How is the job market in Ireland currently?

We’ve been tracking job data from our client portfolio since 2024 to provide a clearer picture of hiring activity in our network.

Here’s what the job market looked like across our client network in May 2026. It’s based purely on data from companies we work with, so it’s not a full picture of the entire market, but it does give a pretty solid snapshot of what’s happening right now across tech hiring.

The goal is to give companies and candidates some real insight into how hiring is moving, where demand is growing, and what trends are actually showing up in the market.

This month, we’ve also tracked work mode trends for remote, hybrid and on-site roles.

The Current Market at a Glance

Work Mode Trends

Despite all the “remote work is dead” vs “everyone wants remote” debates online, the reality sits somewhere in the middle.

Here’s how roles across our client network break down:

So yes, remote roles still exist, but they’re definitely the minority. Most companies are still hiring for positions that require either full-time office presence or some level of hybrid working.

Hybrid continues to feel like the compromise most companies have settled on. It gives candidates flexibility while still keeping teams connected in person.

What this means?

For Job Seekers:

The market is competitive, but there’s still movement happening every day.

One of the biggest things candidates should take away from this is that opportunities are opening up across more companies, not just the usual big names. Even if the total number of jobs hasn’t exploded, the increase in companies hiring means there are more doors opening in different places.

Flexibility also matters more than ever. Because the majority of roles are still on-site or hybrid, candidates limiting themselves to fully remote jobs are naturally competing for a much smaller pool of opportunities.

For Employers:

This market is still competitive, especially when it comes to attracting experienced people.

If your company only offers fully on-site work, you’re competing in the same lane as over 70% of the market. That doesn’t mean on-site is bad, but it does mean flexibility can become a genuine differentiator.

Interestingly, fully remote roles make up less than 8% of the jobs in our data. So companies offering remote flexibility may actually have access to a wider talent pool with less direct competition.

We’re also seeing more companies hiring at the same time, which means candidates often have more options in front of them. Hiring speed, interview experience, employer branding, and clarity around salary are all becoming increasingly important in securing the best people before another company gets there first.

And honestly, one of the clearest trends we’re seeing right now is this: companies are still struggling to fill certain roles, even in a market where hiring has become more cautious. Good candidates are still getting snapped up quickly.

Come back next month for another update! Until then, if you have any questions, don't be afraid to get in touch!