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The software development market in Ireland is constantly evolving, presenting both challenges and opportunities for businesses and developers. Companies are competing to attract top talent, while developers must continuously adapt to emerging technologies to stay ahead.
Key trends reshaping the industry right now include AI, Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity – each driving innovation and transforming the software development landscape. Drawing on our experience with hiring managers and talent, we’ve identified the most in-demand skills and critical focus areas that will shape the industry in the coming months.
#1 Software Development Continuum of Activity
Software development roles have expanded significantly. Today’s developers go beyond coding, integrating skills in areas like DevOps, Cloud Computing, Security, Machine Learning, and Systems Architecture. These roles demand expertise beyond traditional programming.
It’s important to recognise the balance of activities in a software developer’s role. The continuum below highlights the range of tasks in the software development lifecycle. Understanding this balance highlights the importance of context when evaluating roles, as not all developers engage in every step.
#2 Variables Shaping Software Development Roles
Where one’s role falls on the continuum depends on company size, project complexity, and developer specialisation. It’s crucial for hiring managers to understand these factors to align talent with the right roles.
In some organisations, developers focus on specific tasks like coding or design; in others, they cover broader responsibilities, including DevOps and deployment. This distribution of tasks can directly influence factors such as compensation and career progression.
Team and Company Size: In startups, developers might handle everything from product design to deployment. In larger corporations, they might specialise in technical areas like enterprise applications or large-scale systems. Smaller companies offer a wider range of tasks, fostering versatile, hands-on skills, while larger ones build deep expertise in specific areas.
Project Size and Complexity:
- Scalability: Developers with experience in large-scale applications and cloud platforms (AWS, GCP, Azure) are in high demand. Knowledge of microservices, Docker, Kubernetes, and event-driven architectures is valuable.
- Greenfield vs. Legacy Projects: Developing new software (greenfield) differs from maintaining or optimising existing systems (legacy). Developers experienced in refactoring and migrating legacy systems offer significant value, particularly in enterprises managing technical debt.
- Product Nature: Consumer products need developers skilled in front-end frameworks and mobile development, while enterprise solutions require expertise in backend systems, data security, and scalability. Regulated industries like healthcare and finance demand knowledge of compliance (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR).
Specialisation and Technical Proficiency:
- Frontend, Backend, Full-Stack: The specific focus of a developer’s expertise is crucial when evaluating talent. Developers specialising in frontend, backend, or full-stack development bring unique expertise. Hiring managers should assess which skillset best aligns with the project’s needs and the tech stack in use.
- Language-Agnostic: Developers skilled in various programming languages are highly valuable to companies, especially those working with diverse tech stacks. Popular languages for 2025: Python, JavaScript/Typescript, C#, Java, Rust, C++, Golang.
- Industry-Specific Expertise: Developers in specialised sectors like FinTech, MedTech, or blockchain offer significant value with their domain-specific knowledge.
- Mobile Development: Mobile proficiency is essential for many companies’ strategies. Some specialise in Android or iOS, while others incorporate mobile as part of their full-stack role.
- Generative AI: As generative AI becomes more integrated into software development, proficiency with AI-powered tools is becoming a critical skill for developers. These tools aid in code generation, automated testing, and debugging, making them essential for new projects and legacy system migrations. Developers must master both programming languages and AI to improve development speed and code quality. Continuous learning and certifications are key to staying competitive, as AI-driven expertise will be critical in managing complex systems and optimising workflows. Hiring managers will prioritise assessing AI familiarity as more projects rely on AI-based environments. While some say Gen AI can code, it can lack true code understanding – developers must still debug and manage enterprise-scale systems.
#3 Salary Insights: Software Development in 2025
The software development job market in Ireland continues to be highly competitive, particularly for specialised roles. Salaries can vary significantly depending on factors such as company size*, industry, location**, technical expertise, and leadership experience. The following salary ranges are general guidelines; actual compensation will vary based on individual factors.
*Larger multinational technology companies often offer base salaries that are circa 20% above the market rate, along with restricted stock units that can push total compensation above that of competitors.
**Salaries also differ by region, with Dublin typically offering higher compensation. In cities like Cork, Galway, and Limerick, salaries may be slightly lower but remain competitive, and the overall cost of living tends to be more affordable. While Dublin presents greater earning potential, the competition for roles is also more intense.
