European private equity is not short of capital, but investors are setting a much higher bar for conviction. Deal activity across Europe fell by approximately 14% year on year in Q2 2026, while exits declined by 12%. Against that more cautious backdrop, Ireland continues to stand out as an attractive market for private equity investment.   Its political and economic stability, together with a growing pool of ambitious, internationally focused private businesses, gives investors many of the qualities they are looking for when deploying capital. That appeal is becoming more pronounced as private equity firms across Europe place a higher bar…

Want to continue reading?

Join today with an Annual membership and unlock full access to The Currency and The Wall Street Journal for just €200 – two premium memberships, one subscription.

Subscribe

Cancel at any time.

Are you already a member? .