Marketing & Communications
Top 10 Market Research Companies in Ireland (Updated August 2026)
The companies featured in this list are not ranked in any particular order. They are presented based on their relevance to the category.
Market research is one of the few categories in this set with genuine specialists. Several firms below do research and nothing else, including two of the best-known names in Irish research. That matters, because independence and method quality are the product here in a way they are not in most agency work.
What to look for in a research partner
- Dedicated or diversified. Six firms here do research only. The rest attach it to strategy or advertising work. For decisions with money behind them, prefer the specialists.
- Method before supplier. Quantitative or qualitative decides the shortlist and the budget. Settle it first.
- Sample and recruitment. Ask how respondents are recruited and how representative the sample is. It is the difference between data and anecdote.
- Who analyses the findings. Fieldwork can be subcontracted. Analysis is where the value sits.
Ask what the research would need to show for you to change your plan. If there is no answer, you are commissioning reassurance rather than research, and it will cost the same.
How to Choose the Right Market Research Agency in Ireland
Choosing well here comes down to independence, method and what happens after the data lands, not the size of the firm.
- Independence from the decision. A dedicated research house has no reason to shape findings toward a particular strategy. An agency that also sells you branding or marketing strategy has a mild incentive to find what supports the next piece of work.
- Method fit over method preference. Quantitative and qualitative answer different questions. Ask which the firm defaults to before assuming it matches what you actually need.
- Sample recruitment, in detail. Ask exactly how respondents are found and screened. Panel-based online surveys and door-to-door fieldwork produce different kinds of bias, and neither is disclosed unless you ask.
- Who writes the analysis, not just who collects the data. Fieldwork can be outsourced without losing quality. A junior analyst writing up someone else's field notes is where quality actually slips.
For decisions with real money behind them, independence should outweigh convenience or an existing relationship.
What Does a Market Research Agency Do?
Core work covers designing a study, recruiting and surveying or interviewing respondents, and analysing the results into findings a business can act on. That spans quantitative surveys for measuring scale and qualitative interviews or focus groups for understanding reasons. What sits outside it is acting on the findings: research houses hand over a report, not a strategy or a campaign, though some firms on this list pair research with branding or marketing strategy to close that gap themselves. Businesses typically commission this work before a significant investment decision, when launching into a new market or audience, when customer satisfaction needs measuring on a recurring basis, or when internal assumptions about customers need testing before they shape a bigger plan.
How Much Does Market Research Agency Services Cost in Ireland?
Most firms in this file, including RED C, Behaviour & Attitudes and five others, publish no project minimum at all. Where a figure is published, it starts at €4,500, the minimum quoted by both MCCP and Distinctive BAT, which also publish an hourly band of €90 to €135. That gap between undisclosed and €4,500-plus reflects how research is usually priced: per project, scoped to sample size and method, rather than off a published rate card. A qualitative study with a handful of interviews sits at the low end. A nationally representative quantitative survey costs several times that, because sample size drives fieldwork cost directly. Ask for a quote against a defined sample and method rather than a general budget range, since the two published minimums here suggest most serious work starts well above €900.
We have selected and reviewed these companies based on factors such as their services, industry experience, reputation, client portfolio, pricing where publicly available, market presence, and other relevant business metrics. The information and pricing mentioned are based on details available at the time of publication and may change over time. We recommend verifying the latest information directly with each company.
1. RED C Research and Marketing Ltd
Best for national polling and consumer research
- Location
- Dublin 3, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
RED C Research and Marketing is widely regarded as one of Ireland's most recognized and respected names when it comes to understanding public opinion and consumer habits. Founded in 2003, they have spent the last two decades building a formidable reputation for their highly accurate monthly political polls and their unparalleled ability to measure what people across the country are thinking, feeling, and doing. Their dedicated team of researchers operates out of Dublin, managing a vast network of survey participants that represent every demographic across the nation. They are frequently the go-to agency for national media outlets and government bodies that need to understand public sentiment on major social issues, giving them a level of public visibility that few other research agencies match.
