Dublin City Performance, Brand Strength and Reputation

Dublin offers a charming mix of rich literary tradition, fun and vibrant cultural scene, and a commitment to innovation that shapes its dynamic identity. Its strategic location combined with its attractive tax incentives makes it a prime hub for multinational technology, finance, and pharmaceutical sectors along with a thriving startup ecosystem. But how does Ireland‘s capital city fare in terms of economic performance, city brand strength and reputation, according to leading rankings and indices?

Let’s take a closer look at:

• Dublin’s economic competitiveness
• Its city brand strength and reputation
• Livability: appeal for talent, visitors, locals

Economic competitiveness

In the Global Financial Centres Index 34, Dublin’s remarkable ascent, jumping 23 positions to the 25^th spot globally, reflects its growing financial significance. This positions it as a key player in the Western European financial landscape. Additionally, the city’s FinTech sector, now ranking 53^rd, has witnessed a commendable rise of four positions.

Dublin’s innovation prowess is underscored by its climb in 2thinknow’s Innovation Cities Index 2022-2023, securing the 36^th position globally, a leap of 56 places, emphasizing its commitment to fostering cutting-edge ideas.

City Brand Strength and Reputation

Resonance‘s 2024 World’s Best Cities Report places Dublin as the 20^th best city globally, underscoring its economic prosperity, cultural vibrancy, and corporate influence.

Kearney’s 2023 Global Cities Report further cements the city’s global impact, positioning it 6^th in the Global Cities Outlook and 43rd in the Global Cities Index.

Dublin reflects its prowess in the Global Power City Index, where it secured the 28^th position. In function-specific rankings, the city ranks 6^th in Economy, 34^th in R&D, 36^th in Cultural Interaction, 29^th in Livability, 22^nd in Environment, and 27^th in Accessibility. From the viewpoint of Corporate Executives, Dublin ranks 6^th, acknowledging its exceptional work environment.

Brand Finance’s City Index 2023 positions Dublin 35^th globally, between Liverpool (34^th) and Frankfurt (36^th), highlighting its stability and future growth potential, with top rankings in various economic and global significance categories.

Livability: Dublin’s appeal for talent, visitors, locals

Dublin’s allure extends beyond business, as reflected in the Mercer Quality of Living City Ranking, placing the city at 42^nd globally, tied with Honolulu and between Boston (41^st) and Milan (43^rd), offering residents a high quality of life.

The Mercer Cost of Living Ranking of Dublin at 51^st indicates a balanced cost of living for expatriates.

In the Best Urban Cities for Digital Nomads ranking by Spot a Home, Dublin secures the 25^th spot, between Chicago (34^th) and Rome (26^th), emphasizing its appeal to modern professionals seeking a welcoming environment. It ranks highly in Migrant acceptance, Green Space and Parks, and Quality of Coworking Spaces.

Finally, in 2024, the Times Higher Education ranking places Trinity College 1^st in Ireland and 134^th internationally.

Last updated in March 2024. More city profiles here.

Further reading: How city branding helped improve Downtown Dublin

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