Top 10 Animation Studios in Ireland (Updated August 2026)

1. 1

   1. Cartoon Saloon

   Best for feature films and award-calibre storytelling

   Location

   Kilkenny, Ireland

   Founded

   1999

   Founded in 1999 in Kilkenny, Cartoon Saloon has grown into a globally recognised animation studio celebrated for its hand-drawn feature films and television series. What began as an informal group of artists has developed into a major player in the international animation industry, providing high-quality creative work for audiences around the world. The studio focuses heavily on rich, intricate storytelling, often drawing deeply from Irish folklore, mythology, and history to create visually stunning narratives. Their approach to animation relies heavily on traditional, 2D hand-drawn techniques, giving their productions a distinct, timeless quality that stands out in a market heavily dominated by computer-generated imagery. They work comfortably across different formats, from short commercial projects and television series to full-length theatrical feature films, ensuring their unique visual style can adapt to various narrative needs and audience demographics.

   Track record

   Over the last two decades, the studio has built an exceptional reputation, collaborating with major international distributors and streaming platforms to bring their stories to global audiences. The team has consistently earned top industry accolades, securing multiple Academy Award nominations alongside nods from the Golden Globes, BAFTAs, and Emmys. Their most celebrated feature films, including The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Wolfwalkers, have not only achieved significant critical acclaim but have also played a crucial role in establishing Ireland as a serious contender in the global animation space. Beyond feature films, they have produced widely successful television shows that blend educational themes with highly engaging visual design. By maintaining their commitment to artistry and compelling narratives, they continue to attract both high-profile partnerships and a dedicated worldwide fanbase.

   Services

   • Feature Film Animation
   • Television Animation
   • Short Film Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
2. 2

   2. Brown Bag Films

   Best for series work at international scale

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Founded

   1994

   Established in Dublin in 1994, Brown Bag Films operates as one of the most prominent animation studios in the country, boasting a rich history of producing high-quality television and digital content. Over the years, the company has expanded far beyond its Irish roots, growing into a massive global operation with additional studio locations in major creative hubs like Toronto and Bali. The studio is primarily known for its exceptional work in creating artist-driven storytelling that resonates with millions of viewers across broadcast television and modern digital streaming platforms. They handle a wide variety of formats, but they are particularly highly regarded for their expertise in producing top-tier children's programming that combines engaging narratives with vibrant, cutting-edge visuals. The team handles everything from initial concept development and character design to final production, ensuring a high level of quality control throughout the entire creative process.

   Track record

   Working at a truly international scale, the studio has partnered with some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry to deliver highly successful series and feature-length projects. Their extensive portfolio includes incredibly popular children's shows such as Doc McStuffins, Octonauts, and Vampirina, which have achieved massive global viewership and critical acclaim. They place a very strong emphasis on technological innovation, running an internal research and development hub known as BBF Labs to continually explore new techniques and push the boundaries of modern animation. Their commitment to both artistic excellence and technical advancement has earned them numerous prestigious industry awards and nominations, reinforcing their position as a leading force in global entertainment. By combining a deep understanding of their target audience with world-class production capabilities, they consistently deliver content that entertains and inspires audiences worldwide.

   Services

   • Television Animation
   • Digital & Streaming Animation
   • Feature Film Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
3. 3

   3. Boulder Media

   Best for 2D and CG series and features

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Founded

   2000

   Founded in Dublin in 2000, Boulder Media has established itself as one of the largest and most versatile animation studios operating in Ireland today. The studio has built a strong reputation for producing a diverse array of animated content, expertly managing projects that range from engaging preschool and family-oriented shows to sophisticated, adult-focused comedic series. Their creative team is highly adaptable, working with equal proficiency in both traditional 2D animation and modern computer-generated styles, allowing them to meet the specific visual and narrative demands of any given project. They focus on delivering high-quality, visually striking work that captures the imagination of viewers across different age groups and demographics. Over the years, they have expanded their capabilities significantly, investing heavily in talent and technology to ensure they remain at the forefront of the competitive global animation market.

