Ireland is buzzing with innovation. Not only do companies like Google, Meta, Apple and Stripe base significant operations here, there are also a number of up-and-coming tech companies making strides. From Dublin’s Silicon Docks to the startup hubs of Galway, Cork, and Limerick, the country has become one of Europe’s most exciting places to build and scale digital products.
Every day, new ideas are turning into real businesses. And at the heart of this shift is mobile. Customers expect seamless, always-on experiences, and companies are racing to deliver.
That’s where we come in.
At Tapadoo, we’ve been building apps since the very first iPhone SDK landed in 2009. As the leading app developer Ireland has to offer, we’re a Dublin-based team of designers, developers, project managers, and QA specialists who live and breathe mobile. Whether it’s a slick consumer app, a rock-solid backend, or a digital product designed to boost engagement, we make the apps your customers will love to tap.
Why choose app developers in Ireland?
Ireland isn’t just a home for global tech giants, it’s also a country where innovation thrives at every level of business. Choosing app developers in Ireland comes with several unique advantages:
- Local expertise, global standards: Ireland’s app developers combine international best practices with a deep understanding of the local market.
- Accessibility & inclusivity: We understand and comply with the European Accessibility Act (EEA) standards, helping to create apps that are inclusive, user-friendly, and future-ready.
- Data security & compliance: With GDPR at the heart of European business, working with Irish-based teams ensures data is handled to the highest standards.
- Cultural fit & communication: Sharing the same time zone, language, and culture as your business makes collaboration smoother and faster.
- Strong tech ecosystem: Ireland’s thriving startup scene, world-class universities, and multinational presence make it a fertile ground for innovation.
Tapadoo embodies all of this. Based in Dublin, we’re right in the city’s vibrant heart, yet our team of 20+ specialists spans three countries, offering the perfect balance of local presence and global expertise.
Our approach to app development
Building an app isn’t just about writing code. It’s about understanding your customers, solving problems, and creating experiences that make life easier. Here’s how our process sets us apart from other app developers in Ireland:
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Discovery workshop: Every project begins with listening. Our workshops help us understand your business, your customers, and your goals.
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User-first design: Our design team creates interfaces that are intuitive, attractive, and focused on customer needs.
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Native development: We develop natively for iOS and Android. No shortcuts. No compromises. This ensures your app feels seamless and high-performing on every device.
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Rigorous testing: Our QA specialists test across multiple devices and platforms, so your customers get a flawless experience.
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Ongoing support & optimisation: Launch day is just the beginning. We partner with clients long-term to keep apps updated, secure, and future-ready.
We specialise in native platform development
When it comes to mobile development, one of the most important decisions is whether to go native or cross-platform. At Tapadoo, we’ve made a deliberate choice: we develop apps natively for iOS and Android.
Why?
Because native apps deliver the smoothest user experience, the best performance and the most reliable long-term scalability.
That’s why Tapadoo takes a native-first approach. Our developers are experts in both iOS and Android, ensuring that every app looks, feels and functions exactly as users expect. For clients searching for app developers Ireland can trust, this focus on quality makes the difference between an app that works – and an app that wins customers.
Common mistakes businesses make when choosing app developers in Ireland
Choosing the right app development partner is critical to the success of any project. Many businesses, however, encounter avoidable pitfalls. A common misstep is prioritising cost over quality by outsourcing too cheaply. This often leads to poorly engineered apps that fail to scale or meet user expectations.
Equally important is the user experience, because even a technically robust application will struggle to retain customers if the design is not intuitive and engaging. Finally, organisations frequently underestimate the need for ongoing support. An app is not a one-off deliverable; it must be maintained, updated, and optimised to keep pace with evolving technologies and user demands.
This is where Tapadoo stands apart from other app developers Ireland has to offer. We focus on quality from day one, balancing technical excellence with customer-centric design. And we don’t just deliver and disappear. We work with clients for the long haul, updating, improving and ensuring their apps continue to serve users effectively. By avoiding the common pitfalls, we help businesses turn their app investment into long-term success.
How long does it take to build an app in Ireland?
One of the first questions businesses ask is: how long will it take to build my app? The honest answer is: it depends.
A smaller project may take 3-4 months, while more complex apps can run to 6-12 months or more. At Tapadoo, we break this process into clear phases: discovery workshops to understand your goals, design sprints to shape the user experience, development cycles for iOS and Android, and rigorous testing before launch.
Speed is important, but it isn’t everything. Some companies promise apps in record time, but shortcuts often mean poor performance or technical debt that costs more to fix later. Working with experienced app developers in Ireland ensures you get the right balance: efficient delivery without compromising quality or scalability.
At Tapadoo, our focus is on building apps that last. We’ll guide you through realistic timelines, keeping the process transparent and collaborative – so when your app launches, it’s ready to succeed from day one.
Who we work with
Over the years, Tapadoo has worked with some of Ireland’s best-known names. Our innovative clients come from industries where reliability, security, and customer experience are paramount. Here’s just a few:
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PrepayPower – an app that helps customers top up electricity meters easily and securely.
