Ireland moved to third place globally and claimed the top spot in Europe for generative AI adoption in the second quarter, according to Microsoft's Global AI Diffusion Report published Monday. The country's user share edged up to 49.9 percent from 48.4 percent in the first quarter, leaving it behind only the United Arab Emirates at 73.3 percent and Singapore at 64.3 percent.
The gap to the rest of the world
Ireland's adoption rate now runs at nearly three times the global average of 18.8 percent. Worldwide usage rose from 17.8 percent in the January-to-March period to 18.8 percent in the April-to-June period, with growth recorded in almost every economy tracked.
Workplace penetration outpaces training
Microsoft's companion Work Trend Index shows 63 percent of Irish workers now use AI tools on the job, up from 56 percent in 2025. Seventy-six percent view AI as a major economic opportunity for the country. Yet only 40 percent say they have received sufficient training or guidance, a gap Catherine Doyle, general manager of Microsoft Ireland, said organisations must close if adoption is to translate into measurable value.
The skills deficit is the story
Doyle described the ranking as a significant achievement that reflects momentum across the country. She added that responsible adoption depends on strengthening organisational capability and giving people trusted tools and support. The numbers suggest Ireland has the appetite; the question is whether employers will match it with investment.