The primary natural resources of the Republic of Ireland include natural gas, petroleum, peat, copper, lead, dolomite, barite, limestone, gypsum, silver and zinc. Key industries based on these and other natural resources include fishing, mining, and various forms of agriculture and fish farming. The Department of Communications, Energy and Natural Resources is charged with the legislative protection of Ireland's natural resources.

The historic and archaeological record of the island demonstrates a history of mining dating to Bronze Age Ireland, when the south was an important copper producer - including from sites at Ross Island, Kerry, Allihies, Cork and later Bunmahon, Waterford.

Mining became more industrialised during the Industrial Revolution,^[1] and gold mining experienced some growth - including a "gold rush" in the late 18th and early 19th centuries at Gold Mines River, Wicklow.^[2] Later 20th and 21st century gold-mining plans were met with significant opposition owing to the expected environmental impact.^[3][4]

By the late 20th century, Ireland became a significant player in the industry, ranking highly in a Fraser Institute survey.^[5] As of 2007, Ireland produced 38% of Western Europe's zinc and 25% of its lead,^[6] from lead and zinc mines including Lisheen Mine, Tipperary, Tara Mine, Meath, and Galmoy Mine, Kilkenny.

As of the 21st century, mining companies operating in Ireland include Anglo-American plc,^[7] Arcon,^[8] New Boliden,^[9] Conroy Diamonds and Gold,^[10] Hereward Ventures plc,^[11] Minco Mining & Metals Corporation,^[12] and others.

Primary raw material industries in Ireland include those involving steel, lead, zinc, silver, aluminium, barite, and gypsum mining processing.^{[citation needed]} Heavy industry relying on these materials is centered around key port cities such as Dublin, Cork, and Belfast (the latter in Northern Ireland).^{[citation needed]}

Farming (including livestock rearing, dairy products, cereals, potatoes), is a key contributor to the Economy of Ireland. In 2005, Ireland exported approximately €7.3 billion worth of agri-food and drink (about 8.6% of its exports), mainly as cattle, beef, and dairy products, and mainly to the United Kingdom (including Northern Ireland).^[29] Agriculture products include turnips, barley, potatoes, wheat, beef, and dairy products. The warmer and more moist conditions in the south and southwest have the potential to support other crops - including soybeans.^[30]

The fishing grounds around Ireland's territorial seas and waters include the Irish Conservation Box - a 100,000km² zone specifically protected from overfishing.^[31] In addition, Ireland has many thousands of kilometres of fish-bearing rivers and lakes. These freshwater habitats support native fish species including char, eel, brown trout, perch, pike, pollan, and roach.^[32] The North Atlantic Drift warms the waters off the coast, increasing the number of warm water fish species caught offshore.^[33]

Ireland has amongst the lowest forest cover of all European countries, with 11% coverage compared to a European average of over 30%.^[34][35] Coillte is the state-sponsored entity responsible for forestry management - it is responsible to the Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine and Minister for Finance.

Mushrooms are a significant industry in Ireland and one that bears the significant exposure from Brexit negotiations. Irish producers grow around 70,000 tons of mushrooms each year, 80% of which are sold in the UK, for a value of €120 million each year. Fresh mushrooms need to be sold very quickly after harvest, about 5 to 7 days. The industry is heavily dependent on the open border between Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland with producers poised close to the border and working together on a cross-border basis to purchase supplies and transport their harvested produce.^[36]