Know your options.
Know the tax.

For higher-rate taxpayers a €100 contribution costs €60 after 40% relief — and grows tax-free. Max your age-band allocation before putting money anywhere else. PRSA contributions get income tax relief; auto-enrolment (My Future Fund) does not.

More tax-efficient than ETFs on gains — 33% vs 38% and no deemed disposal obligation. Crystallise up to €1,270 of gains before 31 December every year or you lose the exemption. Bed-and-breakfast rule: 4-day wait before repurchasing the same stock.

DIRT exemption is a material edge over standard savings accounts. A 2.01% DIRT-free return beats most deposit accounts at 1.47% after DIRT. Best used as medium-term dry powder (3–10 years) where liquidity isn't required. No DGS limit concerns — sovereign-backed.

Most accessible route to global diversification but Ireland's most complex personal tax treatment. Log every purchase date — the 8-year deemed disposal fires regardless of whether you sell. Hold cash against those anniversary dates. Don't confuse this with CGT rules.

Cash is losing real value at current rates — every savings account in Ireland is delivering a negative real return after DIRT and inflation. The function of this asset class is liquidity, not return. Hold working capital here. Spread balances above €100k across institutions.

Rental income is taxed at your marginal rate — often higher than ETF exit tax and significantly higher than CGT. High capital requirement, illiquid, and operationally intensive. Strong capital appreciation historically but the tax drag on income is significant. REITs offer exposure without direct ownership but are taxed as income.