What they handle
Beyond their high-profile political polling, RED C is heavily involved in commercial research, helping businesses across retail, telecommunications, and financial services figure out how to improve their customer experiences. By diving deep into human behavior and market trends, they provide organizations with the clear, evidence-based insights needed to make smarter decisions about their products and services. They offer both quantitative and qualitative research methods, running everything from massive online surveys to small, intimate focus groups. This allows them to not only answer how many people are buying a product, but also understand the complex reasons why they choose one brand over another.
What sets them apart
What sets RED C apart is their unwavering commitment to accuracy and their ability to turn dense data into clear, actionable advice. They do not just hand over spreadsheets; their analysts work closely with clients to interpret the findings and recommend clear business strategies. They are particularly well-suited for large enterprises and national organizations that are about to make significant financial investments and need absolute certainty that their market assumptions are correct. With a long list of household-name clients and a proven track record, they remain a top choice.
Services
- Market Research
- Opinion Polling
Industries
- Telecoms
- Retail
2. Behaviour & Attitudes
Best for large-scale consumer and social research
- Location
- Dublin 6, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Behaviour & Attitudes, now operating as Ipsos B&A following a major recent merger with a global research network, stands as a long-standing pillar of the Irish market research industry. They specialize in large-scale studies that help organizations understand social trends, public affairs, and consumer behavior across the entire country. Operating from their established base in Dublin, the agency is renowned for its rigorous methodological approach and its deep understanding of the Irish cultural landscape. They are particularly well-known for maintaining an extensive and highly engaged network of survey participants, which allows them to gather reliable, nationally representative feedback quickly and efficiently.
What they handle
From shaping national healthcare communications to advising major government bodies on policy changes, their research helps both public and private sector clients stay perfectly in tune with the shifting needs of the Irish population. They frequently partner with major domestic and international brands in sectors ranging from retail and fast-moving consumer goods to finance and telecommunications. Their work often involves complex, multi-stage projects that combine broad quantitative surveys with deep qualitative interviews, ensuring that their clients understand not just what consumers are doing, but the underlying motivations driving choices.
What sets them apart
The recent integration into the wider Ipsos network has only strengthened their capabilities, giving them access to global tools and comparative international data while retaining their local expertise. This makes them an exceptional choice for organizations that need highly robust, defendable data to back up major strategic decisions. Whether a business is launching a new product line or a government department is evaluating a national awareness campaign, Ipsos B&A provides the clarity required to move forward.
Services
- Market Research
- Consumer Research
Industries
- Public Sector
- Healthcare
3. MCCP - The Independent Strategy Agency
Best for research feeding brand strategy
- Location
- Dublin 1, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Hourly rate
- €90 - €135
- Min project
- €4,500+
MCCP was a prominent and highly respected Dublin-based agency that successfully bridged the gap between in-depth market research and actionable brand strategy. Founded in 2008, the agency operated under the core philosophy that strong, evidence-led research should directly inform how a company markets itself, positions its products, and communicates with its customers. They were known for taking a highly collaborative approach, working closely with marketing teams to ensure that the insights gathered from consumer research were actually translated into practical, day-to-day business decisions rather than just sitting in a report on a shelf.
What they handle
Throughout their history, they partnered with major consumer brands, retail chains, and service providers to uncover what truly mattered to their target audiences. Their team of researchers and strategists was adept at conducting deep qualitative studies, running focus groups, and engaging in cultural analysis to find the hidden insights that could give a brand a competitive edge. They used these findings to shape new advertising campaigns, refine brand positioning, and develop new products that perfectly matched consumer desires.
What sets them apart
Please note that recent industry reports indicate the agency successfully concluded operations in mid-2026. However, their legacy in the Irish market remains significant, as they demonstrated the immense value of tightly integrating market research with creative strategy. Their approach helped many businesses understand that gathering data is only the first step, and that the real value lies in knowing how to use that information to build stronger, more meaningful connections with consumers.