#4 Key Trends in Software Development for 2025
- Generative AI – for use in Software Development: Generative AI is transforming software development by enabling faster, more efficient coding processes. Over the next five years, AI is expected to become a cornerstone of the development lifecycle, empowering developers to focus on creative problem-solving and complex system design. As AI continues to reshape every stage of the development process – from prototyping to deployment – there is a growing demand for specialised AI engineering roles. These positions require targeted education and training, making it essential for both developers and companies to invest in AI expertise. According to a recent report from IBM, tools like IBM Watsonx Code Assistant™, GitHub Autopilot, and GitHub Copilot are already helping developers write code faster and with fewer errors, while also providing smart recommendations and streamlining the coding process.
- Cloud & DevOps: Cloud platforms and DevOps methodologies are now essential for building scalable and efficient infrastructure. Developers with expertise in cloud-native architectures, microservices, CI/CD pipelines, and Infrastructure as Code (IaC) are highly sought after. Virtually every organisation today, regardless of industry, is leveraging cloud technology in some form. The ability to design and maintain cloud-based solutions has become a critical skill for software developers, driving a major shift in how applications are built, deployed, and scaled.
- Security: Security has become a critical focus throughout the software development lifecycle. Developers must integrate security best practices into every stage, from coding and testing to deployment and maintenance. The cybersecurity landscape has evolved significantly, with growing awareness around issues like GDPR compliance and data protection. Today, end-to-end security is not just an option – it is a minimum requirement. Implementing comprehensive security measures requires significant effort and a deep understanding of evolving threats and regulations.
#5 Current Snapshot of the Software Development Talent Pool
Here’s what we’ve noticed this quarter in the Software Development talent pool in Ireland:
#6 What Should Companies Focus on When Hiring in 2025?
- Prioritise Hybrid Work:
Many developers are returning to hybrid work models, as fully remote options become less common. Based on conversations with a wide pool of talent, there’s a strong preference for flexibility within the hybrid model, especially when fully remote isn’t an option. The most popular setup is 1-3 days per week in the office. Companies that require employees to be in the office more than three days a week, or mandate fully on-site work, risk losing top talent. If teams are geographically dispersed, employees may see little value in being in the office three days a week, particularly if the team is based in a different county or city. Employers must align with the needs and desires of talent to remain competitive, or risk losing out to competitors. Offering hybrid or hyper-hybrid arrangements (minimal office visits per month or quarter) will be crucial to attract top talent. - Contractors & Niche Skillsets:
While hiring locally in the Irish market should remain a priority, it makes sense to look beyond Ireland for niche roles where skillsets are in short supply. There’s been an increase in contractors from other EU countries filling these gaps, particularly for complex & highly specialised projects. These roles tend to be fully remote, offering flexibility for both the company and the talent. - Upskilling & Continuous Learning:
The most successful developers are those committed to continuous learning. Companies should not only look for talent with up-to-date technical skills but also consider developers with minor skill gaps who have the potential to become valuable team assets. Investing in ongoing training in critical areas such as AI, cloud computing, and DevOps will not only help retain talent but also ensure your team stays ahead of industry trends. - Building Collaborative Engineering Cultures:
Today’s developers don’t work in isolation. Those who can communicate effectively across teams and departments bring immense value. This should be a key consideration when evaluating a person’s overall potential, even if there’s a slight skills gap with a specific tool. A collaborative nature is highly valuable, and companies should foster environments where developers are encouraged to work with cross-functional teams. - Emphasis on Developer Productivity and Well-Being:
Companies are increasingly investing in tools and practices to enhance developer productivity, from improved code review methods to minimising context-switching. By reducing these interruptions, organisations help developers stay focused, boost efficiency, and reduce cognitive overload. Equally important is emphasising work-life balance and mental health. Many companies are now offering flexible work arrangements and prioritising well-being to attract and retain top talent.
The software development landscape in Ireland is both diverse and rapidly evolving. By understanding the complexities of various roles, specialisations, and industry trends, companies can craft more effective recruitment and retention strategies. Companies that offer competitive salaries, flexible work conditions, and foster a culture of continuous learning will attract and retain the top talent they need to thrive in 2025.
For more tailored advice on software development hiring strategies, please feel free to contact Rachel McGuckian our Software Development Talent Advisory & Recruitment expert here in Barden (rachel.mcguckian@barden.ie); we’re where leaders go before they start looking for Software Development talent.
This information is accurate as per April 2025 and will be updated periodically. Data sources include Barden Proprietary Data, LinkedIn Analytics, and other proprietary 3rd party data sources. If you have a request and would like real-time information to inform your hiring decisions contact Rachel McGuckian at rachel.mcguckian@barden.ie