   Track record

   The studio operates as a trusted partner for some of the world's largest broadcasters and streaming platforms, consistently delivering high-profile projects that achieve global reach. They have an impressive track record of collaborating with major international entertainment companies to bring complex, globally recognised intellectual properties to the screen. Their recent credits highlight their impressive range, featuring popular adult series like Krapopolis and the interactive comedy Cat Burglar, alongside major family franchises. Notably, they hold the significant distinction of producing My Little Pony: A New Generation, which marked a major milestone as Ireland's first full-length, computer-generated animated feature film. This ability to handle both long-form episodic television and full theatrical-scale productions makes them a highly sought-after partner for businesses and entertainment brands looking to create impactful, high-quality animated content for worldwide distribution.

   Services

   • 2D Animation
   • CG Animation
   • Feature Film Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
4. 4

   4. Lighthouse Studios

   Best for animation service work on major 2D shows

   Location

   Kilkenny, Ireland

   Founded

   2017

   Located in the creative hub of Kilkenny, Lighthouse Studios is a highly respected animation company that specialises in providing top-tier production services for major international entertainment brands. Founded in 2017 as a joint venture between two industry giants, the studio has quickly grown into a significant player in the global animation market. They focus entirely on 2D animation, bringing together a large team of skilled artists and technicians to deliver complex, visually rich projects that meet the exacting standards of premium broadcasters and streaming services. Rather than developing their own original stories or intellectual properties, the company operates purely as a dedicated service studio, acting as a reliable and highly capable production partner for external clients. This clear focus allows them to dedicate all their resources and expertise to executing their partners' creative visions with exceptional precision and quality.

   Track record

   Since their establishment, the team has built an impressive track record of delivering high-end animation work for some of the most recognisable properties in modern television and film. They have successfully handled large-scale, demanding projects for massive global hits, demonstrating their ability to manage complex production pipelines and deliver outstanding results on schedule. Their notable credits include providing crucial animation services for widely celebrated projects such as The Bob's Burgers Movie for 20th Century Studios, The Cuphead Show! for Netflix, and the critically acclaimed series Rick and Morty for Adult Swim. Their exceptional work has not gone unnoticed by the wider industry, earning them prestigious accolades, including BAFTA recognition. For businesses and entertainment companies looking for a highly professional, service-oriented partner capable of handling large-scale 2D animation projects, they offer a combination of technical expertise and reliable delivery that is hard to match.

   Services

   • 2D Animation Services
   • Television Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
5. 5

   5. JAM Media

   Best for preschool and children's content

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   JAM Media is a dynamic creative production company with a strong presence across both Ireland and the United Kingdom, focusing specifically on developing and producing high-quality content for younger audiences. The studio has built a significant reputation for creating highly engaging, entertaining, and educational shows that are carefully tailored to resonate with children and preschool viewers. Unlike many traditional animation studios that restrict themselves to a single medium or visual style, their creative team is highly versatile, working comfortably across various formats to bring their stories to life. They frequently blend different production techniques, combining traditional animation with live-action elements to create unique visual experiences that capture the attention of their target demographic. This flexible approach allows them to choose the best possible medium for each specific project, ensuring their content always feels fresh and innovative.

   Track record

   Over the years, the company has developed a robust and highly successful catalogue of popular children's programming that broadcasts to audiences worldwide. They are deeply involved in the entire production process, from the initial concept and character development through to final delivery, ensuring a high level of creative control and consistency. Their impressive portfolio includes widely recognised credits such as Nova Jones, Becca's Bunch, and the classic series Zig & Zag, all of which have achieved significant popularity and critical acclaim. By focusing strongly on developing their own original ideas while also collaborating with major international broadcasters, they have built a highly sustainable and respected business model. Their ability to consistently produce charming, high-quality content that appeals to both children and parents makes them a standout player in the highly competitive family entertainment sector.