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Payzone– a simple solution for paying for on-street parking across Ireland.
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An Post – giving customers convenient ways to manage postage and deliveries.
Our customers’ apps have become essential everyday tools for thousands of Irish customers. That’s the power of working with experienced app developers in Ireland.
Do you really need an app?
Not every business does need an app, and that’s an important distinction. At Tapadoo, we aren’t about building apps just for the sake of it. We will work closely with you to help you decide if an app is truly the right solution.
Ask yourself:
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Do your users already access your services via mobile browsers and need a smoother, logged-in experience?
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Do you offer a product or service that customers often buy impulsively, where speed and ease matter?
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Are you a startup with a vision that revolves around mobile-first interaction?
If the answer to one or more of these is “yes,” then partnering with app developers in Ireland such as Tapadoo could be the right move.
App development costs in Ireland
One of the most common questions we get is: “How much does an app cost?”
The truth is, every app is tailor-made. Its cost depends on the features, complexity, and whether it’s built for iOS, Android, or both. Here’s a simple breakdown:
- Small projects: €25k–€40k per platform.
- Medium projects: €40k–€80k per platform.
- Large projects: €80k+ per platform.
We always start with a discovery workshop to scope the project. For clients with budget constraints, we can build in stages, delivering value early and scaling over time.
This level of transparency is one reason so many clients trust Tapadoo over other app developers in Ireland.
The benefits of building an app
Still considering if an app is right for your business? Here are some of the key benefits we see across industries:
- Customer convenience: Apps let your customers manage tasks and interactions effortlessly.
- Innovation: Apps integrate new tech, helping you stay ahead of competitors.
- Self-service: Customers can help themselves, freeing up your team for more valuable work.
- Security: Apps can safeguard customer data in ways that websites can’t always match.
- Data insights: Apps give you better insights into customer behaviour, helping you serve them more effectively.
These are the kinds of outcomes we aim for when clients choose us as their app developers in Ireland.
Why work with Tapadoo?
We know there are plenty of app developers in Ireland, so why choose Tapadoo?
- Apps are our sole focus: Unlike agencies that spread across multiple services, we specialise only in app development.
- Proven track record: With 15+ years of experience, we’ve built apps that have become household names.
- Long-term relationships: Most of our clients have stayed with us for years, seeing us as their “mobile app department.”
- In-house expertise: Designers, developers, QA, project managers… we’ve built the full team so you don’t have to.
- Irish roots, global reach: Based in Dublin but with an international team of app developers in Ireland, we bring the best of both worlds.
What our clients say
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients say:
“We engaged with Tapadoo on the Parking Tag project over six years ago. They brought exceptional technical acumen and professionalism in building and deploying a very successful app. The Payzone team have an excellent relationship with Tapadoo and together we have continued to add various features to the app that have significantly contributed to the product’s overall success.” - Michelle Hughes, Business Partner Manager, Payzone
“We find Tapadoo to be a critical link between what the product needs to be versus what the technology can offer. There’s little point in just pushing out new features as they arrive technically. It’s much more exciting to map the business needs to solutions that leverage all the available features including the new arrivals. That’s the acceleration we need to stay ahead.” - Mark Ennis, Chief Technology Officer, PrepayPower
“We engaged Tapadoo to replace our spreadsheet-based system with an iPad app, dedicated for use by our sales team. This app automatically syncs with our centralised database and provides our sales staff with instant access to the information they need to close out complex deals.This is now the key tool used by the sales force and executive team at CMC. It has made a huge difference to our internal process and we wouldn't be without it.” - Howard Gatiss, CEO, CMC Coal Marketing
Find out more about what our clients say here.
Ready to build together?
Ireland’s reputation as a digital powerhouse is only growing, and the demand for customer-focused apps is greater than ever. If you’re looking for app developers in Ireland who combine technical excellence with long-term partnership, Tapadoo is the team for you.
Based in Dublin, we’re right on your doorstep, and ready to help.
Get in touch with us today to start your discovery workshop. Let’s build something your customers will love to tap.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does an app cost in Ireland?
Costs vary depending on features, complexity and platform. A small project might start at €25k per platform, while larger builds can exceed €80k. The best way to get clarity is through a discovery workshop with experienced app developers Ireland trusts such as Tapadoo.
How do I choose the right app developers in Ireland?
Look for a team with a proven track record, long-term client relationships and expertise across design, development and quality assurance. Local presence is also key for collaboration and compliance.
Should I build for iOS, Android, or both?
It depends on your audience. Many businesses benefit from launching on both, but some startups start with a single platform to test the market. Tapadoo’s native-first approach ensures your app works perfectly wherever your customers are.
How secure are apps built in Ireland?
Very secure. Irish developers adhere to GDPR and international best practices, ensuring strong data protection and privacy standards.
Do I need ongoing support after launch?
Yes – apps require updates, improvements and new features over time. Working with app developers Ireland like Tapadoo ensures your app stays relevant, secure and optimised long after launch.
Thanks for reading the Tapadoo blog. We've been building iOS and Android Apps since 2009. If your business needs an App, or you want advice on anything mobile, please get in touch