A&L Goodbody LLP has remained at the forefront of M&A and corporate transaction-related tax matters, along with capital markets offerings, real estate, tax disputes and transfer pricing issues. Large scale and cross-border restructurings are another forte for the team, as is its work in the private equity sector. It is actively involved in tax disputes, including cases before the Irish Tax Appeals Commission. Paul Fahy heads the tax department, and specialises in corporate tax, tax disputes and transfer pricing. Amelia O’Beirne covers both transactional and contentious tax matters, James Somerville focuses on financial services and property related tax, and of counsel Philip McQueston specialises in inbound investment by multinationals.

 

Arthur Cox is another leader in the tax field, with particular expertise in corporate advisory matters (including M&A and migrations), financial services, intellectual property structuring and tax disputes. In financial services, it continues to advise on tax issues connected to securitisations, CLOs, CDOs, CMBSs and synthetic finance transactions, among other deals. In tax disputes, it frequently represents clients before the Tax Appeals Commission and the Irish High Court. Ailish Finnerty , who has a particular focus on US clients having been previously based in the New York office, has taken over as head of department from longstanding leader and internationally recognised Fintan Clancy , while David Kilty and Orlaith Kane are also senior members of the team.

Matheson LLP‘s large and extensive tax practice, remains unique in its breadth of advisory, transactional and tax disputes expertise, with the firm consistently positioning itself as a genuine alternative to the Big Four accountancy firms. Its deep specialisation has enabled the firm to further develop its expertise in tax controversy, transfer pricing and indirect taxes. It remains at the forefront of financial services and the migration of fund structures to Ireland. Shane Hogan heads the tax department and has a major focus on inward investment projects, cross-border tax planning and corporate restructurings, while Joe Duffy is a senior name in international restructurings, M&A, tax controversy and transfer pricing. Catherine O’Meara , Aidan Fahy and Gerry Thornton are also senior figures within the team, along with Matthew Broadstock and Tomás Bailey. Olivia Long has joined as head of tax policy from the OECD tax treaty unit.

William Fry LLP has a highly rated tax practice with a stellar record in corporate transactions, tax compliance and tax due diligence, along with tax disputes and tax controversy. The firm has demonstrated particular commitment to inward investment-related matters, transfer pricing and financial services-driven issues. The team features a number of former senior practitioners at the Big Four accountancy firms. Department head Sonya Manzor is a leading name in tax structuring for inward investments, corporate reorganisations and M&A. Ted McGrath heads the financial services tax team and has a particular focus on investment management. Colin Bolger has joined from ByrneWallace LLP, bringing additional expertise in transactional matters and tax disputes. Brian Duffy  has left the firm.

Eversheds Sutherland remains best known for its tax expertise in Irish holding company structures, company acquisitions and cross-border restructurings. It is also closely associated with the structured finance, funds, real estate, TMT, aviation and renewable energy sectors. The tax team has continued to advise on a series of major inward investments and cross-border acquisitions, along with reorganisations and restructurings, financial services tax issues, real estate projects, and renewable and clean energy projects. Alan Connell is Dublin managing partner and head of the tax team, specialising in inward investment projects, cross border tax planning and corporate restructurings, among other areas. Robert Dever has left the firm.

Maples Group has a wide-ranging tax practice that links into its global offices, particularly Luxembourg. The firm's tax practice is closely aligned with the private equity and structured finance segments. It is especially noted for Irish private debt funds, CLOs, ICAVs and limited partnerships, along with tax controversy, corporate and aviation matters. The large team features three partners, one of counsel and six associates. Head of the tax team Andrew Quinn and William Fogarty , who is rated for regulated funds and investment structures, are leading names in the market, with Lynn Cramer continuing to make an impression in tax planning for international clients.

Mason Hayes & Curran LLP continues to be best known for corporate and M&A transactions, along with corporate reorganisations and financial services matters, including securitisations, aviation financings and investment funds. The tax team advises a range of private equity houses and other financial sponsors, and is also strong in the life sciences, technology, built environment and energy sectors. Niamh Caffrey is a recognised authority on tax matters connected to corporate acquisitions and disposals, corporate reorganisations, and structured financings. Kevin Mangan has extensive international tax and transfer pricing expertise. Susan Lynch, a qualified accountant and chartered tax advisor, has joined as a senior tax consultant.

McCann FitzGerald LLP has a large and established team with partners that have diverse experiences, from large plcs to banks and leasing companies. The firm is noted for tax matters relating to structured finance and securitisation, investment platforms and Irish funds, along with corporate transactions (including M&A and private equity), and real estate and construction. The firm has further developed its standing in transfer pricing, tax disputes and funds tax. Financial services tax adviser Deirdre Barnicle and corporate transactions specialist James Quirke, who has a legal and accounting background, were promoted to the partnership in June 2024. Alan Heuston has an extensive background in M&A, reorganisations, restructurings and migrations, and is key to the firm’s growing tax disputes practice. Consultant Eleanor MacDonagh (‘provides a level of service that is beyond exceptional and on a different level to any other tax advisor‘) is a vastly experienced financial services tax specialist.

Walkers' tax team has a deep focus on financial services, remaining best known for its expertise in CLOs, fund finance and private credit; the department has worked on a series of aircraft lending platforms. It has also advised on a multitude of corporate migrations driven by global tax reforms. The team is led by two partners in Jonathan Sheehan  and Aisling Burke, along with senior tax consultant Padhraic Mulpeter. Counsel Eimear Burbridge is another key member of the team, along with associate Michael Gallagher.

Byrne Wallace Shields LLP  is active in cross-border M&A and private equity transactions, along with real estate deals. The partner-level team has grown considerably in recent years with the former Tax Appeals Commissioner Andrew Feighery joining in 2024, providing additional expertise in strategic tax planning and revenue interventions. Orla Riddell also joined from EY in 2023. Anthony Smyth heads the tax team and has particular expertise in financial services and property-related tax. Lee Squires is head of indirect tax.

 

RDJ LLP remains known for its prolific record in cross-border M&A transactions and bespoke consultancy work. It also has a significant focus on tax efficient succession planning advice to private clients and family-owned businesses. John Cuddigan is a leading name in the market with an established background in corporate transactions, real estate deals and developments and private wealth tax structuring. Eoin Tobin heads the private client services department and has extensive expertise in the tax aspects of wealth transfer strategies, multi-generational estate planning designs and charitable giving. Mark Barrett is another specialist in cross-border transactional advice and succession and estate planning for family-owned businesses.