   Services

   • Television Animation
   • Live Action Production

   Industries

   • Children's & Preschool Media
6. 6

   6. Kavaleer

   Best for original children's IP

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Based in Dublin's Digital Hub, Kavaleer is a highly regarded animation studio that has been creating exceptional content for over two decades. Supported by an additional operational arm in the United Kingdom, the studio employs a large, dedicated team of over one hundred creative professionals who specialise in bringing imaginative stories to the screen. The company focuses heavily on producing content that is both highly entertaining and distinctly educational, primarily targeting children and preschool audiences. They have built a strong reputation for their meticulous approach to character design and visual storytelling, ensuring that every project they undertake resonates deeply with its intended audience. Their creative team is known for its ability to tackle complex themes in a way that is accessible and engaging for younger viewers, making them a trusted partner for broadcasters and educational organisations alike.

   Track record

   The studio operates a highly effective hybrid business model, striking a careful balance between developing their own original intellectual properties and providing high-quality service work for external clients. By creating their own original shows from scratch, they retain creative control and build long-term value, while their service work allows them to partner with major international broadcasters on high-profile global projects. This dual approach has enabled them to build a sustainable, resilient presence in the competitive international animation market. Their commitment to quality and innovation has earned them significant industry recognition, including prestigious BAFTA nominations. For clients looking to develop engaging, purpose-driven content for younger demographics, they offer a wealth of experience and a proven track record of delivering successful, high-quality animated series that capture the imagination of audiences worldwide.

   Services

   • Television Animation
   • Original IP Development

   Industries

   • Children's & Preschool Media
7. 7

   7. Giant Animation

   Best for CG for television, film and games

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Giant Animation is an independent, Dublin-based studio that has carved out a strong reputation for delivering exceptional computer-generated (CG) animation across a variety of media platforms. Established over a decade ago, the company has grown steadily, building a highly skilled team of artists, directors, and technical specialists dedicated to producing visually striking and narrative-driven work. They are known for their high level of versatility and technical proficiency, which allows them to adapt their distinct visual style to suit the specific needs of different entertainment sectors. Whether working on stylized, highly artistic projects or more realistic visual executions, the studio consistently delivers high-quality results that stand out in a crowded market. Their commitment to pushing the boundaries of CG animation has made them a prominent fixture in the Irish creative industry.

   Track record

   The studio's capabilities extend well beyond traditional broadcast media, producing top-tier animation not only for television series and feature films but also for the highly demanding video game industry. This cross-sector expertise gives them a unique edge, allowing them to bring cinematic quality to interactive media and apply cutting-edge gaming technology to their linear animation pipelines. In addition to providing reliable, high-end production services for major external clients, they are also deeply committed to developing their own original content. This focus on original intellectual property allows their creative team to experiment with new ideas, explore innovative visual styles, and tell stories that reflect their unique artistic vision. Their ability to balance demanding service work with creative original development makes them a highly capable and forward-thinking partner for any animation project.

   Services

   • CG Animation
   • Television Animation
   • Game Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Gaming
8. 8

   8. Monster Entertainment

   Best for production paired with distribution

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Operating out of Dublin, Monster Entertainment takes a uniquely different approach to the animation business, functioning primarily as a highly effective brand manager and global distribution company rather than a traditional production studio. Their core focus lies in the commercial side of the industry, ensuring that high-quality animated content successfully navigates the complex global market and actually reaches audiences around the world. They act as a crucial bridge between creative studios and international broadcasters, leveraging their extensive industry knowledge and global networks to secure lucrative broadcasting and streaming deals. The company is highly adept at identifying projects with strong international potential and building comprehensive distribution strategies that maximise a show's reach and commercial success, successfully selling their most popular series into approximately two hundred different countries.

