IrelandMy contract says I can't work for a competitor for 2 years. Is this enforceable?
A 2-year non-compete clause may be enforceable in Ireland only if it is reasonable in duration, scope, and geography, and protects a legitimate business interest — but the Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 does not regulate post-employment restrictions.
What the Law Says
Irish law does not have a dedicated statute governing the enforceability of post-employment restrictive covenants like non-compete clauses. Instead, courts assess them under common law principles of reasonableness and restraint of trade.
Non-compete clauses are not automatically void, but they must be carefully drafted to be enforceable. Courts ask whether the restriction goes no further than necessary to protect a legitimate business interest — such as trade secrets, confidential information, or customer connections.
The duration (here, 2 years), the geographical area covered, and the type of work prohibited must all be proportionate. A 2-year ban is generally considered long and may be unenforceable unless justified by highly sensitive role-specific factors — e.g., senior executives with access to strategic plans.
The Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 does not address restrictive covenants. Its s. 6 concerns unfair dismissal claims and provides no rules on post-employment restrictions.
Statutory Text— Unfair Dismissals Act 1977 s. 6
What to Do
Review the full clause: check its duration, geography, and scope of prohibited activities.
Ask whether your role involved access to confidential information or key client relationships that justify the restriction.
Seek legal advice before signing or breaching — courts assess each clause individually.
If challenged, your employer must prove the clause is reasonable and necessary to protect a legitimate interest.
Sources
Not legal advice. This article is general information based on publicly available sources, written for educational purposes. Laws change and individual situations vary. Consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction before acting on anything you read here. Last reviewed: 2026-06-08.