Silicon Docks is the name given to the tech industry of Dublin. Some of the biggest technology companies in the world have a presence there... in fact, more than a mere "presence."

Basics For Tech Expats in Dublin

Silicon Docks is located at Grand Canal Dock and the surrounding areas. It extends as far as the International Financial Services Centre, city centre east, and city centre south near the Grand Canal.

According to an article in WSJ.com about Tech Workers Flocking to Dublin's Silicon Docks (subscription required), "an enclave of young tech employees has helped transform a derelict industrial area into one of the trendiest - and most expensive - neighborhoods in the Irish capital."

Ireland Has A Low Corporate Tax Rate - A Key Advantage For Silicon Docks

Ireland offers one of the the lowest corporate tax rates in the world. While there is some controversy in the United States about whether or not companies should be able to have operations abroad to shield themselves from the U.S. corporate tax rate of 39.1%, it's impact is clear. In the real world, companies want to be where there are lower taxes, and Ireland's low tax rate has effectively leveraged that reality go create a market advantage.

Dublin also has a young population and start ups have access to a lot of capital in Ireland's capital city.

Entering Ireland is Not Difficult For Citizens of Many Countries

Citizens of many countries don't need a visa to enter Ireland. However, you must be a passport holder for these countries in order to gain entry to Ireland.

The working holiday agreement between Ireland and the United States "enables Irish and US citizens to work and travel in each other's country for up to 12 months."

Other than that, you essentially need to get a job and then have your employer apply to get you a work permit. Another option, though it generally takes more time, is to get a job with a company that has an office in Ireland and then eventually ask for a transfer there in time.

Dublin's Top Tech Companies

The list of tech companies in Dublin for expats to consider is a veritable who's who of the international tech industry.

Here is a fun map of Dublin's Tech Scene, that shows that Google, Facebook, IBM, Amazon, and Twitter all have a presence in Dublin.

According to the Irish Times Top 1000 list of companies, other top business technology and top communications companies in Dublin include Microsoft, Dell, among many others, have an established presence in Dublin.

Tech Companies Compensation Varies

In an Irish Times article about the highest paying tech companies in Ireland, Microsoft, Adobe and Google are the top of the list, and all have offices in Dublin.