   Track record

   The company manages an incredibly vast and diverse catalogue of animated content, representing a wide variety of genres, styles, and target demographics. Their portfolio includes everything from gentle, educational programming aimed at preschool children to more complex, narrative-driven content designed for adult audiences. They are highly selective about the properties they represent, focusing on partnering with talented creators to distribute work that meets the highest standards of quality and storytelling. Their impressive catalogue features titles that have achieved significant global recognition, including projects that have won or been nominated for prestigious industry awards such as Oscars and Emmys. For independent studios and creators looking to take their finished projects to the global market, they provide essential expertise in international sales, marketing, and brand management, ensuring great animation finds the audience it deserves.

   Services

   • Television Animation
   • Content Distribution

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
9. 9

   9. Treehouse Republic

   Best for comedy-led 2D series

   Location

   Dublin, Ireland

   Founded

   2010

   Established in 2010, Treehouse Republic is a dynamic, creative-led animation studio based in Dublin that has built a distinct identity in the competitive world of broadcast entertainment. The studio specialises strictly in 2D animation, choosing to focus their expertise entirely on mastering this specific traditional medium rather than diluting their efforts across multiple animation styles. They have cultivated a strong, highly recognisable reputation for producing energetic, action-packed, and heavily comedy-focused series that appeal strongly to younger demographics and older children. Their creative team is particularly adept at developing sharp, humorous narratives and pairing them with fast-paced, expressive animation that keeps viewers highly engaged. This clear, unwavering focus on comedic storytelling allows them to consistently deliver television series that are not only visually distinct but also genuinely entertaining.

   Track record

   Over the past decade, the studio has proven to be highly productive and exceptionally reliable, successfully managing complex production pipelines to deliver large volumes of high-quality work on schedule. Since their founding, they have delivered more than one thousand five hundred minutes of finished broadcast content, a testament to their operational efficiency and experienced project management. They work closely with broadcasters and development partners to bring vibrant, character-driven stories to the screen, always ensuring their signature energetic style shines through. By maintaining a clear niche in comedy-led 2D animation, they have become a go-to partner for networks looking to inject humor and high energy into their programming blocks. Their consistent track record and deep understanding of what makes young audiences laugh make them a highly valuable asset in the production of entertaining children's television.

   Services

   • 2D Animation
   • Television Animation

   Industries

   • Entertainment
   • Film & Television
   • Children's Media
10. 10

    10. Wiggleywoo

    Best for preschool series with global reach

    Location

    Dublin, Ireland

    Founded

    2012

    Wiggleywoo is a highly successful, award-winning animation studio established in Dublin in 2012, with a sharp focus on creating captivating and educational content specifically for preschool audiences. The studio was founded with a clear vision to develop original, high-quality programming that resonates with young children while also offering strong international appeal. They have built a reputation for their charming, accessible visual style and their ability to craft simple, engaging stories that capture the curiosity and imagination of their target demographic. The creative team places a strong emphasis on character development and positive, gently educational themes, ensuring their shows provide value beyond simple entertainment. This dedication to quality and thoughtful storytelling has allowed them to achieve remarkable success in the highly competitive global children's media market.

    Track record

    The studio is perhaps best known for developing original shows that have broken out to achieve massive international syndication and global recognition. Their flagship preschool series, The Day Henry Met, has become a genuine global phenomenon, broadcasting in nearly two hundred countries and securing prime spots on major international networks like Nick Jr. This incredible level of global reach demonstrates their exceptional ability to create content that transcends cultural boundaries and appeals universally to young children. Building on this extensive success in episodic television, the ambitious creative team is currently expanding their production capabilities and venturing into longer-form storytelling, working on their first animated feature film, Tea with the Dead. Their proven track record of creating globally successful original properties makes them a standout studio in Ireland's thriving animation sector.

    Services

    • Television Animation
    • Feature Film Animation

    Industries

    • Children's & Preschool Media

A well made animation gets a brand noticed. It travels well online and gives a campaign a personality a straight photo shoot can't match. What it doesn't do is bring the viewer back a second time once the campaign has run its course. That takes a different kind of work, a reason to return and a way to be recognised for it. Brandfire designs and builds loyalty and rewards programmes for brands across Ireland, the kind of thing that keeps a customer engaged well after the animation stops running.