New Jersey Ireland Center

The New Jersey Ireland Center was established in 2022, following a landmark economic mission to Ireland led by Governor Phil Murphy. As the first state in the United States to establish an economic development office in Ireland, New Jersey is pioneering a path for closer business, cultural, and educational exchanges between the two regions.

The bond between New Jersey and Ireland is rooted in a rich shared history. Our aligned economic goals have established New Jersey as a prime destination for Irish foreign direct investment, with trade between New Jersey and Ireland reaching $2.4 billion in 2022 and Irish firms investing approximately $869 million in New Jersey since 2003. More than 15% of New Jersey’s residents (around 1.3 million people) claim Irish ancestry, making it one of the most common ancestries in the state.

The team at the New Jersey Ireland Center is dedicated to offering Irish companies looking to expand into the North American market comprehensive, free, and confidential support. The Center offers detailed market assessments that illuminate the landscape of opportunities in North America, customized business proposal, site selection assistance, information on government resources, and introductions to valuable public-private partnerships.

New Jersey sits in the center of the bustling corridor of the United States between Boston and Washington D.C., positioning Irish companies perfectly to access consumers quickly and efficiently. This strategic location means that products can be delivered with remarkable speed, often on the same day, directly to a vast and affluent consumer base that produces about $5.8 trillion in economic output. A company located in central New Jersey can serve over 46 million consumers within a four-hour drive.

Northeast New Jersey is located just 20 minutes from New York City, the financial capital of the world, via PATH commuter rail service or ferry. It takes less time to travel from Jersey City to Wall Street than it does from Midtown Manhattan. Despite New Jersey’s proximity to Manhattan, real estate here is over 40% less expensive than in New York City.

New Jersey’s infrastructure includes highways, ports, and airports, ensuring that moving goods is streamlined and cost-effective. The State has nearly 3,000 miles of interstate and highways and the nation’s highest railroad density.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is part of the busiest airport system in the country. EWR offers an average of four non-stop international flights to Ireland daily; John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) offers an additional six, plus two from Philadelphia International Airport (PHL). And, the deep waters of the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port on the East Coast, ensure cargo from anywhere reaches its destination. With this strategic advantage, manufacturers in New Jersey can outpace competitors, ensuring products reach markets faster. 

New Jersey prides itself on being home to 14 Fortune 500 companies, more than 1,100 multinational corporations, and 225 foreign company headquarters. This vibrant business ecosystem is a clear indicator of New Jersey’s role as a central hub for international commerce and innovation.

Our State is also a magnet for talent across industries, including technology, biopharmaceuticals, finance, and more. In fact, New Jersey has the highest concentration of engineers and scientists per mile in the United States. Our top-tier universities, research institutions, and workforce development programs ensure a continuous influx of fresh talent, driving innovation and growth in your business. New Jersey also takes a proactive approach to workforce development, with training programs that keep our residents employed and make hiring skilled workers easy for New Jersey companies.