economy

​ ECONOMY Ireland has a small, open economy that was growing rapidly until the global financial crisis of 2008 hit sending the country into recession. Prior to the recession, Ireland was able to drastically slow inflation, encourage more exports, and attract foreign investment, especially from high-tech companies, now the country has to battle. Agriculture was once the main thing of the economy, only 5% of the population is employed today instead a new economy is now relying on services and technology, the same as industries as such as textiles, chemicals, and machinery, in agriculture, ranching and dairy farming are important. Key crops include potatoes, sugar beets, turnips, barley, and wheat.