows. The shift reflects a sustained move by American studios toward international locations.

Tax incentives drive the relocation. Ireland offers a 32 percent refundable tax credit on eligible expenditures, including cast and crew salaries. The per-project cap for this credit rose to $145 million. In 2026, the government added specific uplifts for visual effects and post-production work to the program.

The country also introduced a new incentive for unscripted content. This is the first time a European nation has dedicated tax support to this format. The credit covers 20 percent of eligible Irish production expenditures, with a cap of $16.8 million per project. This change helped attract four prime-time American game shows to Troy Studios in Limerick.

Troy Studios occupies a former Dell Computer factory. It serves as Ireland's largest and newest soundstage complex. Rob Lowe, host of the game show The Floor, filmed seasons six and seven at the facility. Lowe noted on a podcast that bringing American personnel to Ireland costs less than moving them across a Los Angeles lot.

Major scripted series have also relocated. Netflix filmed the third season of Wednesday in Dublin and Wicklow. Apple TV produced its science fiction series Foundation at Troy Studios. USA Network wrapped its second season of The Rainmaker in Dublin. A24 filmed The Riders, starring Brad Pitt, across the country during the summer of 2025.

A survey by ProdPro this year ranked Ireland among the top five preferred filming locations globally. It placed behind New York, the United Kingdom, California, and Georgia. Industry insiders describe the current volume of work as a green wave. Ruth Treacy, co-founder of Tailored Films, said post-production facilities and equipment are frequently in high demand.

The expansion supports local businesses and talent. Screen Ireland invested nearly $170 million over the last five years in film, television, animation, and training. The agency opened an office in Los Angeles in 2021 to strengthen ties with the U.S. entertainment industry. Jake Walshe, CEO of Screen Scene Post Production Group, expects further growth in the visual effects sector due to the new tax credits.

The animation sector has grown to nearly 50 studios employing about 2,500 staffers. Many of these studios partner with major networks like Disney and Netflix. This growth contrasts with the decline of local Hollywood support businesses, which have closed due to reduced production activity in Los Angeles.