Services
- Market Research
- Branding
- Marketing Strategy
Industries
- FMCG
- Retail
4. Opinions Market Research Agency
Best for dedicated research projects
- Location
- Dublin 4, Ireland
- Team size
- 2 - 9
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Opinions is a multi-award-winning research and business advisory firm located in Dublin. Established in 2008, they focus entirely on gathering meaningful insights that help businesses understand their target markets, evaluate new product ideas, and track their brand's health over time. They are a dedicated research house, meaning they do not sell advertising or public relations services, allowing them to remain completely objective and independent in their findings. Their team is known for being highly responsive and flexible, tailoring their research methods to suit the specific needs and budgets of their clients rather than relying on standard approaches.
What they handle
In addition to their corporate consulting work, they operate a very popular online survey platform that allows everyday consumers across Ireland to share their views and earn rewards for their participation. This direct, ongoing connection to the public ensures their clients receive authentic, up-to-date feedback to guide their business decisions. They work with a wide variety of clients, from fast-moving consumer goods companies testing new packaging designs to financial institutions looking to measure customer satisfaction across their branch networks.
What sets them apart
What makes Opinions particularly strong is their focus on delivering insights that are immediately useful to business owners and marketing managers. They avoid overly academic language and focus instead on clear, actionable recommendations that can be implemented right away. For businesses looking for a nimble, highly experienced research partner that can deliver accurate consumer data quickly, Opinions remains a highly regarded option in the Irish market.
Services
- Market Research
- Strategic Consulting
Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Finance
5. Spark Market Research
Best for research alongside advertising
- Location
- Dublin, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Spark Market Research is a specialist agency that turns complex consumer data into clear, actionable advice for brands and product teams. Based in Dublin, they offer a full suite of research options, ranging from in-depth focus groups and one-on-one interviews to broad online surveys and ethnographic studies. They are particularly adept at helping companies across the energy, finance, and consumer goods sectors understand their customers better. Their approach is highly energetic and innovative, often stepping away from traditional, dry research reports to deliver highly visual, engaging presentations that bring consumer insights to life for internal teams.
What they handle
As part of a larger network of independent agencies, they can easily blend their rigorous research findings with practical advertising and branding support when required. They are known for using modern, innovative tools to capture consumer sentiment, including dedicated survey apps that help brands gather rapid, real-time insights from consumers while they are actually shopping or using a product. This in-the-moment research provides a much more accurate picture of consumer behaviour than traditional retrospective surveys, making their data incredibly valuable for retail and product development teams.
What sets them apart
Their ideal clients are businesses that are looking to launch new products, rebrand, or significantly shift their marketing strategies and need solid data to validate their plans. Because they focus heavily on the practical application of their findings, they are a great fit for marketing managers who need compelling evidence to secure internal buy-in for new campaigns. Spark Market Research combines the rigor of traditional research with the agility of a modern creative agency.
Services
- Market Research
- Advertising
- Branding
Industries
- Energy
- Finance
6. Customer Perceptions
Best for customer experience measurement
- Location
- Dundalk, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Customer Perceptions is a Dundalk-based research company that focuses heavily on measuring the actual, on-the-ground experience of consumers as they interact with businesses. Operating successfully since 1995, they are widely recognized as the industry leaders in Ireland when it comes to mystery shopping programs and direct customer satisfaction surveys. Rather than focusing on abstract brand sentiment or general market trends, their work is entirely dedicated to understanding exactly what happens when a customer walks through the door of a shop, checks into a hotel, or calls a customer service helpline.
What they handle
They manage a massive network of trained field researchers who visit retail stores, hospitality venues, and bank branches to evaluate service quality firsthand. This approach gives businesses an objective, unfiltered look at how their staff are performing, whether company standards are being maintained, and where operational improvements can be made. They work with some of the biggest names in Irish retail, hospitality, and banking, providing them with detailed, location-specific reports that allow area managers to address issues immediately and reward excellent staff.
What sets them apart
Beyond mystery shopping, they also conduct broader consumer research, including exit surveys and online feedback forms, to build a complete picture of the customer journey. They are the perfect partner for businesses that rely heavily on face-to-face customer interactions and need reliable, ongoing data to maintain high operational standards across multiple locations. For any business that wants to ensure their brand promises are actually being delivered on the shop floor, Customer Perceptions offers an invaluable service.
Services
- Market Research
- Mystery Shopping
Industries
- Retail
- Hospitality
7. Interactions Research
Best for specialist research programmes
- Location
- Kilcoole, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Interactions Research is a dedicated and highly specialized market research agency that has been helping organizations understand complex consumer behavior since 1993. While their headquarters are rooted in Wicklow, they operate on a national scale, specializing in intricate areas like social behavior change, environmental sustainability, and comprehensive public service auditing. They are a deeply analytical firm, known for taking on complex, multi-layered research projects that require a high degree of sensitivity, rigorous methodology, and long-term tracking.
What they handle
They are frequently chosen by major government bodies, national transport operators, and large energy companies to conduct deep-dive studies that inform public policy and large-scale public initiatives. For example, they have conducted extensive research into commuter habits, recycling behaviors, and public health awareness campaigns. Their work often involves a blend of advanced quantitative modeling and deep qualitative exploration, ensuring they capture both the broad statistical trends and the nuanced personal motivations that drive how people behave in society.
What sets them apart
Their strict independence and unwavering commitment to rigorous methods make them a highly trusted partner for projects where objective data is absolutely essential and will face public scrutiny. They are not the agency a business would typically hire for a quick product test; rather, they are the experts called in when an organization needs to fundamentally understand a complex social issue or track the long-term impact of a major strategic initiative. For public sector bodies and large corporations focused on corporate social responsibility, Interactions Research is a premier choice.
Services
- Market Research
- Service Auditing
Industries
- Transport
- Public Sector
8. GMI Research
Best for pure market research delivery
- Location
- Dublin, Ireland
- Team size
- 10 - 49
- Min project
- Undisclosed
GMI Research is a highly analytical consulting firm that provides deep market intelligence to help businesses navigate complex strategic challenges and international markets. Operating from Sandyford in Dublin, they focus on delivering highly specialized industry reports and competitive analysis for technical and fast-moving sectors like electronics, healthcare, and telecommunications. Unlike many other agencies on this list that focus primarily on gathering opinions from the general public, GMI focuses heavily on business-to-business research, analyzing supply chains, market sizes, and global industry shifts.
What they handle
Rather than just gathering general consumer feedback, their team of analysts looks closely at macro-economic trends, competitor movements, and emerging technologies. They provide their clients with comprehensive market forecasts, helping them understand where their industry is heading over the next five to ten years. This makes them an incredibly valuable resource for organizations that need hard, verifiable data to back up major financial investments, mergers and acquisitions, or strategies for entering entirely new geographical markets.
What sets them apart
Their clients typically include large multinational corporations, investment firms, and enterprise-level businesses that operate in highly competitive, data-driven environments. Their reports are exhaustive and meticulously researched, providing the kind of deep commercial insight that cannot be found through simple surveys. For businesses that need to understand the structural dynamics of their industry before making multi-million euro decisions, GMI Research provides the critical intelligence required to minimize risk and maximize opportunity.
Services
- Market Research
- Market Intelligence
Industries
- Technology
- Healthcare
9. Distinctive BAT
Best for research paired with marketing strategy
- Location
- Dublin, Ireland
- Team size
- 2 - 9
- Hourly rate
- €90 - €135
- Min project
- €4,500+
Distinctive BAT is a highly specialized and innovative research consultancy that focuses entirely on measuring how recognizable and effective a brand's specific assets are—such as its logos, specific colors, jingles, and brand characters. Headquartered in Dublin, they help companies figure out which visual or audio cues truly stick in the minds of consumers and trigger immediate brand recognition. In a crowded market, they provide the data needed to understand if a company's advertising is actually building long-term memory structures in the minds of potential buyers.
What they handle
They provide rigorous quantitative research to validate these brand assets, ensuring that marketing efforts are effective and easily attributed to the correct company by the consumer. They test whether people associate a specific shade of blue or a short audio clip with the client's brand or mistakenly attribute it to a competitor. By showing brands exactly what makes them stand out and what elements of their identity they truly "own" in the consumer's mind, they help marketing teams build stronger, more memorable, and more efficient advertising campaigns across all channels.
What sets them apart
Their highly focused approach makes them an ideal partner for businesses that are about to undergo a rebrand or are planning to launch a major advertising campaign and want to ensure their creative choices are backed by solid evidence. While they are a smaller team, their deep expertise in the science of brand distinctiveness makes them a unique and highly sought-after consultancy for consumer goods brands, media companies, and large retail chains looking to maximize the return on their creative investments.
Services
- Market Research
- Marketing Strategy
Industries
- Consumer Goods
- Media
10. Strategic Marketing Consultants
Best for research for smaller budgets
- Location
- Rathangan, Ireland
- Team size
- Freelancer
- Min project
- Undisclosed
Strategic Marketing Consultants is an independent advisory practice based in Rathangan, County Kildare, offering a highly personalized approach to market research and business strategy. Operating as a tight-knit consultancy, they offer a unique blend of market research, business development, and strategic marketing advice tailored primarily for smaller businesses, startups, and business-to-business clients. They focus on providing practical, accessible research solutions that help growing companies understand their competitive landscape without the daunting costs associated with large national research houses.
What they handle
Because they operate with lower overhead and a more flexible structure, they are exceptionally well-positioned to assist growing companies that need professional research and strategic guidance. They help their clients identify new target markets, analyze competitor pricing, and conduct customer satisfaction reviews to find areas for immediate improvement. They take a very hands-on approach, often working directly with business owners to ensure that the research findings are immediately translated into actionable sales and marketing plans.
What sets them apart
In addition to their core research and marketing services, they also offer human resources consulting, making them a highly versatile partner for businesses looking to expand their teams alongside their market presence. This holistic approach means they understand how market changes impact the entire business operation, not just the marketing department. For small to medium-sized enterprises in the professional services or manufacturing sectors looking for a trusted, long-term advisor to help guide their growth, Strategic Marketing Consultants offers a highly effective and supportive service.
Services
- Market Research
- Marketing Strategy
- HR Consulting
- Branding
Industries
- B2B
- Professional Services
Good market research tells a business what customers actually think, not what internal teams assume they think, and that independence is the whole value. What it doesn't do is act on the finding once it's written up. Research and retention are two separate jobs, done by two separate teams. Brandfire designs and builds loyalty and rewards programmes for brands across Ireland, turning a research finding about customer behaviour into a programme that changes it.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does market research cost in Ireland?
- Most firms here publish no minimum, and those that do start at €4,500. Cost is driven by sample size and method. A nationally representative quantitative survey costs several times a set of qualitative interviews, so decide the method before asking for quotes.
- What is the difference between quantitative and qualitative research?
- Quantitative research measures how many and how much, using surveys with samples large enough to project onto a population. Qualitative research explains why, using interviews and focus groups with small numbers. Most decisions need both, run in that order.
- Which Irish research companies do national polling?
- RED C and Behaviour and Attitudes are the two best-known names in Irish national research, both listed here and both working exclusively in research. If you need nationally representative data rather than customer feedback, start with the dedicated research houses.
- Should I use a research house or a marketing agency?
- Use a dedicated research house when the findings will inform a significant investment, because independence matters and method quality is their whole business. A marketing agency with a research line is fine for customer feedback and positioning input.
Want to build a loyalty programme for your customer insight?
We can help you design and deliver a solution tailored to your customers and commercial goals.
More agency lists
Marketing & Communications
Best 10 Event Companies in Ireland (Updated August 2026)
Ireland-based event companies compared on starting budgets and team size, from team building days to large-scale brand experiences.
View the listMarketing & Communications
Best 10 Growth Marketing Agencies in Ireland (Updated August 2026)
Ireland-based growth marketing agencies compared on budgets, team size and verified reviews, from martech builders to performance shops.
View the listMarketing & Communications
Best 10 Media Agencies in Ireland (Updated August 2026)
Ireland-based media agencies compared on team size and scope, from national network planning and buying to small digital shops.
View the list
